Ian Jeffries
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About me
Hello, I'm Ian,
I'm a COSCA-registered counsellor based in Edinburgh with over twenty years experience from working within the mental health sector, offering counselling in person, online and by telephone.
It can be difficult to know where to begin when looking for counselling. Perhaps you are struggling with thoughts and feelings that you find difficult to share with others. You may feel misunderstood, or struggle with feelings of inadequacy, shame, anxiety, anger or abandonment. You may hear voices, or find yourself turning to alcohol, drugs or self-harm as a way of coping with, or trying to suppress, difficult emotions. Or you may recognise that something is wrong but find it hard to identify why this is.
Counselling can assist with developing greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, confidence and understanding. Over time, this can help you develop new ways of relating to yourself and others, and to move towards a life that feels more fulfilling and comfortable to inhabit.
I can provide a space where we can begin to explore your experiences and develop a deeper understanding of what is happening. My approach is warm, open and down-to-earth. As a person-centred counsellor, I will work alongside you, accompanying you to explore whatever feels important at your own pace.
I have experience of counselling people facing a range of challenges, including depression, grief, anxiety, drug or alcohol problems/addiction, relationship difficulties, life transitions, cultural adjustment and suicidal thoughts. This includes providing specialist bereavement support.
I offer in-person counselling in the Haymarket/West End area of Edinburgh. I also work online and by telephone. I have availability on Thursdays and Fridays.
If you’d like to arrange a free consultation or initial appointment, please get in touch. I'll be happy to hear from you and will usually respond within 24 hours.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a COSCA-registered counsellor and have a Professional Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I have been working within mental health, disability and substance use services for twenty three years in a variety of roles. I have been counselling for the past three years, this includes within a bereavement service and also a third sector mental health support service. In addition to working as a counsellor, I am also a employed as a specialist mental health social worker (MHO) working within the mental health sector. I have supported many people facing a variety of complex personal issues, often in the context of social 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 when undertaking a counselling skills certificate course 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, to make sense of 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 year, my continued professional development has included:
Conversations with survivors of childhood sexual abuse - How do we meet?
An exploration of congruence /congruence in action
Why don't we talk about when we talk about power?
being other-orientated
Cultural humility and power
Shame
ADHD and ASD
Loss and grief and the grieving process
My qualifications include:
- Postgraduate cert in drug and alcohol studies, University of Glasgow (with merit)
- Professional Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy
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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