About me
Hi,
I’m Ian, a COSCA-registered counsellor based in Edinburgh. I have availability on Thursday and Fridays.
I provide counselling to people facing a range of challenges, helping to foster improved self-awareness, self-acceptance, new understanding, and personal growth — realising potential whatever that may be.
My approach is collaborative: I'll work alongside you to explore whatever feels important, at a pace that feels right for you. I have experience in providing therapy for people facing complex issues and challenges, including, bereavement, anxiety, depression, alcohol / drug problems, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I value connecting in an open, genuine, and straightforward way.
If you’d like to arrange a free consultation or initial appointment, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a COSCA (primary professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland) registered person-centred counsellor with a Professional Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I offer therapy for adults experiencing a range of issues including depression, anxiety, low self esteem, bereavement/grief, trauma, domestic abuse, substance use, and relationship difficulties. I recognise that these experiences can be complex and hard to unpick and can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and that you are shouldering difficulties on your own.
My aim is to offer a steady, accepting, and compassionate presence as I work alongside you while you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe that when we feel genuinely heard and understood, we can find greater clarity, self-awareness, and confidence in our ability to find our own way forward.
I bring over twenty years of experience working with adults in statutory mental health and substance use services, supporting people facing complex challenges. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to a humanistic approach that values lived experience and promotes personal growth and meaningful change.
I first encountered the person-centred approach over twenty years ago and immediately felt that its values closely aligned with my own beliefs about how people should be treated. Following a significant bereavement, I experienced first-hand how person-centred counselling can provide a safe and effective space to explore emotions, make sense of my experiences, and reconnect with a sense of self during a period of major uncertainty.
My practice is grounded in anti-oppressive values. I value and respect the diverse identities and strengths shaped by class, gender, sexuality, age, neurodiversity, disability, race, religion, and culture.
I believe in, and enjoy ongoing learning and development. I approach my training with something akin to a beginner’s mind, always seeking to challenge myself, remain open to discovering different perspectives and to learn.
Over the past 12 months, my continued professional development has included training in pre-therapy; being other-orientated, cultural humility and power; shame; ADHD and ASD; loss and grief and the grieving process; and therapeutic interventions and skills. I have also undertaken a range of person-centred trainings.
Other qualifications include:
- Postgraduate cert in drug and alcohol studies, University of Glasgow (with merit)
Member organisations
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.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My standard fee is £55 (evenings £60) and offer concessions on an individual basis. Payment should be made on the day or in advance of the session.
When I work
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