Parenting Counselling in Edinburgh
I work with: 1) Families experiencing high conflict or emotional disconnection 2) Parents and adult children struggling to relate without escalation or withdrawal 3) Families navigating neurodivergence, mental health challenges, or complex histories 4) Adolescent behaviour difficulties 5) Adolescent and Adult mental health issues 6) Parenting issues
I’m a UKCP-accredited Family & Systemic Psychotherapist with 30 years of experience supporting families, children, and adolescents across therapeutic, clinical, and leadership roles. I work with families navigating conflict, emotional distance, behavioural struggles, and long-standing relational patterns that feel stuck - often with teens but not only to
My integrative approach combines family therapy, psychology, psychoanalytic thinking, and child development—helping families understand what’s really driving the distress beneath the surface. Many of the families I work with feel like they’ve tried everything without any success.
I work with: 1) Families experiencing high conflict or emotional disconnection 2) Parents and adult children struggling to relate without escalation or withdrawal 3) Families navigating neurodivergence, mental health challenges, or complex histories 4) Adolescent behaviour difficulties 5) Adolescent and Adult mental health issues 6) Parenting issues
I’m a UKCP-accredited Family & Systemic Psychotherapist with 30 years of experience supporting families, children, and adolescents across therapeutic, clinical, and leadership roles. I work with families navigating conflict, emotional distance, behavioural struggles, and long-standing relational patterns that feel stuck - often with teens but not only to
My integrative approach combines family therapy, psychology, psychoanalytic thinking, and child development—helping families understand what’s really driving the distress beneath the surface. Many of the families I work with feel like they’ve tried everything without any success.
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.
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.
I offer brief, medium and long term psychotherapy for children and adolescents, and offer developmental support to parents and carers.
I specialise in psychodynamic treatments for mental illness in children and adolescents. My approach is informed by attachment research, psychodynamic theory and developmental neuroscience. I believe that effective psychotherapy can take time, and that children and young people require adequate space to feel comfortable exploring their difficulties.
I offer brief, medium and long term psychotherapy for children and adolescents, and offer developmental support to parents and carers.
I specialise in psychodynamic treatments for mental illness in children and adolescents. My approach is informed by attachment research, psychodynamic theory and developmental neuroscience. I believe that effective psychotherapy can take time, and that children and young people require adequate space to feel comfortable exploring their difficulties.
Dr Gael Bateman
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MCOSCA
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH2
Waitlist for new clients
When life changes, your nervous system, emotions, and identity are all impacted. As an experienced, ethical, and compassionate practitioner, I offer a gentle space for you to pause and process. Over time you will develop ways to reintegrate with a sturdier sense of self, belonging and direction.
I’m Gael, my pronouns are she/her, and I offer in-depth, high-quality, feelings-led therapy to those seeking long-term sustainable change. My work is empathic, ethical, and trauma-informed. I specialise in working with people experiencing profound life transitions including: parenthood, burnout, trauma, loss, and career change.
When life changes, your nervous system, emotions, and identity are all impacted. As an experienced, ethical, and compassionate practitioner, I offer a gentle space for you to pause and process. Over time you will develop ways to reintegrate with a sturdier sense of self, belonging and direction.
I’m Gael, my pronouns are she/her, and I offer in-depth, high-quality, feelings-led therapy to those seeking long-term sustainable change. My work is empathic, ethical, and trauma-informed. I specialise in working with people experiencing profound life transitions including: parenthood, burnout, trauma, loss, and career change.
I also focus on boundaries in relationships, parenting and family dynamics.
Sometimes nothing is "wrong", and yet life feels much harder than it should.
Perhaps you've become disconnected from yourself. You overthink every decision, carry everyone else's needs before your own, or feel like you're constantly trying to keep everything together. You may not even know exactly why you've landed here, only that something inside is asking for change.
I also focus on boundaries in relationships, parenting and family dynamics.
Sometimes nothing is "wrong", and yet life feels much harder than it should.
Perhaps you've become disconnected from yourself. You overthink every decision, carry everyone else's needs before your own, or feel like you're constantly trying to keep everything together. You may not even know exactly why you've landed here, only that something inside is asking for change.
Therapy can be for anyone, it can be for growth, healing and learning, as much as for working through something. Choosing to set aside a pocket of time and space just for you, can provide relief from stresses of modern-day living, giving you a chance to recognise what is really important to you and working out what steps you want to take towards the life you want for yourself. I provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to explore things that are troubling you, process past experiences and work towards any goals you might have.
Therapy can be for anyone, it can be for growth, healing and learning, as much as for working through something. Choosing to set aside a pocket of time and space just for you, can provide relief from stresses of modern-day living, giving you a chance to recognise what is really important to you and working out what steps you want to take towards the life you want for yourself. I provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to explore things that are troubling you, process past experiences and work towards any goals you might have.
I am a psychotherapist and coach working with individuals and couples. I help people clarify how they want to live, relate and show up — and support them in making that real in their everyday lives. My work draws on a variety of therapeutic approaches and philosophies, which you can find out more about here or on my website. Regardless of the format I work in, I offer a space where every part of you is welcome — especially the parts you don’t like — and the opportunity to begin offering that same unconditional acceptance to yourself.
I am a psychotherapist and coach working with individuals and couples. I help people clarify how they want to live, relate and show up — and support them in making that real in their everyday lives. My work draws on a variety of therapeutic approaches and philosophies, which you can find out more about here or on my website. Regardless of the format I work in, I offer a space where every part of you is welcome — especially the parts you don’t like — and the opportunity to begin offering that same unconditional acceptance to yourself.
I am aware that you might be coming to counselling for all sorts of reasons It may be something from your past or something that you are dealing with now, or both. You may feel stuck and want to understand yourself better or just not know what way to turn at all but know you want things to be better. Together we will work out what is going to be most helpful for you in counselling to enable you to move forward. I will support you to process and manage whatever it is that you are struggling with and come up with a flexible counselling plan to help you feel better and more able to manage and thrive in your life.
I am aware that you might be coming to counselling for all sorts of reasons It may be something from your past or something that you are dealing with now, or both. You may feel stuck and want to understand yourself better or just not know what way to turn at all but know you want things to be better. Together we will work out what is going to be most helpful for you in counselling to enable you to move forward. I will support you to process and manage whatever it is that you are struggling with and come up with a flexible counselling plan to help you feel better and more able to manage and thrive in your life.
Are you looking for your own support to allow you to be the parent you want to be?
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist, having worked across a range of child and adult mental health services. I work with children, adolescents and their families, offering evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions, which are tailored to fit your family's needs and goals. I also offer clinical supervision, consultation and training.
Are you looking for your own support to allow you to be the parent you want to be?
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist, having worked across a range of child and adult mental health services. I work with children, adolescents and their families, offering evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions, which are tailored to fit your family's needs and goals. I also offer clinical supervision, consultation and training.
Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/ parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
I have expertise in using attachment focused approaches in all my work and through collaborative alliance, my clients report rapid recovery from linking past to present; becoming active authors of a new and possible future. I am trained in Mentalisation Based Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Neuropsychology, Schema Focussed Therapy, DBT, ACT and EMDR.
Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/ parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
I have expertise in using attachment focused approaches in all my work and through collaborative alliance, my clients report rapid recovery from linking past to present; becoming active authors of a new and possible future. I am trained in Mentalisation Based Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Neuropsychology, Schema Focussed Therapy, DBT, ACT and EMDR.
Hi my name is Wendy and I understand it can be difficult to approach someone for support especially if you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions . We all face challenges in life, some of which we can easily manage while others we find ourselves struggling with and needing greater support. No matter what difficulties you are having or how large or small it feels, I can offer you the time and place for you to explore your feelings and emotions, to find acceptance and understanding in a trusted relationship. At a pace to suit you we can work together in making the changes in your life that can help you feel more in control and at ease
Hi my name is Wendy and I understand it can be difficult to approach someone for support especially if you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions . We all face challenges in life, some of which we can easily manage while others we find ourselves struggling with and needing greater support. No matter what difficulties you are having or how large or small it feels, I can offer you the time and place for you to explore your feelings and emotions, to find acceptance and understanding in a trusted relationship. At a pace to suit you we can work together in making the changes in your life that can help you feel more in control and at ease
Thank you for visiting my profile. You may be looking for help with a specific issue, looking for more purpose or clarity in life, more understanding about yourself or maybe you might be confused. Sometimes choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming and despite the qualifications and experience it can be more about finding the right fit between yourself and your therapist.
Thank you for visiting my profile. You may be looking for help with a specific issue, looking for more purpose or clarity in life, more understanding about yourself or maybe you might be confused. Sometimes choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming and despite the qualifications and experience it can be more about finding the right fit between yourself and your therapist.
Motherhood changes you, on every level. Biologically, psychologically and emotionally. And yet nobody prepares you for that.
I am a matrescence and perinatal mental health therapist specialising in the full journey from pregnancy through postpartum. If you are struggling and cannot quite understand why, matrescence might be the missing piece.
Matrescence is the profound psychological, neurological and identity transformation of becoming a mother. Understanding it changed everything for my clients and I believe it can change everything for you.
Motherhood changes you, on every level. Biologically, psychologically and emotionally. And yet nobody prepares you for that.
I am a matrescence and perinatal mental health therapist specialising in the full journey from pregnancy through postpartum. If you are struggling and cannot quite understand why, matrescence might be the missing piece.
Matrescence is the profound psychological, neurological and identity transformation of becoming a mother. Understanding it changed everything for my clients and I believe it can change everything for you.
If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help. Difficulties can often be resolved within only a few sessions – sometimes just one – and in this way can provide good value for money.
If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help. Difficulties can often be resolved within only a few sessions – sometimes just one – and in this way can provide good value for money.
As a therapist, I firmly believe that each of us holds the answers to our own issues within. My role here is to help you recognise these and support you in working through them. I will aim to create a trusting counselling relationship throughout our sessions, where you can feel able to express your feelings in an empathic and accepting environment. Through this collaboration, our aim would be for you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, in turn facilitating the change you are aspiring to achieve.
As a therapist, I firmly believe that each of us holds the answers to our own issues within. My role here is to help you recognise these and support you in working through them. I will aim to create a trusting counselling relationship throughout our sessions, where you can feel able to express your feelings in an empathic and accepting environment. Through this collaboration, our aim would be for you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, in turn facilitating the change you are aspiring to achieve.
I am a pluralistic counsellor, working collaboratively with you and drawing from different therapeutic approaches to suit your needs. My practice is informed by experiential, relational, somatic, and parts work, supporting exploration of thoughts, emotions, and bodily experience with curiosity and care. I offer a compassionate, inclusive space, recognising the impact of relationships, culture, and social context. I also use creative approaches where helpful, tailoring our work to your pace and what feels most supportive for you.
I am a pluralistic counsellor, working collaboratively with you and drawing from different therapeutic approaches to suit your needs. My practice is informed by experiential, relational, somatic, and parts work, supporting exploration of thoughts, emotions, and bodily experience with curiosity and care. I offer a compassionate, inclusive space, recognising the impact of relationships, culture, and social context. I also use creative approaches where helpful, tailoring our work to your pace and what feels most supportive for you.
Families: I specialise in young adults/students and their parents; blended families; alienation; child contact
After working in conflict zones and with gang violence abroad, I am very interested in violence and masculinity. I work with men a lot. I also specialise in spirituality, mindfulness and dream work. I am Scotland’s first certified emotionally focused therapist. I was the first to join the Association for Family Therapy's register of systemic practitioners.
Families: I specialise in young adults/students and their parents; blended families; alienation; child contact
After working in conflict zones and with gang violence abroad, I am very interested in violence and masculinity. I work with men a lot. I also specialise in spirituality, mindfulness and dream work. I am Scotland’s first certified emotionally focused therapist. I was the first to join the Association for Family Therapy's register of systemic practitioners.
I am a professionally qualified and experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. I have undertaken extensive continued professional development which has included training in the Dynamics of Attachment in Adult Life; Therapeutic Assessment; Infant Observation and Therapeutic Supervision. I have a particular interest in the relationship between shame and trauma.
I am a professionally qualified and experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. I have undertaken extensive continued professional development which has included training in the Dynamics of Attachment in Adult Life; Therapeutic Assessment; Infant Observation and Therapeutic Supervision. I have a particular interest in the relationship between shame and trauma.
I am a Pluralistic counsellor with 25 years of experience working with adults, children & young people in a variety of settings. Counselling will help you identify and move past the obstacles that may have been keeping you back in your life and to identify your personal values and strengths. It will empower you to see your life through a different lens, to gain new perspectives and achieve the outcomes you’re striving for. Anxiety, depression, stress, negative thinking patterns... can affect parts of your life and your ability to handle your situation. Are you ready to explore the possibilities for a happier and healthier life?
I am a Pluralistic counsellor with 25 years of experience working with adults, children & young people in a variety of settings. Counselling will help you identify and move past the obstacles that may have been keeping you back in your life and to identify your personal values and strengths. It will empower you to see your life through a different lens, to gain new perspectives and achieve the outcomes you’re striving for. Anxiety, depression, stress, negative thinking patterns... can affect parts of your life and your ability to handle your situation. Are you ready to explore the possibilities for a happier and healthier life?
I work with a wide range of mental health concerns. I’m non-judgemental, honest, and supportive while being able to challenge you in ways that promote your capacity to improve your well-being.
Clients I frequently help are men struggling with their mental health and people who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, bereavement due to suicide, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, a background of childhood trauma and/or neglect, conflict with family/friends/partners, difficulty with maintaining boundaries, nightmares, and panic attacks.
I work with a wide range of mental health concerns. I’m non-judgemental, honest, and supportive while being able to challenge you in ways that promote your capacity to improve your well-being.
Clients I frequently help are men struggling with their mental health and people who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, bereavement due to suicide, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, a background of childhood trauma and/or neglect, conflict with family/friends/partners, difficulty with maintaining boundaries, nightmares, and panic attacks.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
Nearby Parenting Counsellors Searches for Edinburgh
- Balerno
- Bathgate
- Blackford
- Dalkeith
- Dunfermline
- Haddington
- Linlithgow
- Livingston
- Musselburgh
- Prestonpans
- South Queensferry
- Tranent
Parenting Counsellors
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.