Lynn Cooper

I have been working as a counsellor and psychotherapist for over 20 years both as a private practitioner and with counselling agencies in Edinburgh.

I usually work with clients weekly in 50-60 minute sessions. In general the work takes the form of an intimate conversation between myself and a client, with the client's experiences being the main focus

In my practice I pay respectful attention to people’s inner experiences; often painful ones. I have faith in my client’s ability to find solutions or better ways for themselves.
Gestalt means “essence” or “spirit”; what is meaningful to each person and what they can become.
Much can be achieved through personal awareness and my practice is aimed at helping people to find their own solutions. They begin to become more aware of their assumptions about themselves and their lives and with support and affirmation, to begin to value who they are and their talents as well as their drawbacks.

I give clients a better and different experience of relationship than perhaps they have experienced. I aim to be dialogic. I listen and share my reactions with them and also my own feelings.

Part of the process is the raising of awareness of difficult issues. I use breath and bodywork as an awareness raising tool, and  sometimes use drama or artwork if I think it helpful. I try to build a safe environment in which to explore and share difficult and painful inner experiences; to consider how you might most effectively deal with the wish to change things, the fear of it and the difficulty of leaving familiar ways of doing things.

There is also room for humour and joy if it comes. Clients are helped to value themselves. Compassion is always present.

My regular charge is £50 for a one hour weekly session.
I offer a free initial meeting to give both of us a chance to decide whether to take things further.

I am willing to discuss reductions for clients according to circumstances to a minimum of £40 for an hour's session.