Counselling in Edinburgh

I am an Edinburgh based counsellor, currently working online only, available for clients across the UK. I work with couples and individuals. I welcome diversity including all body sizes, abilities, races, sexualities, genders, working inclusively with GSDR (gender, sexual and relationship diversity), religions and political values. I have personal experience with Neuro Diversity; I welcome all clients curious, questioning, and diagnosed neruo diverse.
I am an Edinburgh based counsellor, currently working online only, available for clients across the UK. I work with couples and individuals. I welcome diversity including all body sizes, abilities, races, sexualities, genders, working inclusively with GSDR (gender, sexual and relationship diversity), religions and political values. I have personal experience with Neuro Diversity; I welcome all clients curious, questioning, and diagnosed neruo diverse.

Hello, I'm Kirsti Willis - an autistic HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist (BAAT). I offer neuro and LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma informed counselling and art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people of different ages (no diagnosis required), couples and families. I also offer advice and support with parenting. Often neurodivergent people feel very anxious, which can result in e.g. frequent meltdowns, as well as sleep issues. They can also struggle with relationships and be low in mood. They are also more likely to be traumatised than a neurotypical person. However, with the right support any situation can be changed for the better.
Hello, I'm Kirsti Willis - an autistic HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist (BAAT). I offer neuro and LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma informed counselling and art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people of different ages (no diagnosis required), couples and families. I also offer advice and support with parenting. Often neurodivergent people feel very anxious, which can result in e.g. frequent meltdowns, as well as sleep issues. They can also struggle with relationships and be low in mood. They are also more likely to be traumatised than a neurotypical person. However, with the right support any situation can be changed for the better.

Hello, if you have found my profile, it probably means that you are searching for help in some way. I am a warm, compassionate and open person who is trained as a Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I believe that the expert in your life is you and I would like to work with you to help you grow, move forward and live the life that you really want.
Hello, if you have found my profile, it probably means that you are searching for help in some way. I am a warm, compassionate and open person who is trained as a Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I believe that the expert in your life is you and I would like to work with you to help you grow, move forward and live the life that you really want.

I am a qualified Psychotherapist/ Coach and have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to those dealing with challenging life experiences. Client's well-being is very important to me with the focus of my work to help process their agenda in all their troublesome obstacles. Practicing as a Person Centered Psychotherapist (MBACP) who see's the individual person, respect & encourage personal autonomy, whilst offering a safe space to explore their troubles. We have the strength and unique capabilities within us to develop our own sense of resourcefulness and find fulfillment in our personal potentials.
I am a qualified Psychotherapist/ Coach and have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to those dealing with challenging life experiences. Client's well-being is very important to me with the focus of my work to help process their agenda in all their troublesome obstacles. Practicing as a Person Centered Psychotherapist (MBACP) who see's the individual person, respect & encourage personal autonomy, whilst offering a safe space to explore their troubles. We have the strength and unique capabilities within us to develop our own sense of resourcefulness and find fulfillment in our personal potentials.

If you're going through a difficult time, lack the confidence to make changes, or find it hard to set boundaries in relationships, I can help. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience.
If you're going through a difficult time, lack the confidence to make changes, or find it hard to set boundaries in relationships, I can help. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience.

If you’re here, you might be feeling that gap between the life you’re living and the life you want. You’re not alone in this, and together, we can work to close that distance. My goal is to help you explore what’s been holding you back and to uncover the strengths and values that can guide you forward. Facing what’s uncertain can be daunting. It’s natural to want to avoid the things that bring discomfort or fear. But often, it’s in facing these challenges—side by side—that we discover our resilience.
If you’re here, you might be feeling that gap between the life you’re living and the life you want. You’re not alone in this, and together, we can work to close that distance. My goal is to help you explore what’s been holding you back and to uncover the strengths and values that can guide you forward. Facing what’s uncertain can be daunting. It’s natural to want to avoid the things that bring discomfort or fear. But often, it’s in facing these challenges—side by side—that we discover our resilience.

I work with individuals and couples, specialising in relationship counselling, sex therapy and sex addiction & compulsivity therapy. As a relationship counsellor, I support couples with various complex issues, including dealing with the impact of porn addiction on their relationship. Having a partner with porn and/or sex compulsivity can be devastating. I support partners trying to come to terms with the discovery and help them navigate the relationship fall-out.
I work with individuals and couples, specialising in relationship counselling, sex therapy and sex addiction & compulsivity therapy. As a relationship counsellor, I support couples with various complex issues, including dealing with the impact of porn addiction on their relationship. Having a partner with porn and/or sex compulsivity can be devastating. I support partners trying to come to terms with the discovery and help them navigate the relationship fall-out.

I have 30 years experience giving counselling, I’ve been a specialist NHS eating disorders therapist, addictions therapist, CAMHS therapist, Adult mental health clinician and counselling manager. I’m neurodivergant informed and developing a government counselling service for Special schools. There are many reasons why people come to counselling, we all struggle at times and may experience anxiety, low mood, loss or find life harder to cope with. It’s scary to ask for support, I understand this, I grew up in a family with complex needs and this experience is the compassionate basis for my work, bringing a deep understanding.
I have 30 years experience giving counselling, I’ve been a specialist NHS eating disorders therapist, addictions therapist, CAMHS therapist, Adult mental health clinician and counselling manager. I’m neurodivergant informed and developing a government counselling service for Special schools. There are many reasons why people come to counselling, we all struggle at times and may experience anxiety, low mood, loss or find life harder to cope with. It’s scary to ask for support, I understand this, I grew up in a family with complex needs and this experience is the compassionate basis for my work, bringing a deep understanding.

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.

For the past ten years I have been helping individuals, couples and families with mental health difficulties. My professional journey includes over 8 years of NHS practice, big chunk of it dedicated to helping those on psychiatric wards. Now I work mainly in my private practice. Typical problems that I have experience treating include depression, anxiety, OCD, adjustment difficulties, trauma/PTSD, stress and relationship difficulties. I see psychotherapy as a personal journey, a chance to get to know yourself better, a safe space to explore and to grow. My interests lie in a human, in embodied experience and in the process.
For the past ten years I have been helping individuals, couples and families with mental health difficulties. My professional journey includes over 8 years of NHS practice, big chunk of it dedicated to helping those on psychiatric wards. Now I work mainly in my private practice. Typical problems that I have experience treating include depression, anxiety, OCD, adjustment difficulties, trauma/PTSD, stress and relationship difficulties. I see psychotherapy as a personal journey, a chance to get to know yourself better, a safe space to explore and to grow. My interests lie in a human, in embodied experience and in the process.

I know that the decision to seek therapy and to find a suitable therapist can be daunting, so my approach is to never forget what it is like to sit in the client’s chair. Whether you're going through separation and divorce, experiencing abuse, depression, trauma, generally feeling sad or struggling with other emotional issues, I can help. I am here for You.
I know that the decision to seek therapy and to find a suitable therapist can be daunting, so my approach is to never forget what it is like to sit in the client’s chair. Whether you're going through separation and divorce, experiencing abuse, depression, trauma, generally feeling sad or struggling with other emotional issues, I can help. I am here for You.
15 Second Videos

Are you struggling? Perhaps you feel you’re stuck and fear your're going round in circles. Sometimes we need support to make sense of our lives, find our way back, forward or sideways. Sometimes, we need someone else to hear, understand us and be alongside us on our journey, to help us see the broader view. Perhaps you’ve had or are having a hard time but don’t know how to change or even if that’s possible. But you hope for something different, for growth as all living creatures do, in the same way new growth reaches for the light. Whatever it is, life is inevitable and change is possible even if it doesn’t feel that way just now.
Are you struggling? Perhaps you feel you’re stuck and fear your're going round in circles. Sometimes we need support to make sense of our lives, find our way back, forward or sideways. Sometimes, we need someone else to hear, understand us and be alongside us on our journey, to help us see the broader view. Perhaps you’ve had or are having a hard time but don’t know how to change or even if that’s possible. But you hope for something different, for growth as all living creatures do, in the same way new growth reaches for the light. Whatever it is, life is inevitable and change is possible even if it doesn’t feel that way just now.

Hi there, I'm Odett, I’m an integrative counsellor dedicated to fostering therapeutic change through person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. At the heart of my practice lies a commitment to meeting you where you are on your journey and tailoring our sessions to suit your unique needs and preferences.I understand the importance of finding a therapist who resonates with you, and I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all my clients. Whether you're seeking guidance through challenging times or looking to explore deeper aspects of yourself, I'm here to walk with you on your path to healing and self-discovery.
Hi there, I'm Odett, I’m an integrative counsellor dedicated to fostering therapeutic change through person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. At the heart of my practice lies a commitment to meeting you where you are on your journey and tailoring our sessions to suit your unique needs and preferences.I understand the importance of finding a therapist who resonates with you, and I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all my clients. Whether you're seeking guidance through challenging times or looking to explore deeper aspects of yourself, I'm here to walk with you on your path to healing and self-discovery.

Hello and a warm welcome. Counselling is a process in which a trained therapist can help you to understand and deal with difficult emotions that you may be experiencing. These can be linked with previous difficult life experiences. People often seek counselling when they are going through challenging times in their lives. You may be feeling low, anxious or depressed. I can help you make sense of what is happening and try to help you to find ways of dealing with this.
Hello and a warm welcome. Counselling is a process in which a trained therapist can help you to understand and deal with difficult emotions that you may be experiencing. These can be linked with previous difficult life experiences. People often seek counselling when they are going through challenging times in their lives. You may be feeling low, anxious or depressed. I can help you make sense of what is happening and try to help you to find ways of dealing with this.

Navigating the complexities of our world can be overwhelming, both personally and societally. Challenges often arise, putting pressure on our sense of identity and our relationships. It's common to feel a range of emotions in response – anxiety, depression, alienation, hostility, or numbness. These are all deeply human reactions, highlighting our capacity for thought and emotion. While your coping mechanisms may have served you in the past, they might no longer support your pursuit of a more autonomous and satisfying life. Seeking therapy is an empowering step toward personal growth and navigating life's challenges.
Navigating the complexities of our world can be overwhelming, both personally and societally. Challenges often arise, putting pressure on our sense of identity and our relationships. It's common to feel a range of emotions in response – anxiety, depression, alienation, hostility, or numbness. These are all deeply human reactions, highlighting our capacity for thought and emotion. While your coping mechanisms may have served you in the past, they might no longer support your pursuit of a more autonomous and satisfying life. Seeking therapy is an empowering step toward personal growth and navigating life's challenges.

I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist trained in the person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. This allows me to blend techniques that address both the here and now, as well as the present-day impact of your developmental roots.
I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist trained in the person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. This allows me to blend techniques that address both the here and now, as well as the present-day impact of your developmental roots.

Maria Banaszkiewicz
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
Waitlist for new clients
Searching for the right therapist can be an energy and time-consuming process, and getting started might feel like a huge step into the unknown. There are various reasons why people decide to try psychotherapy - break up, bereavement, addictions, identity issues, painful past affecting the present or medical diagnosis. No matter what brings you here, I am curious to know your story. Getting in touch with your feelings might be painful. I don’t have any expectations of you. It is ok if you don’t know where and how to start; we will get there at your own pace.
Searching for the right therapist can be an energy and time-consuming process, and getting started might feel like a huge step into the unknown. There are various reasons why people decide to try psychotherapy - break up, bereavement, addictions, identity issues, painful past affecting the present or medical diagnosis. No matter what brings you here, I am curious to know your story. Getting in touch with your feelings might be painful. I don’t have any expectations of you. It is ok if you don’t know where and how to start; we will get there at your own pace.

Clinical Forensic Psychology is a child focused psychology practice specialising in the assessment and treatment of children and young people presenting with emotional and mental health difficulties related to experiences of trauma. In addition, I also provide treatment for children who are struggling with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. If you think I can help you or your child please get in contact with me for a no obligation discussion. You can find my website at www.clinicalforensic.com
Clinical Forensic Psychology is a child focused psychology practice specialising in the assessment and treatment of children and young people presenting with emotional and mental health difficulties related to experiences of trauma. In addition, I also provide treatment for children who are struggling with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. If you think I can help you or your child please get in contact with me for a no obligation discussion. You can find my website at www.clinicalforensic.com

In the busy pace of today's world, it can be difficult to find the time to sit with our thoughts and feelings. It can also be challenging to lay them out before someone else or to speak from the heart without fear of judgement.
In the busy pace of today's world, it can be difficult to find the time to sit with our thoughts and feelings. It can also be challenging to lay them out before someone else or to speak from the heart without fear of judgement.

I am a warm and empathetic Qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, who is passionate about supporting individuals to make positive, personally meaningful and long lasting changes to their lives. Through our work together, you will be supported to identify and break free from unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns that maintain your difficulties, in order for you to feel more in control of your present and future and live the life you desire.
I am a warm and empathetic Qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, who is passionate about supporting individuals to make positive, personally meaningful and long lasting changes to their lives. Through our work together, you will be supported to identify and break free from unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns that maintain your difficulties, in order for you to feel more in control of your present and future and live the life you desire.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Edinburgh
600+
Average cost per session
£60
Counsellors in Edinburgh who prioritize treating:
90% | Anxiety |
82% | Depression |
82% | Self Esteem |
78% | Stress |
75% | Relationship Issues |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
57% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
60% | Aviva |
54% | AXA PPP |
47% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in Edinburgh see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
76% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
2% | 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.