About me
Hi,
I’m Ian, a COSCA-registered counsellor based in Edinburgh. I currently 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 — even when this may feel difficult.
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 trauma, anxiety, depression, 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-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, trauma, domestic abuse, substance use, and relationship difficulties. I recognise that these experiences can feel overwhelming, isolating, and complex.
My aim is to provide a steady, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you can explore what is happening for you at your own pace. I trust in your capacity for growth and self-understanding, and I will work alongside you as you find your own meaning, direction, and way forward.
I bring over twenty years’ experience working with adults in Health and Social Care, including roles within mental health and substance use services supporting people facing complex difficulties. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to a humanistic approach that honours lived experience and supports constructive personal growth and change.
I first encountered the person-centred approach through training over twenty years ago and felt its values closely aligned with my beliefs about how people should be treated. Following a significant bereavement, I discovered through my own experience that person-centred counselling can provide an effective way to explore feelings and sense of self within 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 and remain open to discovering new perspectives and understanding.
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, including attendance at the PCE Europe Symposium.
Other qualifications include:
- Postgraduate cert in drug and alcohol studies, University of Glasgow (with merit)
- Postgraduate cert in mental health officer, Edinburgh University (distinction)
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. I 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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