Creative Therapy Counselling in Edinburgh
See all counsellors in Edinburgh
Maristela Lima-Napier
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified
Verified
Counselling is non-judgmental, does not tell you what to do, but it encourages you to seek out your own choices in life to become complete. There are many different therapeutic tools to help a person to communicate emotions, we can use creative materials, sand and
art
when verbal communication is tricky. I offer counselling face to face and online: via Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime platforms, in English and Portuguese languages.

Ruth Burnett
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Children and teenagers can benefit from counselling therapies, and studies show that these are hugely effective, both in the short and long term. For older kids and teens, talking therapy can provide a unique space to safely explore what's going on to make them sad, angry, or anxious. For younger children, using play and
art
, as well as talking therapy, can help them begin to piece together things that might be difficult for them. Life doesn't always go according to plan, and sometimes things happen that no one is prepared for - an accident, a traumatic experience, a situation no one could have foreseen happening.

Samantha Harrison
MSc
My Primary Training is as an
Art
Therapist, I also offer Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and I am also trained to level 3 in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I offer a confidential, warm and friendly space, close to the city centre, to meet with you. Together we will explore what has led you to seek therapy and decide which route to follow. Therapy may consist of talking therapy, and
Art
Therapy, as part of the process. One or a combination of approaches may be used throughout our commitment to your wellbeing. The different types of therapy that I offer allow us to tailor therapy services to meet your individual requirements so you get the support you need.
Edinburgh EH11

Dr Susan Mackay
Psychotherapist, PhD, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified
Verified
Here is a safe place where you can bring what’s on your mind and together we can make sense of it to find a clearer way forward. Sometimes troubles can feel too stuck or confusing to find words for. In sessions with me, along with words, we can use
art
materials, or any to hand objects, like a pencil, a piece of paper or string to express what is happening for you. This can give a cathartic sense of difficulties as if lifted from you and shared. Working together in this way can support new ways of thinking and improve relationships through increased self-awareness and emotional mastery.
Waitlist for new clients

Caroline Finn Art Therapy
Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified
Verified
Art
Therapy utilises the creation of artwork during the session as a means to discuss deeper feelings and concerns within a safe and confidential relationship.
I work with individuals aged 12 and up at the moment. You may have issues with anxiety or trauma and are looking for ways to regulate yourself and work through the trauma. There may be attachment issues established in childhood that have been unhelpful in adulthood. Perhaps you require a confidential place to process distressing things you have experienced, or somewhere to take ownership of your story and change your narrative.

Richard Alexander Taneus-Miller Art Therapist Accepting New Clients
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified
Verified
Art
Therapy is a form of psychotherapy.
“It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self.” (D. W. Winnicott) I am a state registered
Art
Therapist with twenty years’ experience, having worked primarily in the NHS since qualifying in 2003. I am currently employed as the head of Arts Therapies with an NHS board. I am also active with the Scottish Council of the British Association of
Art
Therapists.

Christiane Kelegher
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As an
Art
psychotherapist I recognise that there is many creative ways to explore and reach your therapeutic aims.
I work with whatever my clients 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.

Sara Pendlebury
MSc
I also work with young children and their emotions through play and
art
.
Whether you are suffering from increased anxiety or overwhelm, depression, burnout, relationship difficulties or marriage problems, you don’t have to go around feeling like this. As a therapist with additional and diverse life skills and interests, I can help you feel better, and quickly. Every situation is unique, but when working with you, I will aim to get to the nub of any problems quickly and effectively, and to provide practical solutions. For deeper trauma we can shift into a longer relationship, using IFS or Narm. I can show you how things can be better for you, using evidence based and trauma-informed methods.

Artful Retreats
Psychotherapist, MSc
Who said only children can use
art
to freely express and be playful? ".
The protective power of arts in health and mental health has been with us for millennia and today is evidence based. Daily life's emotional demands often go unnoticed and coping with anger, fear and sadness is socially accepted to happen in silence. Nourishing and protecting our mental health can get easily neglected. Although family and friends can play a wonderful supportive role in times of need they may not be enough in times of crisis. Making the choice to look after our mental health is our first step to personal growth. Making
art
is creative and fun. Being part of a supportive and safe group is therapeutic.
Office is near:
Edinburgh EH1 & Online

Priyanka Pookadan
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified
Verified
Sometimes life throws challenges in front of us which we may struggle to cope with. This could be a sudden and unexpected change like a loss or bereavement. It could be something that we have always struggled with that is making it challenging to move forward with life. Situations such as these can be stressful, and sometimes we can't shake off the anxiety and depression or we may even experience anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure in usually pleasurable activities). It might also be a past trauma or abuse that is causing the challenges in the present life, revealing itself as panic for example.

Dr Sarah Quinley
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified
Verified
As a qualified therapist and a Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy, I maintain a full private practice working online with adults and couples. I'll work with you collaboratively to develop the tools, clarity, & understanding you need to grow and heal while honouring, with compassion & respect, the humanness in what you’re going through and the unique way that you experience life. Together, we may uncover the beliefs and patterns that are hurting or holding you back and pattern new, healthier ways of being with yourself and with others.
Edinburgh EH10
& Online
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Lorraine Woolford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Verified
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.

Maggi Scott
Counsellor, BACP
Verified
Verified
From my own life experience & personal development trainings and counselling career, I have a deep compassion and understanding that underpins my work as a therapist supporting people experiencing emotional suffering and difficult circumstances.I have supported clients with many different issues and situations and can offer a wide range of helpful things such as teaching breathwork and visualisations for practising outside sessions. i have extensive experience working with clients experiencing struggles with bereavement, chronic illness, depression, anxiety and trauma.

Rosie McLeod
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Verified
Accepting that we're finding things difficult is often the hardest part. Throughout every stage of life we can experience times when things don’t feel right and we struggle with our relationships, or to make sense of our thoughts, feelings and world around us. This can lead to us feeling anxious, overwhelmed and struggling to communicate.

Hazel Stevenson
Counsellor, MCOSCA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!

Susan Hollins Counselling
Counsellor
Verified
Verified
How to describe the massive impact of loss and grief on our hearts, minds and daily life? The weight, chaos and turmoil of grief is a common experience which plays out uniquely in each of us. We lose interest in just about everything; nothing seems to matter. We're often frightened, wondering whether how we feel today we'll still be feeling in the distant future. We're often angry, intolerant of others. We seek so many reassurances... We don't want to let go of our grief because it's connected powerfully to the one we love and miss. How can we learn to let grief share our life? How can we understand it? How can we keep afloat?

Chai Counselling Ltd
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MCOSCA
Verified
Verified
When you encounter difficult times in our day to day lives it is helpful to be able to talk these through with someone who is trained and objective. To help you explore the issues that matter to you, bringing insight and understanding to enable you to find your way through problems and dilemmas.

Summerside Counselling
Counsellor, MCOSCA
Verified
Verified
At Summerside Counselling we can help with issues including stress, anxiety, depression, loss, and low self esteem amongst many others. Our experienced counsellors are fully qualified and offer effective and affordable counselling. We can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to have a better understanding of yourself which in turn brings acceptance and healing.

Zoe Chouliara
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified
Verified
‘You are not just a catalogue of adversities that you are faced with in life. You are not just the ‘damage’ that you have been told you suffered from. You are not even the pathology or the series of labels and diagnoses that have been given to you. You are a creature of immeasurable strength with the innate ability to grow and trust again and keep trusting and even learning to trust for a first time. You are hard wired and geared to connect with other and through that connection to protect your mental health and recover. You are a Growing Truster.’ Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist

Sarah Worth
Counsellor, MSc, ACC Reg
Verified
Verified
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.
See more therapy options for
Creative Therapy Counsellors
How does art therapy work?
The process of making art allows people to express themselves. Art-making can take many forms, such as painting, collage, or sculpting. The therapist asks questions that the work elicits, such as how the person felt while creating their piece, or if any memories surfaced that they can discuss. The therapist will then work with the patient to process their experience, understand themselves better, and work toward change.
Does art therapy help with trauma?
Art therapy can be a valuable treatment option for those suffering from trauma. Traumatic experiences such as combat, rape, or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. The physical nature of creating art can also help people feel rooted in the body, which may benefit those who feel disconnected from their body in the aftermath of trauma.
How long does art therapy last?
The duration of art therapy varies, but a common length for treatment is 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Some people may see improvement in just a few weeks, while others may choose to remain in therapy longer term. Patients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
What are the limitations of art therapy?
Art therapy is helpful for many people, but a limitation is that it doesn’t have as robust an evidence base as other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. The evidence on art therapy is mixed; some research demonstrates its benefits, while other research suggests that it has little impact on patients.