Sylvia Hillman: St Andrews Counselling . MSc Counselling. MBACP.

About me

From my experience of being a Career Consultant spanning over 18 years in education, industry and with the military in resettlement, I added counselling to my portfolio after training to be a Counsellor at The University of Edinburgh in 2010 and most recently obtaining the MSc.

As well as working in private practice, I am the volunteer Director for Stop & Talk Counselling (Fife) Ltd., a self started charity and counselling service  in St Andrews, established in 2013. I feel very passionate about individuals receiving affordable counselling to improve their lives and relationships. This role is very rewarding and is shared by five other counsellors.

My training is in person-centred and psychodynamic counselling which allows me to work with each client to explore the root of unwanted behaviour, negative thoughts and feelings of stuckness. I also use a cognitive behavioural toolkit to work in tandem with psychotherapy which focuses on a therapeutic working relationship where clients can gain a deeper insight into emotional problems and difficulties and move forward in their lives.

I work mainly with university staff and students and use my experience as a mother of four children (aged 9-30), my vast knowledge of working in different sectors and in education where theory meets practice. This can empower each individual to work through their difficulties and make change where necessary. I have experience with a range of issues including: stress, anxiety, low self esteem, depression, loss, gender, sexuality, relationships, change, redundancy, career change, alcohol and drug misuse and abuse.

I believe no one should suffer in silence and talking therapy has many benefits to improve mental and physical health, relationships, concentration, confidence and generally Living Life To The Full.

MSc Thesis: 'Anxiety in Education - Neurodiversity and Counselling'. (2016)