Susan Murray, MA (Hons)Psych, PhD, MNCS (Accred.), CPsychol
About me
Hello, do you need a safe and confidential space to explore any emotional issues which are causing you distress? Perhaps you are suffering from anxiety, depression or stress? Family issues, worries at work or relationship issues can all affect your health and well-being and talking with a professional counsellor can help in a way that talking with friends or family can't. I am also able to help with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and phobias using the gentle but effective Rewind technique. Trauma can result from many life experiences including accidents, violence, bereavements and abuse whether emotional, physical or sexual in nature.
As an experienced counsellor and psychologist I can help you make sense of your thoughts and restore calm and confidence. I use an integrated approach with therapy, calling on elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, transactional analysis and person centered therapies tailoring them to suit your personal needs - it is my belief that regardless of the approach, it is the strength of the therapeutic relationship that is the key to recovery.
Our aim when working together will be to build a relationship based on trust and respect. To create a space where you can feel valued, supported and listened to so that you can work through your difficulties at your own pace without fear of being judged,moving towards a place of harmony and balance in your life. This can be face to face, by telephone or video call.
I have helped people overcome problems like low self-esteem, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, stress, mental health issues, work and personal relationship difficulties. I have specialist psychological knowledge and expertise in the emotional aspects of eating disorders including binge-eating, body-image and weight management. I am also experienced in Stress Management Training and hold sessions which include whole body relaxation, breathing techniques and methods of managing unhelpful or negative thinking patterns using CBT techniques.
I offer a reduced fee for our first meeting as an opportunity to find out if we 'fit'. I think finding the 'right' counsellor is a bit like shopping for new shoes - you may have to try out a few to find out which are the most comfortable and that's ok! Your recovery towards a pleasurable life depends on finding a therapist you can connect with and trust so I want you to feel comfortable and not under pressure when we meet for the first time.
So, if you're tired of repeating the same unhelpful patterns of behaviour, having the same arguments or just finding life and relationships difficult... let's talk through the options for improving things so that you are free to live the life you want to live.
If you lack confidence or are feeling stressed, dis-stressed, unhappy or anxious and not sure what to do next.... Let's talk..... it's the first step towards finding a place of calmness and fulfillment and I'd like to help you find that place. Contact me today to make that first appointment - then the hardest bit is done!
Training, qualifications & experience
Local to the Aberdeenshire area I have always enjoyed working with people and have lots of 'life' experience. I started out fulfilling a childhood ambition with a career in nursing before circumstances led me to the challenge of starting up and running a small business in the oil industry.
Then, in 2002, having successfully dealt with my own obesity issues with the help of counselling, I began my own journey into a career in counselling and psychology where I can once again focus on 'people'. My quest to understand why change can often be so challenging for many of us inspired me to study psychology and health behaviour change at length which led to me gaining a PhD in health psychology, and it can be extremely helpful to combine this knowledge with my counselling experience when I'm working with clients.
At home, I have a grown up family, step-children and grand-children and have experienced all the trials, tribulations, joy and lessons that combining families can bring. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog, gardening, travelling and spending time with my partner and family.
Professionally, I have some relevant qualifications too:
National Counselling Society Accreditation
PhD in Health Psychology from University of Aberdeen
MA (Hons) Psychology from University of Aberdeen
COSCA Counselling Skills 1 - 4
Scotland's Mental Health First Aid Certificate
I have also undertaken a wide variety of additional counselling courses and workshops over the years.
All of the above said, you are the expert in you and my role is not to tell you what to do but instead to work with you collaboratively, using my experience to help you to understand you better and uncover the solutions that you need for yourself. Working in this way, together we can help you find balance and harmony in your life so that you can achieve your personal goals and enjoy life.
Member organisations
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.
National Counselling Society
The National Counselling 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
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
First trial 'get to know me' appointment £40
Subsequent appointments £60 per hour session
Couples £60 per hour session
Phobia treatment appointments £90 (usually 90 min)
Phone and Skype consultations available.
Further information
I am available to provide tailored workshops and presentations including Mental Health Awareness courses at workplaces. Contact me for further details.
