Counselling in Edinburgh
I believe that a deep, equitable, non-judging and trusting relationship, between two people is at the heart of all successful therapy. In the words of E.E. Cummings, ‘It takes courage to grow and become who you really are’ I have found that growing and developing a sense of who we truly believe we are, in the relation to our past, ourself, our families, friends and society is a life long endeavour. It is my belief that it helps us when we can practice self-love, to raise our self-esteem and to realise that we are deserving of love and respect. That each and every one of us is more than good enough.
I believe that a deep, equitable, non-judging and trusting relationship, between two people is at the heart of all successful therapy. In the words of E.E. Cummings, ‘It takes courage to grow and become who you really are’ I have found that growing and developing a sense of who we truly believe we are, in the relation to our past, ourself, our families, friends and society is a life long endeavour. It is my belief that it helps us when we can practice self-love, to raise our self-esteem and to realise that we are deserving of love and respect. That each and every one of us is more than good enough.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in loops of overthinking, or worn down from trying to cope on your own, therapy can offer a place to pause and breathe. Many people I work with say things like, “My mind never switches off,” or “I’m exhausted from holding everything together.” You might feel trapped in your thoughts, constantly on edge, or quietly battling self-doubt while getting on with daily life. Often there’s a sense of, “I don’t know how I got here — I just know I can’t keep going like this.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in loops of overthinking, or worn down from trying to cope on your own, therapy can offer a place to pause and breathe. Many people I work with say things like, “My mind never switches off,” or “I’m exhausted from holding everything together.” You might feel trapped in your thoughts, constantly on edge, or quietly battling self-doubt while getting on with daily life. Often there’s a sense of, “I don’t know how I got here — I just know I can’t keep going like this.”
Hi, I’m Ian, a COSCA-registered counsellor based in Edinburgh with availability on Thursday and Fridays.
I provide in person, online and telephone counselling for people facing a range of challenges, helping to foster improved self-awareness, to see parts of the picture you may not have noticed, to facilitate new understanding, and growth — even when this may feel difficult.
I believe being understood, accepted, and valued is central to effective therapy. My approach is collaborative: working alongside you to explore what feels important.
Hi, I’m Ian, a COSCA-registered counsellor based in Edinburgh with availability on Thursday and Fridays.
I provide in person, online and telephone counselling for people facing a range of challenges, helping to foster improved self-awareness, to see parts of the picture you may not have noticed, to facilitate new understanding, and growth — even when this may feel difficult.
I believe being understood, accepted, and valued is central to effective therapy. My approach is collaborative: working alongside you to explore what feels important.
Everyone has a unique reason for starting their therapy journey: feeling stuck, desiring to change but not knowing how, or simply wanting to explore oneself. Whatever brings you to therapy, my approach is to walk along with you in understanding your needs, struggles and simply: you. In my experience, getting to know who you are brings inner peace and leads to more fulfilling relationships with others. Background and culture can play a significant role in this journey, which is why I invite clients to explore any and all aspects of their identity.
Everyone has a unique reason for starting their therapy journey: feeling stuck, desiring to change but not knowing how, or simply wanting to explore oneself. Whatever brings you to therapy, my approach is to walk along with you in understanding your needs, struggles and simply: you. In my experience, getting to know who you are brings inner peace and leads to more fulfilling relationships with others. Background and culture can play a significant role in this journey, which is why I invite clients to explore any and all aspects of their identity.
Hi, I'm Kirsti, an autistic Art Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Consultant. I offer neuro- and LGBTQIA+ affirming, warm, safe, trauma informed and empowering counselling and art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people (12+, no diagnosis required). I also offer advice on the parenting of neurodivergent children/young people.
My clients often feel very anxious and overstimulated, which leads to meltdowns/shutdowns, as well as, eventually, in low mood. Relationships can be a struggle. My clients are also very likely to be traumatised and feel stuck/hopeless. However, with the right support, any situation can be changed for the better.
Hi, I'm Kirsti, an autistic Art Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Consultant. I offer neuro- and LGBTQIA+ affirming, warm, safe, trauma informed and empowering counselling and art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people (12+, no diagnosis required). I also offer advice on the parenting of neurodivergent children/young people.
My clients often feel very anxious and overstimulated, which leads to meltdowns/shutdowns, as well as, eventually, in low mood. Relationships can be a struggle. My clients are also very likely to be traumatised and feel stuck/hopeless. However, with the right support, any situation can be changed for the better.
Putting into words how we feel can be daunting. We can find ourselves worrying that we won’t be understood, feeling safer to keep things bottled up. Therapy can be an opportunity to help find the words, confront beliefs we hold about ourselves or our experiences, and explore new ways we want to live our lives. Often narratives embed themselves in our relational patterns with others. You may feel like you’re never good enough, like you can never let your guard down or are longing for real connection but feeling unseen in relationships. Carrying these beliefs around alone can be incredibly isolating and can leave us feeling lost.
Putting into words how we feel can be daunting. We can find ourselves worrying that we won’t be understood, feeling safer to keep things bottled up. Therapy can be an opportunity to help find the words, confront beliefs we hold about ourselves or our experiences, and explore new ways we want to live our lives. Often narratives embed themselves in our relational patterns with others. You may feel like you’re never good enough, like you can never let your guard down or are longing for real connection but feeling unseen in relationships. Carrying these beliefs around alone can be incredibly isolating and can leave us feeling lost.
About Me:
Hi I am Lisa, a humanist counsellor, qualified in the person-centred approach, offering warmth, confidentiality and acceptance so you can talk openly about what’s on your mind.
I believe that being truly heard and understood can be the starting point for meaningful change. I aim to facilitate this by using empathic listening skills, working collaboratively with you at your pace and helping you to explore your thoughts and feelings and make sense of your experiences.
While my core approach is person-centred, I also draw on elements of CBT, psychodynamic, and existential therapies, tailoring the work to suit your needs.
About Me:
Hi I am Lisa, a humanist counsellor, qualified in the person-centred approach, offering warmth, confidentiality and acceptance so you can talk openly about what’s on your mind.
I believe that being truly heard and understood can be the starting point for meaningful change. I aim to facilitate this by using empathic listening skills, working collaboratively with you at your pace and helping you to explore your thoughts and feelings and make sense of your experiences.
While my core approach is person-centred, I also draw on elements of CBT, psychodynamic, and existential therapies, tailoring the work to suit your needs.
Living with neurodiversity like ADHD, Autism, learning differences, OCD etc. can bring both unique strengths and daily challenges. Anxiety, stress, and relationship struggles are common, leaving many individuals, couples, and families feeling stuck. I understand this deeply—not only through years of professional training but also from my own life in a neurodivergent family. In therapy, I offer a safe, supportive space to explore how neurodivergence shapes communication, intimacy, and family dynamics.
Living with neurodiversity like ADHD, Autism, learning differences, OCD etc. can bring both unique strengths and daily challenges. Anxiety, stress, and relationship struggles are common, leaving many individuals, couples, and families feeling stuck. I understand this deeply—not only through years of professional training but also from my own life in a neurodivergent family. In therapy, I offer a safe, supportive space to explore how neurodivergence shapes communication, intimacy, and family dynamics.
I work with individuals, couples and families and can help you with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, stress, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues etc. I work with each person as an individual and tailor my work to suit you. My main approach however is 'Person Centred' which essentially means I offer a safe non-judgmental space in which you can explore whatever's been happening in your life which will in turn enable you to find your way back to a more positive way of being.
I work with individuals, couples and families and can help you with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, stress, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues etc. I work with each person as an individual and tailor my work to suit you. My main approach however is 'Person Centred' which essentially means I offer a safe non-judgmental space in which you can explore whatever's been happening in your life which will in turn enable you to find your way back to a more positive way of being.
I work with people who, for whatever reason, find themselves feeling stuck or struggling with parts of life. This can include things like experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief, feeling lost, and making sense of things that have happened to you in the past. Together, we can explore why this might be, including how past experiences and relationships might be shaping how you're currently thinking and feeling. Through this approach, I find people often gain more self-acceptance, a deeper understanding of themselves, and become more able to make choices about how they wish to approach life.
I work with people who, for whatever reason, find themselves feeling stuck or struggling with parts of life. This can include things like experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief, feeling lost, and making sense of things that have happened to you in the past. Together, we can explore why this might be, including how past experiences and relationships might be shaping how you're currently thinking and feeling. Through this approach, I find people often gain more self-acceptance, a deeper understanding of themselves, and become more able to make choices about how they wish to approach life.
Your decision to do undertake therapy is significant; it marks a moment where you have decided you and your life need to be different, and you are willing to do the work of changing. Whether you have come to this work because things have gone awry in the present, you've always had parts of yourself you wished to change, or because you've realised you need to grow to achieve your goals in the future, I want to offer my presence, space, and care to you. Whatever challenge you are struggling with, I am here to facilitate your process of growth, and to discover with you who you are - and help you become who you want to be.
Your decision to do undertake therapy is significant; it marks a moment where you have decided you and your life need to be different, and you are willing to do the work of changing. Whether you have come to this work because things have gone awry in the present, you've always had parts of yourself you wished to change, or because you've realised you need to grow to achieve your goals in the future, I want to offer my presence, space, and care to you. Whatever challenge you are struggling with, I am here to facilitate your process of growth, and to discover with you who you are - and help you become who you want to be.
Hello and Welcome to Worth Counselling! 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.
Hello and Welcome to Worth Counselling! 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 offer a service to people looking for help to: manage their weight, to manage stress and emotional struggles and to engage in positive habits and reduce unhelpful habits to improve health and well-being. You may have struggled in your relationship with food for many years and would now like help to make life-long changes for better health and so that you can be slimmer and/ or fitter. You may have experience of: physical health conditions and pain, mental health problems and/or trauma during your childhood and/or in adulthood
I offer a service to people looking for help to: manage their weight, to manage stress and emotional struggles and to engage in positive habits and reduce unhelpful habits to improve health and well-being. You may have struggled in your relationship with food for many years and would now like help to make life-long changes for better health and so that you can be slimmer and/ or fitter. You may have experience of: physical health conditions and pain, mental health problems and/or trauma during your childhood and/or in adulthood
I ultimately believe that therapy is about developing a relationship that fosters trust, empathy, and collaborative meaning-making. Facilitating an environment where a client can become curious about themselves, where they can test and probe language in order to give voice to their own unique experiences—this is the underlying spirit of the practice that I wish to engage with my clients. Therapy is relational, but this is not just a matter of relating to others, but of discovering in what ways one relates to themselves.
I ultimately believe that therapy is about developing a relationship that fosters trust, empathy, and collaborative meaning-making. Facilitating an environment where a client can become curious about themselves, where they can test and probe language in order to give voice to their own unique experiences—this is the underlying spirit of the practice that I wish to engage with my clients. Therapy is relational, but this is not just a matter of relating to others, but of discovering in what ways one relates to themselves.
When you are navigating rehabilitation, it is common to feel stuck. I work with individuals who are physically recovering from an injury but find themselves struggling with the psychological impact. You might be experiencing a fear of re-injury, anxiety about returning to your training, or feeling a profound loss of identity now that your usual routine has been disrupted. Rehabilitation is a slow, often gruelling process. My aim is to help you process these changes, rebuild confidence in your body, and safely cross the final hurdle back to the activities you value.
When you are navigating rehabilitation, it is common to feel stuck. I work with individuals who are physically recovering from an injury but find themselves struggling with the psychological impact. You might be experiencing a fear of re-injury, anxiety about returning to your training, or feeling a profound loss of identity now that your usual routine has been disrupted. Rehabilitation is a slow, often gruelling process. My aim is to help you process these changes, rebuild confidence in your body, and safely cross the final hurdle back to the activities you value.
Many of the people I work with are struggling with questions of faith, identity, and culture, often alongside a loss of meaning or a fractured relationship with belief, responsibility, and self.
I work with people who want to understand themselves properly, not just manage symptoms. Experiences such as religious trauma, diaspora identity, internalised racism, and racial trauma sit at the centre of my work.
My role is not to offer quick fixes. It is to help you think clearly about your life, your history, and the patterns you find yourself repeating, especially the ones you already recognise but cannot shift.
Many of the people I work with are struggling with questions of faith, identity, and culture, often alongside a loss of meaning or a fractured relationship with belief, responsibility, and self.
I work with people who want to understand themselves properly, not just manage symptoms. Experiences such as religious trauma, diaspora identity, internalised racism, and racial trauma sit at the centre of my work.
My role is not to offer quick fixes. It is to help you think clearly about your life, your history, and the patterns you find yourself repeating, especially the ones you already recognise but cannot shift.
I have been in this field for 30 years, accrediting with UKCP in 2000. I trained in Core Process Psychotherapy at the Karuna Institute, now in Bristol, but then in Devon, and would describe the work I do as mindfulness-based psychodynamic psychotherapy. The important question that people who come to us are asking, and that we need to answer is:
What is Therapy for?
‘Each of us is engaged (in the struggle) to more fully come into being as a person whose experience feels alive to herself or himself.’ Thomas Ogden
I have been in this field for 30 years, accrediting with UKCP in 2000. I trained in Core Process Psychotherapy at the Karuna Institute, now in Bristol, but then in Devon, and would describe the work I do as mindfulness-based psychodynamic psychotherapy. The important question that people who come to us are asking, and that we need to answer is:
What is Therapy for?
‘Each of us is engaged (in the struggle) to more fully come into being as a person whose experience feels alive to herself or himself.’ Thomas Ogden
Leap Psychological Services
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Edinburgh EH7
Not accepting new clients
Life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it. From day-to-day issues to unforeseen crises and mental health difficulties; many obstacles can stop you from pursuing your dreams. These situations can be hard to deal with alone. That is why Leap Psychological Services offer face-to-face and online psychological wellbeing therapies/counselling and life and personal coaching services. Covering the United Kingdom and the rest of the world, we work with both individuals and groups and can work in various languages. We team up with trusted independent psychological wellbeing practitioners, life and personal coaches worldwide.
Life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it. From day-to-day issues to unforeseen crises and mental health difficulties; many obstacles can stop you from pursuing your dreams. These situations can be hard to deal with alone. That is why Leap Psychological Services offer face-to-face and online psychological wellbeing therapies/counselling and life and personal coaching services. Covering the United Kingdom and the rest of the world, we work with both individuals and groups and can work in various languages. We team up with trusted independent psychological wellbeing practitioners, life and personal coaches worldwide.
Hello and welcome. I’m a person-centred therapist who believes that much damage is done in relationships. I also believe that, as hard as it might seem, it is in relationship that we heal. The core of my practice is in offering you a relationship you can trust. Where you’re accepted, held and supported. I will welcome you, exactly as you are.
Whatever you are dealing with, I commit to working with you openly and sincerely as myself. I will listen, understand and engage with you sensitively and compassionately as a “fellow traveller”, in the hope that it will allow you to feel safe to explore your concerns.
Hello and welcome. I’m a person-centred therapist who believes that much damage is done in relationships. I also believe that, as hard as it might seem, it is in relationship that we heal. The core of my practice is in offering you a relationship you can trust. Where you’re accepted, held and supported. I will welcome you, exactly as you are.
Whatever you are dealing with, I commit to working with you openly and sincerely as myself. I will listen, understand and engage with you sensitively and compassionately as a “fellow traveller”, in the hope that it will allow you to feel safe to explore your concerns.
Do you often feel a sense of guilt or shame around food? Do thoughts of food become intrusive or overwhelming? Are you often binging or eating until you feel uncomfortable or sick? Perhaps you are fixated on 'healthy' or 'clean' eating? Maybe you 'purge' by excessively exercising, restricting, making yourself sick, using laxatives, or have a history of yo-yo dieting? Perhaps you avoid whole food groups and are often called a 'fussy' or 'picky' eater? Or a combination of any of the above? It sounds like you are struggling with an Eating Disorder!
Do you often feel a sense of guilt or shame around food? Do thoughts of food become intrusive or overwhelming? Are you often binging or eating until you feel uncomfortable or sick? Perhaps you are fixated on 'healthy' or 'clean' eating? Maybe you 'purge' by excessively exercising, restricting, making yourself sick, using laxatives, or have a history of yo-yo dieting? Perhaps you avoid whole food groups and are often called a 'fussy' or 'picky' eater? Or a combination of any of the above? It sounds like you are struggling with an Eating Disorder!
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Edinburgh
700+
Average cost per session
£65
Counsellors in Edinburgh who prioritize treating:
| 89% | Anxiety |
| 81% | Self Esteem |
| 80% | Depression |
| 75% | Relationship Issues |
| 75% | Stress |
| 68% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 68% | Complex PTSD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 67% | Aviva |
| 56% | Bupa |
| 52% | AXA PPP |
How Counsellors in Edinburgh see their clients
| 71% | In Person and Online | |
| 29% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 73% | Female | |
| 24% | Male | |
| 3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Edinburgh?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Most Psychologists in the directory are accredited members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and/or are registered in the Health and Care Professions Council (HPCP).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in the UK. Psychologists have earned a degree in psychology and many are members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and have completed a postgraduate qualification in a specialism. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are not required to have a psychology degree, but to belong to a professional organisation such as the BACP or UKCP, they are required to have completed a training course as well as clinical and supervision hours.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the UK could be between £30 - £60 when seeing a counsellor and £60 - £150 and up when seeing a clinical psychologist. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the BACP, the UKCP, or BPS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there has been participation in a criminal act or act of terror, or if there is potential or known harm to the client or others, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.