Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counselling in Edinburgh

Photo of Claire de la Varre, Psychotherapist, PhD, MHGI
Claire de la Varre
Psychotherapist, PhD, MHGI
Edinburgh EH10
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).
01934 314986 View 01934 314986
Photo of Carrie Hall, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Carrie Hall
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Online Only
Currently accepting new clients. As a counsellor, I collaboratively facilitate growth and change in the persons with whom I work. I am passionate about working with persons who have experienced trauma, with a specific focus on healing from relational trauma. I also work with individuals who experience rejection sensitivity, anxiety, depression, body image concerns, or who have experienced religious trauma.
Currently accepting new clients. As a counsellor, I collaboratively facilitate growth and change in the persons with whom I work. I am passionate about working with persons who have experienced trauma, with a specific focus on healing from relational trauma. I also work with individuals who experience rejection sensitivity, anxiety, depression, body image concerns, or who have experienced religious trauma.
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Photo of Anjum Naqvi, Psychotherapist, PhD, MBABCP
Anjum Naqvi
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBABCP
Online Only
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.
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Photo of Alison Harper - Harper Clinical Psychology, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Harper Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Harper Clinical Psychology is based in Edinburgh and managed by Dr Alison Harper. Alison has over 20 years’ experience of working with a wide range of mental health issues. Also working in the practice with Alison are 6 psychological therapists who offer assessment, formulation and therapy, offering a flexible and collaborative approach to addressing mental health issues. Our website www.harperclinicalpsychology.com gives a more detailed view of our services.
Harper Clinical Psychology is based in Edinburgh and managed by Dr Alison Harper. Alison has over 20 years’ experience of working with a wide range of mental health issues. Also working in the practice with Alison are 6 psychological therapists who offer assessment, formulation and therapy, offering a flexible and collaborative approach to addressing mental health issues. Our website www.harperclinicalpsychology.com gives a more detailed view of our services.
01764 915830 View 01764 915830
Photo of Dr Katie Davis, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Katie Davis
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
What if. Two words that send your mind down a well-worn path. Words and images that pop into your head at any moment and no matter how hard you try to push it away you find yourself stuck; thinking, feeling and doing the same thing over and over. Maybe it’s reliving the past, maybe it’s worrying about the future, or feeling you need to do something right now or something bad will happen. “What if” is hard to live with. But when your mind is stuck in the “what if’s” your brain is telling you there is something you need to figure out, something you need to rebalance.
What if. Two words that send your mind down a well-worn path. Words and images that pop into your head at any moment and no matter how hard you try to push it away you find yourself stuck; thinking, feeling and doing the same thing over and over. Maybe it’s reliving the past, maybe it’s worrying about the future, or feeling you need to do something right now or something bad will happen. “What if” is hard to live with. But when your mind is stuck in the “what if’s” your brain is telling you there is something you need to figure out, something you need to rebalance.
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Photo of Holt J. S. Hauser, Psychotherapist, PMCOSCA
Holt J. S. Hauser
Psychotherapist, PMCOSCA
1 Endorsed
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.
0131 378 8399 View 0131 378 8399
Photo of Claudia Miller, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Claudia Miller
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I am an integrative counsellor working in person in Edinburgh and online nationwide with adults, children and offering parental consultations. Whether in person or online we will work together to build a warm, safe and confidential space for you to address your present concerns. I have experience of working with and not limited to in adults: anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family separation, grief, loss, bullying, refugee status, the impact of the menstrual cycle on mental health, agoraphobia, work stress, self-harm and low self-esteem, including that stemming from the impact of social media and online platforms.
I am an integrative counsellor working in person in Edinburgh and online nationwide with adults, children and offering parental consultations. Whether in person or online we will work together to build a warm, safe and confidential space for you to address your present concerns. I have experience of working with and not limited to in adults: anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family separation, grief, loss, bullying, refugee status, the impact of the menstrual cycle on mental health, agoraphobia, work stress, self-harm and low self-esteem, including that stemming from the impact of social media and online platforms.
0131 381 6592 View 0131 381 6592
Photo of Dr Johanna Lind, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Johanna Lind
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Hi, my name is Johanna and I am a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with 9+ years experience working within mental health settings. My main interests lie in working with complex trauma, emotion and nervous system dysregulation, low self-esteem, and stress and burnout. I am passionate about supporting people with their mental health and I am interested in hearing what brought you to where you are today. Through exploring your current difficulties that make it feel like you are stuck, we can work together to help you move forward in your life, taking into account your goals, needs, and wants for therapy.
Hi, my name is Johanna and I am a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with 9+ years experience working within mental health settings. My main interests lie in working with complex trauma, emotion and nervous system dysregulation, low self-esteem, and stress and burnout. I am passionate about supporting people with their mental health and I am interested in hearing what brought you to where you are today. Through exploring your current difficulties that make it feel like you are stuck, we can work together to help you move forward in your life, taking into account your goals, needs, and wants for therapy.
0131 381 1702 View 0131 381 1702
Photo of Justin Neville Kaushall, Counsellor, PhD, MCOSCA
Justin Neville Kaushall
Counsellor, PhD, MCOSCA
4 Endorsed
I practise Psychodynamic Counselling and Therapy in Edinburgh. People seek therapy for many different reasons. For instance, you might feel anxious about something. Or you might feel stuck—leaving you feeling helpless or unhappy. Or you may feel that it is difficult to form meaningful relationships. Sometimes feelings of unhappiness, frustration, anger, or sadness can feel overwhelming. However, through therapy, which involves dialogue and listening, your experience may start to change. As a result, you may feel freer. Therapy allows you to safely reflect on, and express, your feelings.
I practise Psychodynamic Counselling and Therapy in Edinburgh. People seek therapy for many different reasons. For instance, you might feel anxious about something. Or you might feel stuck—leaving you feeling helpless or unhappy. Or you may feel that it is difficult to form meaningful relationships. Sometimes feelings of unhappiness, frustration, anger, or sadness can feel overwhelming. However, through therapy, which involves dialogue and listening, your experience may start to change. As a result, you may feel freer. Therapy allows you to safely reflect on, and express, your feelings.
0131 381 7174 View 0131 381 7174
Photo of Harris Papachristopoulos - The Life Academy, Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
The Life Academy
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Edinburgh EH10
Hello, I am Harris and I can help you to heal and flourish. I am aPsychologist, Psychotherapist and Philosophical Counsellor, working with individuals and couples both in person (in Edinburgh) or onine I use a holistic psychotherapeutic approach, which means I combine tools and knowledge gained from across many different psychotherapies to develop a programme that is uniquely tailored to you and your specific needs.Through a collaborative, creative and integrative approach, I will work with you, drawing on my extensive knowledge of wide range of effective psychotherapies.
Hello, I am Harris and I can help you to heal and flourish. I am aPsychologist, Psychotherapist and Philosophical Counsellor, working with individuals and couples both in person (in Edinburgh) or onine I use a holistic psychotherapeutic approach, which means I combine tools and knowledge gained from across many different psychotherapies to develop a programme that is uniquely tailored to you and your specific needs.Through a collaborative, creative and integrative approach, I will work with you, drawing on my extensive knowledge of wide range of effective psychotherapies.
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Photo of Jane Edwards, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Jane Edwards
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Edinburgh EH12
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Unhappy, stressed, experiencing relationship problems, feeling alone or held back by bereavement? Therapy can be short term, 4-6 sessions and we can work together in a highly focused way, including exploring strategies if you wish to. For some, longer term therapy is preferred. In this we can explore issues in greater depth and you can be supported to make lasting changes in your life.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Unhappy, stressed, experiencing relationship problems, feeling alone or held back by bereavement? Therapy can be short term, 4-6 sessions and we can work together in a highly focused way, including exploring strategies if you wish to. For some, longer term therapy is preferred. In this we can explore issues in greater depth and you can be supported to make lasting changes in your life.
0131 381 2882 View 0131 381 2882
Photo of Tim McConville, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Tim McConville
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Hello there, thanks for checking me out. Individuals: Life’s toll can leave us with hurts and regrets. Sometimes we end up so wounded everything loses its shine. Life becomes colourless. We struggle with trauma, anxiety or low mood. By creating a constructive conversation with me, we can work towards healing. Couples: I use emotionally focused therapy to help create a connection between spouses and partners. I explore hurtful cycles of interaction to change them. Together we develop positive cycles to heal the relationship. Families: I specialise in young adults/students and their parents; blended families; alienation; child contact
Hello there, thanks for checking me out. Individuals: Life’s toll can leave us with hurts and regrets. Sometimes we end up so wounded everything loses its shine. Life becomes colourless. We struggle with trauma, anxiety or low mood. By creating a constructive conversation with me, we can work towards healing. Couples: I use emotionally focused therapy to help create a connection between spouses and partners. I explore hurtful cycles of interaction to change them. Together we develop positive cycles to heal the relationship. Families: I specialise in young adults/students and their parents; blended families; alienation; child contact
0131 357 6469 View 0131 357 6469
Photo of Tatiana Rodionova, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Music Therap.
Tatiana Rodionova
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Music Therap.
Hi, I am Tatiana, a registered Music Therapist. I offer a safe, compassionate and responsive space for you to explore your emotional needs and ways of being, connect with your inner strengths and find helpful ways to process difficult emotions and support your emotional wellbeing.
Hi, I am Tatiana, a registered Music Therapist. I offer a safe, compassionate and responsive space for you to explore your emotional needs and ways of being, connect with your inner strengths and find helpful ways to process difficult emotions and support your emotional wellbeing.
0131 357 6382 View 0131 357 6382
Photo of Phil Jackman, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Phil Jackman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
My job as a therapist is to help you to live life better. The purpose of therapy is to help you to identify what is holding you back or getting in the way of you living your life how you want to. Whether this is cycles of thoughts, persistent feelings, repetitive behaviours or being stuck in relationships or situations that aren’t fulfilling you. Therapy can help you to explore these, gain understanding and develop solutions that make sense to you.
My job as a therapist is to help you to live life better. The purpose of therapy is to help you to identify what is holding you back or getting in the way of you living your life how you want to. Whether this is cycles of thoughts, persistent feelings, repetitive behaviours or being stuck in relationships or situations that aren’t fulfilling you. Therapy can help you to explore these, gain understanding and develop solutions that make sense to you.
0131 381 5537 View 0131 381 5537
Photo of Han Smith, Counsellor, MBACP
Han Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Are you going through a difficult period or transition? Struggling to make sense of relationships or challenging experiences? I may be able to help. My name is Han, and I'm a therapist based in Edinburgh with years of experience counselling adults and young people. I have spent five years working with clients from various backgrounds and especially LGBTQ+ people. In the counselling room, I bring with me this clinical perspective as well as my own personal experience.
Are you going through a difficult period or transition? Struggling to make sense of relationships or challenging experiences? I may be able to help. My name is Han, and I'm a therapist based in Edinburgh with years of experience counselling adults and young people. I have spent five years working with clients from various backgrounds and especially LGBTQ+ people. In the counselling room, I bring with me this clinical perspective as well as my own personal experience.
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Photo of Michael Durrington - Chai Counselling Ltd, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MCOSCA
Chai Counselling Ltd
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MCOSCA
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.
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.
07723 435840 View 07723 435840
Photo of Dr Anna Planedin, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Dr Anna Planedin
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Hello, my name is Anna Planedin and my main approaches are psychodynamic and emotionally focused couples therapy. I help people find relief and movement from a place of feeling 'stuck.' I specialize in working with life transitions, loss, trauma, chronic pain, and sex/sexuality. I view therapy as a process of helping you listen to your gut feelings, find safety and containment and feel less alone in overwhelming experiences. It is my hope that through speaking about difficult or taboo feelings with me, you will feel understood and accepted, and that over time you feel more durable in how you respond to difficulty.
Hello, my name is Anna Planedin and my main approaches are psychodynamic and emotionally focused couples therapy. I help people find relief and movement from a place of feeling 'stuck.' I specialize in working with life transitions, loss, trauma, chronic pain, and sex/sexuality. I view therapy as a process of helping you listen to your gut feelings, find safety and containment and feel less alone in overwhelming experiences. It is my hope that through speaking about difficult or taboo feelings with me, you will feel understood and accepted, and that over time you feel more durable in how you respond to difficulty.
01764 915849 View 01764 915849
Photo of Kosmas Botsis, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Kosmas Botsis
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
We all carry within us a world uniquely shaped by what we care about and what concerns us. It is to this inner world that we endlessly return, even when we appear to inhabit a completely foreign one. Our purpose is to make the foreign familiar – to unravel the mental discomfort that makes us feel like strangers in our own world. Coming to therapy and opening up can be a difficult decision. Therapy is a personal and private process, and each person navigates life’s challenges in their own way. I understand that taking the first step can feel stressful.
We all carry within us a world uniquely shaped by what we care about and what concerns us. It is to this inner world that we endlessly return, even when we appear to inhabit a completely foreign one. Our purpose is to make the foreign familiar – to unravel the mental discomfort that makes us feel like strangers in our own world. Coming to therapy and opening up can be a difficult decision. Therapy is a personal and private process, and each person navigates life’s challenges in their own way. I understand that taking the first step can feel stressful.
0131 357 6391 View 0131 357 6391
Photo of Irina Campbell, Psychotherapist, PhD, PNCPS Acc.
Irina Campbell
Psychotherapist, PhD, PNCPS Acc.
Edinburgh EH10
I am an integrative psychotherapist with 19 years of experience dedicated to helping you achieve happiness and fulfillment. Specializing in root-cause resolution of psychological symptoms, I believe change can be easier and quicker than you think. The toughest step is deciding to make a change. Through my work, I’ve seen the powerful connection between mind and body and witnessed incredible transformations. Imagine feeling better, calmer, and more clear-headed. Let’s embark on this journey together to unlock your potential and improve your well-being.
I am an integrative psychotherapist with 19 years of experience dedicated to helping you achieve happiness and fulfillment. Specializing in root-cause resolution of psychological symptoms, I believe change can be easier and quicker than you think. The toughest step is deciding to make a change. Through my work, I’ve seen the powerful connection between mind and body and witnessed incredible transformations. Imagine feeling better, calmer, and more clear-headed. Let’s embark on this journey together to unlock your potential and improve your well-being.
01764 915868 View 01764 915868
Photo of Lisa Allan, Counsellor, MCOSCA
Lisa Allan
Counsellor, MCOSCA
Edinburgh EH10
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.
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See more therapy options for Edinburgh

Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like Cognitive behavioural therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behaviour therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.

Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioural, dialectical behaviour, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.

Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom which may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs.

How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.