Depression Counselling in Bonnyrigg

My specialities lie in working with longstanding trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD and children and family work.
Do you feel a bit lost, frustrated, down or hopeless and unsure of how to make changes? Perhaps you feel like you are repeating the same life patterns. You may feel like you have tried everything and are on your last attempt. Well done for taking this step as I understand how daunting it can be, having done so myself. Lots of people are unsure of what to expect, fear being judged, or have difficulty opening up. I believe we could all benefit from therapy at times. How often do you have someone listen entirely to you in life? Choosing the right therapist can be overwhelming and its important we connect first in a free 15 minute call.
My specialities lie in working with longstanding trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD and children and family work.
Do you feel a bit lost, frustrated, down or hopeless and unsure of how to make changes? Perhaps you feel like you are repeating the same life patterns. You may feel like you have tried everything and are on your last attempt. Well done for taking this step as I understand how daunting it can be, having done so myself. Lots of people are unsure of what to expect, fear being judged, or have difficulty opening up. I believe we could all benefit from therapy at times. How often do you have someone listen entirely to you in life? Choosing the right therapist can be overwhelming and its important we connect first in a free 15 minute call.

I commonly work with people experiencing anxiety, depression and/or trauma.
Many people face situations and trials in their lives and box them away and put them in a cupboard hoping to block them out. And one day they attempt to put another box in the cupboard and they all tumble out on top of them. The saying that time is a healer isn't always true. Sometime time makes things worse.
What I will help you do is to take those boxes out and look in them, process them and hopefully give them a decent burial.
Years of self-medicating by constant studying, working, overeating or whatever means you use to soothe the pain and block out the unthinkable can stop,
I commonly work with people experiencing anxiety, depression and/or trauma.
Many people face situations and trials in their lives and box them away and put them in a cupboard hoping to block them out. And one day they attempt to put another box in the cupboard and they all tumble out on top of them. The saying that time is a healer isn't always true. Sometime time makes things worse.
What I will help you do is to take those boxes out and look in them, process them and hopefully give them a decent burial.
Years of self-medicating by constant studying, working, overeating or whatever means you use to soothe the pain and block out the unthinkable can stop,

I can help with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, self-esteem issues.
Welcome to Open Heart Therapy.
Offering safe, collaborative support through life’s hardest moments.
Are you someone who’s spent years putting others first quietly wondering if your needs even matter? Maybe you feel unseen, unheard, or exhausted from trying to keep it all together. I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore your story, reconnect with your sense of self, and find a new way forward. One rooted in self-respect and emotional truth.
I can help with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, self-esteem issues.
Welcome to Open Heart Therapy.
Offering safe, collaborative support through life’s hardest moments.
Are you someone who’s spent years putting others first quietly wondering if your needs even matter? Maybe you feel unseen, unheard, or exhausted from trying to keep it all together. I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore your story, reconnect with your sense of self, and find a new way forward. One rooted in self-respect and emotional truth.

You may be experiencing a range of challenges such as anxiety, stress, burnout, depression, trauma, addiction, or grief.
As an empathetic and experienced counsellor, I specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy while integrating Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Person-Centred Therapy. My approach is centred on understanding you as a unique individual, helping you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a non-judgmental space.
You may be experiencing a range of challenges such as anxiety, stress, burnout, depression, trauma, addiction, or grief.
As an empathetic and experienced counsellor, I specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy while integrating Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Person-Centred Therapy. My approach is centred on understanding you as a unique individual, helping you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a non-judgmental space.

Having worked across sectors with children and families such as Early Years, Education, Health, Social Work and the Third Sector for over 24 years, I offer highly specialized trauma-focused, attachment-based psychotherapy treatment to children (pre-school to 12 years) and adolescents (12 to 19 years) and young adults (19 to 25 years) with moderate to severe mental health difficulties. Additionally, I have over 13 years’ experience in working with children and young people who are looked after and accommodated.
Having worked across sectors with children and families such as Early Years, Education, Health, Social Work and the Third Sector for over 24 years, I offer highly specialized trauma-focused, attachment-based psychotherapy treatment to children (pre-school to 12 years) and adolescents (12 to 19 years) and young adults (19 to 25 years) with moderate to severe mental health difficulties. Additionally, I have over 13 years’ experience in working with children and young people who are looked after and accommodated.

Life is made up of challenges, some are easy for us to coordinate, others seem to be harder to overcome. We are all products of our lived experiences and have challenges that are unique to us as individuals.There are so many things that impact us in the now that stem from our past experiences of life. Not all experiences may seem to be important, however, each day we have lived has given us an experience which has been either positive or negative. As unique individuals our needs are so important and I will offer a safe, non judgmental space to share your thoughts.
Life is made up of challenges, some are easy for us to coordinate, others seem to be harder to overcome. We are all products of our lived experiences and have challenges that are unique to us as individuals.There are so many things that impact us in the now that stem from our past experiences of life. Not all experiences may seem to be important, however, each day we have lived has given us an experience which has been either positive or negative. As unique individuals our needs are so important and I will offer a safe, non judgmental space to share your thoughts.
More Therapists Nearby

I can help in areas such as addiction,anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, panic attack, personality disorder, PTSD, and self-esteem.
Bu Therapy works with YOU. You are, after all, the expert with what is going on in your life today. Together we will work on areas that might be affecting your life and what you would like to change. CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) looks at the present rather than the past and identifies negative or maladaptive thinking styles that make you see things differently and out of focus. I will work with you in a collaborative manner so we can correct this “blurred view” of life and bring clarity, focus, and direction back into your life, and “together we can come out of the darkness and into the light".
I can help in areas such as addiction,anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, panic attack, personality disorder, PTSD, and self-esteem.
Bu Therapy works with YOU. You are, after all, the expert with what is going on in your life today. Together we will work on areas that might be affecting your life and what you would like to change. CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) looks at the present rather than the past and identifies negative or maladaptive thinking styles that make you see things differently and out of focus. I will work with you in a collaborative manner so we can correct this “blurred view” of life and bring clarity, focus, and direction back into your life, and “together we can come out of the darkness and into the light".

You can lift depression, ease your anxiety and overcome other problems that can affect your mental wellbeing.
In our bustling lives, where responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations of career, relationships, and personal growth pull at our every moment, it feels like navigating stormy seas and it's easy to lose sight of yourself amidst the turbulence. Finding a sanctuary for our wellbeing is vital. Imagine a place that's always safe and secure, a haven from the stresses and worries of your everyday life. My speciality is using Transactional Analysis (TA), a form of social psychology that helps you understand your personality, how you interact with others and how past life events could be affecting your here-and-now experience.
You can lift depression, ease your anxiety and overcome other problems that can affect your mental wellbeing.
In our bustling lives, where responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations of career, relationships, and personal growth pull at our every moment, it feels like navigating stormy seas and it's easy to lose sight of yourself amidst the turbulence. Finding a sanctuary for our wellbeing is vital. Imagine a place that's always safe and secure, a haven from the stresses and worries of your everyday life. My speciality is using Transactional Analysis (TA), a form of social psychology that helps you understand your personality, how you interact with others and how past life events could be affecting your here-and-now experience.

I also have experience of running depression, stress management and anxiety groups.
Are you looking for some support but not sure where to turn?
I believe talking is a really powerful thing and am passionate about empowering you to become your own therapist by helping you find coping strategies that are tailored and work for you. These coping strategies can help you in any situation life brings.
Talking to a therapist can be quite daunting. However, I truly believe talking through a problem can really help. I can help you to identify and understand issues you are struggling with and together we can come up with a plan on how to help you overcome these.kin
I also have experience of running depression, stress management and anxiety groups.
Are you looking for some support but not sure where to turn?
I believe talking is a really powerful thing and am passionate about empowering you to become your own therapist by helping you find coping strategies that are tailored and work for you. These coping strategies can help you in any situation life brings.
Talking to a therapist can be quite daunting. However, I truly believe talking through a problem can really help. I can help you to identify and understand issues you are struggling with and together we can come up with a plan on how to help you overcome these.kin

Perhaps you feel anxious, depressed or have low self esteem?
I offer a caring, encouraging and non-judgemental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings, empowering you to find a way forward. I am a qualified CBT therapist with experience of people with issues such as anxiety, anger, depression and self esteem. I tailor a range of proven therapeutic techniques to your unique needs.
Perhaps you feel anxious, depressed or have low self esteem?
I offer a caring, encouraging and non-judgemental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings, empowering you to find a way forward. I am a qualified CBT therapist with experience of people with issues such as anxiety, anger, depression and self esteem. I tailor a range of proven therapeutic techniques to your unique needs.

I have experience working with anxiety, panic attacks, self harm, suicidal thoughts, depression, boundaries, pregnancy crisis and loss, post abortion, relational issues, trauma and other areas.
I don’t know if you have ever had the opportunity to share your story where someone really listens. I mean really listens, wanting to know you, your story, your ups and downs. Where nothing is off limits. Space to speak what maybe you’ve never spoken before. Sitting in the counsellee seat is not always easy and opening up to someone you do not know can be daunting. I know that taking that first step requires courage and I would love to walk with you on your journey.
I have experience working with anxiety, panic attacks, self harm, suicidal thoughts, depression, boundaries, pregnancy crisis and loss, post abortion, relational issues, trauma and other areas.
I don’t know if you have ever had the opportunity to share your story where someone really listens. I mean really listens, wanting to know you, your story, your ups and downs. Where nothing is off limits. Space to speak what maybe you’ve never spoken before. Sitting in the counsellee seat is not always easy and opening up to someone you do not know can be daunting. I know that taking that first step requires courage and I would love to walk with you on your journey.

If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help.
As a Human Givens therapist I provide safe, reliable and practical help for emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Using the best evidence based psychological knowledge about resolving such difficulties, I can help you move on with your life to be how you want to be.
If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help.
As a Human Givens therapist I provide safe, reliable and practical help for emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Using the best evidence based psychological knowledge about resolving such difficulties, I can help you move on with your life to be how you want to be.

I am a CBT therapist and I can help you if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship problems, addictions and many more.
None of your emotions or thoughts are wrong or untrue, they all have valuable information for you, about your priorities and unmet needs. As a CBT counsellor, I can, in the safe space of our sessions, help you look at your thoughts, emotions and reflect on how you can live a better, fuller life and how to increase the repertoire of your behaviours.
I am a CBT therapist and I can help you if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship problems, addictions and many more.
None of your emotions or thoughts are wrong or untrue, they all have valuable information for you, about your priorities and unmet needs. As a CBT counsellor, I can, in the safe space of our sessions, help you look at your thoughts, emotions and reflect on how you can live a better, fuller life and how to increase the repertoire of your behaviours.

I have particular experience supporting clients with Depression, low self-esteem and Anxiety - including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Sessions involve a safe and empowering therapeutic environment, which aims to encourage self-exploration and provide a space to talk openly. My sessions take place in-person and online via Zoom. There are many benefits to online therapy, including therapy from the comfort of your own home.
I have particular experience supporting clients with Depression, low self-esteem and Anxiety - including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Sessions involve a safe and empowering therapeutic environment, which aims to encourage self-exploration and provide a space to talk openly. My sessions take place in-person and online via Zoom. There are many benefits to online therapy, including therapy from the comfort of your own home.

You may be considering therapy to address specific difficulties such as depression, the impact of trauma, or difficulties in relationships with others, or you may have a wish for personal growth.
I am both a qualified clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. I also completed specialist post qualification training in CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy) & and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing). CAT is an integrative therapy, integrating CBT and psychoanalytic approaches. EMDR is helpful in addressing difficulties associated with trauma.
You may be considering therapy to address specific difficulties such as depression, the impact of trauma, or difficulties in relationships with others, or you may have a wish for personal growth.
I am both a qualified clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. I also completed specialist post qualification training in CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy) & and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing). CAT is an integrative therapy, integrating CBT and psychoanalytic approaches. EMDR is helpful in addressing difficulties associated with trauma.

Do you feel locked into thinking styles which are starting to dominate your life such as anxiety or depression and don't know what to do?
Many people struggle with addictions, with such things as alcohol, cocaine, or even sex addiction which is increasing as the internet expands. I will work with you at your own pace to help you recover and move on. I use C.B.T as my core therapy, which is underpinned by 26 years of direct experience in helping people recover from addiction problems.
Do you feel locked into thinking styles which are starting to dominate your life such as anxiety or depression and don't know what to do?
Many people struggle with addictions, with such things as alcohol, cocaine, or even sex addiction which is increasing as the internet expands. I will work with you at your own pace to help you recover and move on. I use C.B.T as my core therapy, which is underpinned by 26 years of direct experience in helping people recover from addiction problems.

You may feel a sense of depression, hopelessness, stuck or overwhelmed.
Perhaps you find yourself striving for an ideal that doesn't bring you wellbeing. Maybe the values, beliefs or expectations of your family or culture are at odds with your authentic identity, creating an inner conflict. Maybe you jump into romantic relationships too quickly and deeply – or have decided you are better off by yourself, yet long for connection.
You may feel a sense of depression, hopelessness, stuck or overwhelmed.
Perhaps you find yourself striving for an ideal that doesn't bring you wellbeing. Maybe the values, beliefs or expectations of your family or culture are at odds with your authentic identity, creating an inner conflict. Maybe you jump into romantic relationships too quickly and deeply – or have decided you are better off by yourself, yet long for connection.

This can involve working with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, neurodiversity and perfectionism.
I integrate counselling, coaching and consultancy to facilitate personal growth.
Whether you are looking to move: from despair to hope; from struggling to coping;
or from managing to flourishing, we can work collaboratively to cultivate a better inner and outer life for you.
For twenty years I have worked with those aged 12 to older adults, blending CBT, ACT, person-centred therapy and behavioural modelling to offer support tailored towards your needs and preferences.
This can involve working with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, neurodiversity and perfectionism.
I integrate counselling, coaching and consultancy to facilitate personal growth.
Whether you are looking to move: from despair to hope; from struggling to coping;
or from managing to flourishing, we can work collaboratively to cultivate a better inner and outer life for you.
For twenty years I have worked with those aged 12 to older adults, blending CBT, ACT, person-centred therapy and behavioural modelling to offer support tailored towards your needs and preferences.

Difficulties I work with include (but are not limited to): depression, anxiety, stress (including work, academic, or general life stress), loss and bereavement, panic, OCD, anger, trauma, life changes (e.g. birth, retirement, relationship ending), sexual difficulties, eating disorders, health anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and desire for personal development.
Whatever difficulties you are facing at the moment, having someone to listen and help you understand your problems can make things feel more manageable. As a therapist I provide a confidential, non-judgemental space for you to explore these difficulties, and to work with you in a collaborative way. I can offer sessions in person or online.
Difficulties I work with include (but are not limited to): depression, anxiety, stress (including work, academic, or general life stress), loss and bereavement, panic, OCD, anger, trauma, life changes (e.g. birth, retirement, relationship ending), sexual difficulties, eating disorders, health anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and desire for personal development.
Whatever difficulties you are facing at the moment, having someone to listen and help you understand your problems can make things feel more manageable. As a therapist I provide a confidential, non-judgemental space for you to explore these difficulties, and to work with you in a collaborative way. I can offer sessions in person or online.

I work with clients who struggle with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, loss, childhood trauma and low self-esteem .
People come to counselling for many reasons. Sometimes this decision is motivated by a need for change or perhaps having to deal with unexpected change. For others it may be a desire to talk, to understand and be understood. I believe there can be real value in talking with someone who is trained and experienced to listen in a way that allows you to feel heard and understood. I provide a safe and non-judgemental space where we can explore the issues that you want to address.
I work with clients who struggle with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, loss, childhood trauma and low self-esteem .
People come to counselling for many reasons. Sometimes this decision is motivated by a need for change or perhaps having to deal with unexpected change. For others it may be a desire to talk, to understand and be understood. I believe there can be real value in talking with someone who is trained and experienced to listen in a way that allows you to feel heard and understood. I provide a safe and non-judgemental space where we can explore the issues that you want to address.
Nearby Depression Counsellors Searches for Bonnyrigg
- Dalkeith
- Edinburgh
- Gorebridge
- Haddington
- Lasswade
- Loanhead
- Musselburgh
- Penicuik
- Prestonpans
- South Queensferry
- Tranent
- West Linton
Depression Counsellors
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.