About me
Hi, I'm Louise, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist based in West Lothian, providing both long term and time-limited therapy. I created Chapters Counselling to offer a calm, safe, comfortable environment for your story to be heard. Sessions can be face to face, online (UK wide), or out in nature - wherever you feel more comfortable.
If you’ve never spoken to a therapist before, please don’t worry - my approach is always gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental and inclusive. I offer a free 15 minute phone or video consultation to get to know each other a little bit and discuss what might work best for you. There is no obligation or expectation to continue - it is important to make sure your therapist is a good fit for you.
My Ethos
Nothing human is alien to me. We’re all complex beings, shaped by unique and sometimes difficult experiences that make us who we are today. In our sessions, my aim is for you to feel truly heard, supported, and understood. I’ll never push you to share more than you’re ready for or overwhelm you with theories. Instead, I hope to help you make sense of what you’re going through at your own pace and support you in exploring tools that help you feel more in control and empowered.
I believe healing comes not from striving for perfection, but from honesty, acceptance and compassion for yourself.
How I Work
I’m an integrative counsellor, meaning I use different modalities of therapy to suit your needs; including person-centred, CBT, and psychodynamic approaches. This means that if you need someone to listen, want practical strategies, or hope to explore deeper patterns and thoughts, I'll tailor my approach to suit your needs. If you’re unsure what you need right now, that’s perfectly okay. We can figure it out together.
A face-to-face session can bring focus to yourself and I have use of lovely counselling rooms in Polbeth, Blackridge and Livingston.
Some people prefer the comfort of their own homes with a video session via Teams, Facetime or Zoom - this also works well for people who have little free time and utilise break times during busy days.
Others like the relaxed atmosphere of a walk and talk session, which I like to call “wild and free”, as there is the added benefit of light exercise, fresh air, bringing their dog etc. It works well for people who struggle with eye contact or social anxiety. Wild and free sessions currently take place along Murieston Trail and Linlithgow Loch.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience & Training:
- Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (Prof Dip Psy Co)
- Diploma in Counselling Skills & Theory
- COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
- PVG Membership
I am trained in different therapeutic approaches including:
- Person-centred therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Gestalt therapy
- Transactional Analysis
I use focused techniques such as:
- Breathwork
- Grounding
- Guided reflection.
I’ve worked with people facing grief, anxiety, neurodivergence, abuse, relationship challenges, fertility challenges, unwanted behaviours, intrusive thoughts and loneliness, among many others. I am particularly familiar with people experiencing the effects of ADHD, Peri-menopause, burnout, identity crisis and low self esteem.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer a free no obligation consultation for you to better understand how we could work together.
I also offer concession to counselling students and people on low or means tested income.
Please do enquire about using your health insurance.
When I work
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Further information
I can offer a variety of times to suit your schedule and work internationally.
My “wild and free” sessions are low energy; a very gentle walk with areas to rest if needed.
