Counselling in Edinburgh
Life abroad can be enriching, but it often comes with challenges that feel overwhelming. Many people seek therapy when they notice recurring patterns that cause them distress, when emotions and thoughts pile up and become unmanageable, or when old coping strategies and the support of friends or family are no longer enough. Sometimes, therapy is simply about wanting to better understand yourself and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with who you are.
Our approach combines diverse therapeutic perspectives and an understanding of different cultural contexts, offering a broader view of people and their inner experiences.
Life abroad can be enriching, but it often comes with challenges that feel overwhelming. Many people seek therapy when they notice recurring patterns that cause them distress, when emotions and thoughts pile up and become unmanageable, or when old coping strategies and the support of friends or family are no longer enough. Sometimes, therapy is simply about wanting to better understand yourself and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with who you are.
Our approach combines diverse therapeutic perspectives and an understanding of different cultural contexts, offering a broader view of people and their inner experiences.
It’s not always easy to make space for yourself, especially when you’ve spent a long time focusing on everyone else or simply trying to keep going. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and begin making sense of what’s been feeling difficult.
I work with adults who want a supportive space to talk openly, better understand themselves, and navigate the challenges they’re facing.
It’s not always easy to make space for yourself, especially when you’ve spent a long time focusing on everyone else or simply trying to keep going. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and begin making sense of what’s been feeling difficult.
I work with adults who want a supportive space to talk openly, better understand themselves, and navigate the challenges they’re facing.
At the heart of my approach is a non-judgemental curiosity about your experience, both inside and outside the therapy room. Together, we can explore your inner world, including the parts that are difficult to face. My role is to help this process unfold at a pace that feels right for you. While this work can be challenging, it can also meaningfully open up new ways of relating to yourself and others.
At the heart of my approach is a non-judgemental curiosity about your experience, both inside and outside the therapy room. Together, we can explore your inner world, including the parts that are difficult to face. My role is to help this process unfold at a pace that feels right for you. While this work can be challenging, it can also meaningfully open up new ways of relating to yourself and others.
I work in collaboration with my clients to find what they would like to bring into the therapy room and have a particular interest in personal identities and how my clients wish to be seen and accepted in the world. This includes identities around chronic illness and disability, as well as around gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. I do not work as a blank mirror but instead use my knowledge and training to create a dialogue between me and my clients.
I work in collaboration with my clients to find what they would like to bring into the therapy room and have a particular interest in personal identities and how my clients wish to be seen and accepted in the world. This includes identities around chronic illness and disability, as well as around gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. I do not work as a blank mirror but instead use my knowledge and training to create a dialogue between me and my clients.
I'm Jacek, an integrative psychotherapist specialising in depersonalisation, dissociation, and the long-term effects of trauma on identity and relationships. I work with people who feel disconnected from themselves or others, and who are looking to understand why.
My approach is primarily psychodynamic, exploring how early experiences and relationships shape the ways we relate to ourselves and the world around us. I see therapy as a space for direct and honest conversations, where any thoughts, feelings, memories, and concerns can be explored freely and with care.
I'm Jacek, an integrative psychotherapist specialising in depersonalisation, dissociation, and the long-term effects of trauma on identity and relationships. I work with people who feel disconnected from themselves or others, and who are looking to understand why.
My approach is primarily psychodynamic, exploring how early experiences and relationships shape the ways we relate to ourselves and the world around us. I see therapy as a space for direct and honest conversations, where any thoughts, feelings, memories, and concerns can be explored freely and with care.
Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low mood, stress, or self doubt. Some are finding relationships difficult, experiencing intense emotions, or noticing patterns of behaviour that feel hard to understand or change. Others may be navigating questions around identity, confidence, or a sense of feeling stuck, while some are living with the impact of past or recent trauma. Often, there is a desire to make sense of what is happening beneath the surface. To understand themselves more deeply, step out of unhelpful cycles, and feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilled in everyday life.
Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low mood, stress, or self doubt. Some are finding relationships difficult, experiencing intense emotions, or noticing patterns of behaviour that feel hard to understand or change. Others may be navigating questions around identity, confidence, or a sense of feeling stuck, while some are living with the impact of past or recent trauma. Often, there is a desire to make sense of what is happening beneath the surface. To understand themselves more deeply, step out of unhelpful cycles, and feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilled in everyday life.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning who you are and where your life is going, I can offer a supportive space to help you untangle messy thoughts and emotions. I'm a BACP-registered psychotherapeutic counsellor, and I prioritise working safely, at a pace that feels right for you. I invite you to bring whatever's on your mind, no matter how big or small, for gentle and honest exploration. In this way we can work together to allow you to reconnect with a deeper sense of yourself.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning who you are and where your life is going, I can offer a supportive space to help you untangle messy thoughts and emotions. I'm a BACP-registered psychotherapeutic counsellor, and I prioritise working safely, at a pace that feels right for you. I invite you to bring whatever's on your mind, no matter how big or small, for gentle and honest exploration. In this way we can work together to allow you to reconnect with a deeper sense of yourself.
You might not be entirely sure what you’re looking for in a therapist. Maybe previous therapy hasn’t taken you as far as you’d hoped, or the sheer amount of choice feels overwhelming. Finding the right therapeutic relationship often matters more than any single approach.
I won’t be the right therapist for everyone. But if something here resonates, that's a good sign that we could do meaningful work together. My focus is helping you reconnect with your instincts through collaboration, exploration, and a therapeutic relationship grounded in safety and trust.
You might not be entirely sure what you’re looking for in a therapist. Maybe previous therapy hasn’t taken you as far as you’d hoped, or the sheer amount of choice feels overwhelming. Finding the right therapeutic relationship often matters more than any single approach.
I won’t be the right therapist for everyone. But if something here resonates, that's a good sign that we could do meaningful work together. My focus is helping you reconnect with your instincts through collaboration, exploration, and a therapeutic relationship grounded in safety and trust.
I strive to create a trusting and authentic connection with each of my clients. Through our work together, we can explore the deeper dynamics and patterns that may be influencing your thoughts and behaviours, leading to new insights and a greater understanding of yourself. My work with you will be at your pace and I look forward to working creatively with you in a warm and committed relationship. I believe you hold the internal resources that can help you along the way, and I am here to support you in accessing them.
I strive to create a trusting and authentic connection with each of my clients. Through our work together, we can explore the deeper dynamics and patterns that may be influencing your thoughts and behaviours, leading to new insights and a greater understanding of yourself. My work with you will be at your pace and I look forward to working creatively with you in a warm and committed relationship. I believe you hold the internal resources that can help you along the way, and I am here to support you in accessing them.
Do you feel like you keep repeating the same unhelpful patterns—whether in your thoughts, habits, or relationships ?
Are you tired of the cycle and want to get out of it?
I work with people who want to uncover what’s driving these loops and create lasting change.
Hi, I’m Adrianna, a trained CBT therapist based in Edinburgh. I support people in navigating life’s challenges and becoming the best version of themselves.
Do you feel like you keep repeating the same unhelpful patterns—whether in your thoughts, habits, or relationships ?
Are you tired of the cycle and want to get out of it?
I work with people who want to uncover what’s driving these loops and create lasting change.
Hi, I’m Adrianna, a trained CBT therapist based in Edinburgh. I support people in navigating life’s challenges and becoming the best version of themselves.
I am a psychological therapist MSc (CBT) supporting people of all ages with a range of psychological challenges, including anxiety problems, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, emotion dysregulation, low self-esteem, and phobias. I take a neurodiversity-affirming approach with my neurodivergent clients, and provide adult autism asssessments. I am passionate about providing person-centred therapy, integrating different psychological therapies in my work with clients, as ‘no single therapy fits all’.
I am a psychological therapist MSc (CBT) supporting people of all ages with a range of psychological challenges, including anxiety problems, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, emotion dysregulation, low self-esteem, and phobias. I take a neurodiversity-affirming approach with my neurodivergent clients, and provide adult autism asssessments. I am passionate about providing person-centred therapy, integrating different psychological therapies in my work with clients, as ‘no single therapy fits all’.
Hi, my name is Jo (She/They) and I am a qualified and HCPC accredited Art Psychotherapist. I am originally from Suffolk, England however I am now based in Edinburgh, Scotland and facilitate art psychotherapy online. By providing the online space I believe it removes barriers to accessibility such as people who may find it hard to get to a therapy space or accessing a therapist that best suits you.
My approach is warm, curious, playful and gently challenging. Sessions are completely led by you, and so each session is bespoke and customised to your personal needs and experiences.
Hi, my name is Jo (She/They) and I am a qualified and HCPC accredited Art Psychotherapist. I am originally from Suffolk, England however I am now based in Edinburgh, Scotland and facilitate art psychotherapy online. By providing the online space I believe it removes barriers to accessibility such as people who may find it hard to get to a therapy space or accessing a therapist that best suits you.
My approach is warm, curious, playful and gently challenging. Sessions are completely led by you, and so each session is bespoke and customised to your personal needs and experiences.
Hello, I’m Matt (he/they). I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist. I primarily work with Queer, Neurodivergent, and Kink communities and bring lived experience as a member of these communities. I am passionate about mental and sexual health and first began working in these areas in 2007.
I regularly work with clients around sexual and relationship issues including issues during sex, shame, kink/BDSM, or understanding Chemsex use.
I am an Accredited Member of the BACP and a Registered Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
Hello, I’m Matt (he/they). I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist. I primarily work with Queer, Neurodivergent, and Kink communities and bring lived experience as a member of these communities. I am passionate about mental and sexual health and first began working in these areas in 2007.
I regularly work with clients around sexual and relationship issues including issues during sex, shame, kink/BDSM, or understanding Chemsex use.
I am an Accredited Member of the BACP and a Registered Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
AuDHD Psychiatry - Dr Darren O Reilly
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH2
Struggling with focus, deadlines, or constant mental overload? ADHD can make daily life feel chaotic, but getting the right diagnosis and support changes everything. I offer comprehensive ADHD assessments, medication management, and coaching for students and professionals who need answers and a clear path forward. My assessments follow NHS & NICE guidelines, with structured titration support and shared care transitions to your GP whenever possible. If you’re looking for real support, adhd medication, an official diagnosis for medication, our team can help. Evening & remote appointments available.
Struggling with focus, deadlines, or constant mental overload? ADHD can make daily life feel chaotic, but getting the right diagnosis and support changes everything. I offer comprehensive ADHD assessments, medication management, and coaching for students and professionals who need answers and a clear path forward. My assessments follow NHS & NICE guidelines, with structured titration support and shared care transitions to your GP whenever possible. If you’re looking for real support, adhd medication, an official diagnosis for medication, our team can help. Evening & remote appointments available.
Hi, I'm Claire, and I'm an experienced therapist and hypnotherapist. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I see adults, couples, elderly people, children, and teens. Although I work with whatever issue you want to address in therapy, I also specialise in the following areas: 1) anxiety and depression 2) ongoing or longer-term support, plus coping skills, for chronic or terminal illness e.g. long covid, IBS, Parkinson's or cancer 3) sex-informed couples counselling (not sex therapy, but we will talk about your sex life), and 4) dissociative disorders (depersonalisation/derealisation or DID spectrum).
Hi, I'm Claire, and I'm an experienced therapist and hypnotherapist. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I see adults, couples, elderly people, children, and teens. Although I work with whatever issue you want to address in therapy, I also specialise in the following areas: 1) anxiety and depression 2) ongoing or longer-term support, plus coping skills, for chronic or terminal illness e.g. long covid, IBS, Parkinson's or cancer 3) sex-informed couples counselling (not sex therapy, but we will talk about your sex life), and 4) dissociative disorders (depersonalisation/derealisation or DID spectrum).
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I am an HCPC-registered art therapist based in Edinburgh. I am currently working with children and young people across primary schools in East Lothian with Place2Be, and in private practice through the Creative Arts Therapies Space.
My priority is creating a space where you feel safe by developing a real and trusting relationship. My practice is adapted to the needs of each particular person at each time. We will develop what your therapy will look like together. My approach is psychodynamically-informed, which means it considers how our past experiences have shaped us, as well as trauma-informed and person-centred.
I am an HCPC-registered art therapist based in Edinburgh. I am currently working with children and young people across primary schools in East Lothian with Place2Be, and in private practice through the Creative Arts Therapies Space.
My priority is creating a space where you feel safe by developing a real and trusting relationship. My practice is adapted to the needs of each particular person at each time. We will develop what your therapy will look like together. My approach is psychodynamically-informed, which means it considers how our past experiences have shaped us, as well as trauma-informed and person-centred.
At times issues and difficulties in your life might be causing you to feel unfulfilled or distressed, or even just a sense of unhappiness within you. Counselling is a process of talking about these issues and working through them confidentially with a Counsellor. Counselling also helps you address your problems in a positive way, enabling you to clarify these issues, explore options and increase self-awareness. I will offer you a confidential time and space to explore all of these in a very supportive way. I aim to work with you in a way which offers understanding, support and enables you have new perspectives.
At times issues and difficulties in your life might be causing you to feel unfulfilled or distressed, or even just a sense of unhappiness within you. Counselling is a process of talking about these issues and working through them confidentially with a Counsellor. Counselling also helps you address your problems in a positive way, enabling you to clarify these issues, explore options and increase self-awareness. I will offer you a confidential time and space to explore all of these in a very supportive way. I aim to work with you in a way which offers understanding, support and enables you have new perspectives.
There's often a gap between who we are and who we want to be.
You're not alone in feeling this way. My approach is friendly, non-judgmental, and always very practical. You can become a happier, healthier version of you.
There's often a gap between who we are and who we want to be.
You're not alone in feeling this way. My approach is friendly, non-judgmental, and always very practical. You can become a happier, healthier version of you.
I view therapy as a collaborative space to make sense of what you're experiencing. My role is not to ‘fix’ but to walk alongside you as you explore, cope, and grow. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know the value of an affirming and safe space – and I am committed to ensuring the counselling room is exactly that, so you feel supported in moving towards positive change.
I work with teens, adults, and couples, mainly through a Person-Centred lens, with aspects of other approaches woven in. Together, we’ll explore relationships with yourself & others, building healthier, more supportive ways to move forward at your own pace.
I view therapy as a collaborative space to make sense of what you're experiencing. My role is not to ‘fix’ but to walk alongside you as you explore, cope, and grow. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know the value of an affirming and safe space – and I am committed to ensuring the counselling room is exactly that, so you feel supported in moving towards positive change.
I work with teens, adults, and couples, mainly through a Person-Centred lens, with aspects of other approaches woven in. Together, we’ll explore relationships with yourself & others, building healthier, more supportive ways to move forward at your own pace.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Edinburgh
700+
Average cost per session
£64
Counsellors in Edinburgh who prioritize treating:
| 89% | Anxiety |
| 81% | Self Esteem |
| 80% | Depression |
| 76% | Stress |
| 75% | Relationship Issues |
| 67% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 52% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 68% | Aviva |
| 54% | AXA PPP |
| 54% | Vitality |
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.