Lai Fun Russell

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Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Edinburgh, EH12
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hi, I’m Lai. I can offer you a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space where we can explore your thoughts and feelings on the issues that bring you to counselling. I have experience working with people struggling with anxiety or depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship problems, bullying, loss of motivation, unresolved childhood issues, workplace issues as well as addiction and grief. I am an integrative counsellor, using different therapeutic models tailored to your individual needs.

I have been an NHS General Practitioner for over 30 years, so have seen people go through many significant life events, such as  major illness, chronic ill health, mental health difficulties, losses in many forms, and conflict in their relationships.

I was born in Hong Kong, but raised in the UK. My first language is English.  I have lived and worked professionally in different areas of the world, including China, Egypt and the Philippines. I am familiar with the many cross-cultural issues that affect people.

I am strongly motivated to help people move from ‘being stuck’ or confused about themselves to living life to the full. I have completed a two year counselling diploma and a BSc Honours degree in counselling and psychotherapy. My special interest is in autism and how counselling is beneficial for people who are on the autism spectrum, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not.

I use person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT, existential and creative therapies as well as mindfulness. After a few sessions it usually becomes clear to each client which therapeutic method is working best for them.

I offer a 30 minute introductory interview via Zoom for a modest fee . There is no obligation to proceed after this.

 We review your therapeutic journey regularly to ensure that we are progressing towards your goals. Regular weekly sessions would be the norm, although sometimes fortnightly sessions may work also.

I also work as a volunteer counsellor in two counselling services in Edinburgh.

Testimonial from previous clients:

"You helped me make sense of my thoughts and feelings, you guided me through some very difficult subjects with understanding and patience. I felt very comfortable talking to you."

"..helped me climb out of the depths of despair, and better understand what I was going through"

Send me an email and we can discuss what your issues are and whether we can work together to overcome the challenges facing you.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Qualifications
  • MBChB 1984(Edinburgh)
  • MRCGP 1988
  • Diploma in Mission Studies, All Nations Christian College 1990
  • Certificate in TEFL 1993
  • Diploma in Reproductive and Sexual Health 2006
  • Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy 2021
  • BSC Honours in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy 2022

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.

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

Fees

£25.00 - £65.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Availability

  • Tuesday - am, pm and evening
  • Wednesday - early evening

Fees

  • £25 introductory video session (30 mins)
  • £50 per hour
  • £65 per hour after 5 pm
  • £30 concession rate
  • Concessions offered for: unwaged, full-time students, trainee counsellors
     

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Further information

  • Fully insured through Holistic Insurance
  • Counselling member of COSCA no. 4372
  • Clients must be over 16 yrs old.
  • I am comfortable consulting face-to-face, by telephone or video conferencing.
  • Virtual platforms include Zoom and doxy.me - these are very simple to use and are secure.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

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.

Online platforms

Zoom
Lai Fun Russell
Lai Fun Russell