Dr H. Claire Tai

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PhD, COSCA Counsellor Member

About me

What Do I Offer?

As a counsellor and psychotherapist, I’m here to support you with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, family dynamics, and other mental health concerns. I’m also passionate about helping those navigating self-identity and neurodivergence. I offer sessions in both English and Mandarin, making it easier for you to express yourself in the language that feels most comfortable.

How Do I Work?

I believe in creating a safe, compassionate space where you can be heard, valued, and accepted. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected, giving you practical tools to make meaningful changes. I also draw on a person-centred approach, ensuring your unique experiences and values guide our work together. Research shows CBT is highly effective for a wide range of issues - from depression and anxiety to PTSD - helping you build resilience and improve well-being.

What's Next?

If you’re thinking about counselling but unsure where to start, I invite you to reach out for a friendly, no-pressure chat. We can talk about your goals, answer your questions, and see if we’d be a good fit.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch by phone, email, or my website’s contact form. I’ll respond promptly and do my best to find a time that works for you.

Phone: +447305066983
Website Contact Form: https://www.maccounselling.uk/book-your-appointment

I’m here to support you on your journey towards mental health and well-being, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Testimonies:

  • "Claire is truly amazing. Her patience and understanding has helped me to open my heart to so many new possibilities. I am beyond grateful for all the guidance at such a difficult time for me. I feel ready to face the next chapter."
  • "Thank you for our sessions, they helped me lots and I will remember all the techniques I have learned!"
  • “The sessions with Claire helped me with whatever originally led me to seek counselling."
  • “I have gained new insights and made positive changes since engaging in counselling.”
  • “Claire actively listened to me and made me feel heard. I am encouraged to lead the direction of my sessions.”

Training, qualifications & experience

Having previously gained a Bachelor's degree in Special Education at Beijing Normal University in China, and working experience with clients with neurodivergent conditions (ADHD, autism, dyspraxia), I completed my Master’s Degree in Human Development at the University of Pennsylvania, United States. I have also completed my PhD training in Clinical Brain Science at the University of Edinburgh. My doctoral research is about parenting, adolescent mental health, and family dynamics.

I am a cognitive behavioural therapist with broad clinical experience supporting clients with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and inner child-related issues. My therapeutic approach is integrative, grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy and a person-centred approach, while drawing from systemic family perspectives and holistic frameworks. I work collaboratively with clients to explore the interplay between early experiences, relational dynamics, and present challenges, tailoring interventions to each individual’s needs with compassion and clinical insight.

Member organisations

COSCA
Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA)

COSCA is the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland, and seeks to advance all forms of counselling and psychotherapy and the use of counselling skills by promoting best practice and through the delivery of a range of sustainable services. COSCA Counsellor Accreditation is a pathway to entry onto the UKRC. It is a requirement of all individual and organisational members of COSCA to abide by its Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice and be accountable to the Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£50.00 - £65.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Unemployed

Additional information

Please email about fees or the use of insurance if you are eligible.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Titan Enterprise Business Centre, 1 Aurora Avenue, Queens Quay, Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, G81 1BF

Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH5

Type of session

Online

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

PVG Scheme info

In Scotland, criminal records checks are carried out by Disclosure Scotland. Professionals working with children or vulnerable adults must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. You can learn more at mygov.scot , or contact this professional directly.

AccessNI check info

AccessNI carries out criminal records checks for individuals working in certain roles in Northern Ireland. Find out more at justice-ni.gov.uk , or contact this professional directly.

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Additional languages

Mandarin

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams