Leanne Gassert
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About me
I am a fully qualified, experienced counsellor and psychodynamic therapist (registered with BACP). I offer one-to-one therapy online and in-person from a private setting in Edinburgh.
For more info, please visit my website www.bruntsfieldcounselling.com
What type of therapy and how will it help?
Psychodynamic therapy is a talking therapy; paying close attention to what you may be feeling or experiencing in your body. As a psychodynamic therapist, I'm interested in your relationship with yourself and your relationship with others.
Therapy happens through the conversations between us. We talk about anything you wish to bring; exploring how you see and experience yourself, your relationships and the world.
Our early experience of relationship shapes all other relationships in our lives. Over time as the therapeutic relationship based on trust and empathy grows, it brings about change. For example, we may notice that old patterns of relating, learned from early relationships with care-givers, are being repeated. Feelings, thoughts and fantasies may need to be worked through in the therapeutic relationship so we can understand what you do and why you do it. This is how you heal and go on to live a healthier life.
The aim is that by connecting with yourself at a deeper level you will develop a more cohesive and secure sense of self so you can fully be(come) yourself.
My approach and what to expect
Starting therapy can be challenging. For this reason I offer an initial assessment session, usually lasting about 60-90 minutes. This is a chance for us to meet, learn more about you, your hopes for therapy, and see if the way I work feels right for you - a good fit is important.
If we decide to work together, we will agree a time(s) to meet at least once a week.
First step: getting in touch
If you would like to explore starting therapy, please contact me. The first step usually involves a brief chat on the phone to hear about you and what you are looking for help with.
Training, qualifications & experience
I trained in both the psychodynamic and person-centred approaches at the University of Edinburgh obtaining a Post-Graduate Diploma and M.A. (with distinction) in Counselling.
Having undertaken my own extensive therapy over the years, I remain curious about understanding how the way I work makes a difference and how I can help you identify your needs.
Initially, I studied Psychology and Law at the University of Cape Town, practising as a lawyer in South Africa, England and Scotland. Working for many years in private practice and in large corporates at a senior level, has given me keen insight into inter-personal and organizational dynamics in the external world. I have lived with the conflicting demands of a high-stress career and seen the far-reaching impact this can have on one’s health and relationships.
Before setting up my private therapy practice, I worked at the PF Counselling Service in Edinburgh (Morningside) for five years counselling adults of all ages.
I am committed to my ongoing professional development engaging in regular supervision, further learning and training, my own personal therapy, always remembering the importance of living.
Membership and Insurances
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means I adhere to the BACP’s Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice.
Fully insured I have valid Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurances in place.
Member organisations
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
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
One of my key areas of interest is the mind-body connection: how one influences the other and how this can help us understand why we become ill.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£75.00 per session
Additional information
- Initial Assessment Meeting - £75.00 (up to 90 minutes)
- Regular sessions - £75.00 (50 minutes)
If we decide to work together we will discuss a regular appointment slot, usually at the same time on the same day each week.
When I work
I am available on week-days and some evenings.
