Parenting Counselling in Edinburgh

Photo of Emma Rhodes, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Emma Rhodes
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Edinburgh EH12
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.
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Photo of Dr Tej ., Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Tej .
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
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.
020 3870 3028 View 020 3870 3028
Photo of Pippa Watson Rees, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Pippa Watson Rees
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Integrating 30 years of clinical experience & professional training I work with adults, new parents & couples who experience problems in their relationships, becoming a parent, or just dealing with what life is bringing.
I offer brief counselling (6-24 sessions) or open ended therapy. Since 2021 I've worked in a Perinatal service offering Postnatal Groups + 1:1 counselling to new & expectant parents (Tues/Thurs) & in 2024 I trained in Couple Counselling and will be offering this in private practice from the autumn.
Integrating 30 years of clinical experience & professional training I work with adults, new parents & couples who experience problems in their relationships, becoming a parent, or just dealing with what life is bringing.
I offer brief counselling (6-24 sessions) or open ended therapy. Since 2021 I've worked in a Perinatal service offering Postnatal Groups + 1:1 counselling to new & expectant parents (Tues/Thurs) & in 2024 I trained in Couple Counselling and will be offering this in private practice from the autumn.
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Photo of Ruth Burnett, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Ruth Burnett
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I usually begin with an online face-to-face consultation for me and parent(s) to talk about what's been going on, and what the hopes and aims of the whole family are.
Children and teenagers significantly benefit from counselling therapies, which studies demonstrate are highly effective both in the short and long term. For older children and teenagers, talking therapy offers a unique, safe space to explore and understand feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety. Younger children can benefit from a combination of play and talking therapy to help them process difficult experiences.
I usually begin with an online face-to-face consultation for me and parent(s) to talk about what's been going on, and what the hopes and aims of the whole family are.
Children and teenagers significantly benefit from counselling therapies, which studies demonstrate are highly effective both in the short and long term. For older children and teenagers, talking therapy offers a unique, safe space to explore and understand feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety. Younger children can benefit from a combination of play and talking therapy to help them process difficult experiences.
0131 510 3790 View 0131 510 3790
Photo of Diana Sim, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Diana Sim
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
My special areas of interest are young people and transitions, work related issues, parenting issues including pre and post-partum experiences and the impact of family dynamics.
My approach is grounded in a deep sense of curiosity and a genuine desire to understand your unique experience, I bring my calm, thoughtful presence to each session. I am a psychodynamic therapist which means that, when relevant, I will think about your whole story as well as the things that are affecting your day-to-day life.
My special areas of interest are young people and transitions, work related issues, parenting issues including pre and post-partum experiences and the impact of family dynamics.
My approach is grounded in a deep sense of curiosity and a genuine desire to understand your unique experience, I bring my calm, thoughtful presence to each session. I am a psychodynamic therapist which means that, when relevant, I will think about your whole story as well as the things that are affecting your day-to-day life.
0131 381 8755 View 0131 381 8755
Photo of Lorena Recio Aparicio, Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Lorena Recio Aparicio
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
I also help with setting healthy boundaries in romantic relationships, family dynamics and parenting, fostering stronger and more fulfilling connections.
Many of my clients are adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in low self-esteem, or emotionally drained by relationship difficulties. Some are going through big life transitions or struggling to set healthy boundaries. They want to feel more balanced, confident, and able to cope. Often, they’re looking for a calm, supportive space where they can make sense of their thoughts and feelings – in a way that feels safe, respectful and non-judgmental.
I also help with setting healthy boundaries in romantic relationships, family dynamics and parenting, fostering stronger and more fulfilling connections.
Many of my clients are adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in low self-esteem, or emotionally drained by relationship difficulties. Some are going through big life transitions or struggling to set healthy boundaries. They want to feel more balanced, confident, and able to cope. Often, they’re looking for a calm, supportive space where they can make sense of their thoughts and feelings – in a way that feels safe, respectful and non-judgmental.
0131 381 8043 View 0131 381 8043
Photo of Rachel Gray - Rachel Gray Psychotherapy , Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Rachel Gray Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Having 4 teenagers myself, I understand as a parent how hard it can be navigating the difficulties children and teenagers face.
I offer a warm and safe space where I can support you fully to explore your difficulties. Prior to working as a therapist, I worked for over 20 years with adults and children experiencing a wide range of difficulties in various settings. At our first session, we can talk about what has brought you to seek counselling, and what you would like support with.
Having 4 teenagers myself, I understand as a parent how hard it can be navigating the difficulties children and teenagers face.
I offer a warm and safe space where I can support you fully to explore your difficulties. Prior to working as a therapist, I worked for over 20 years with adults and children experiencing a wide range of difficulties in various settings. At our first session, we can talk about what has brought you to seek counselling, and what you would like support with.
0131 381 0870 View 0131 381 0870
Photo of Greg Barton, Counsellor, MBACP
Greg Barton
Counsellor, MBACP
I also work with families and complex parent & child relationships
Working online and where possible face to face I seek to establish a safe space where you are able to explore those challenges in your life that keep you from moving forward or from leading the life that you aspire to have. ​"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." ​ - Viktor Frankl
I also work with families and complex parent & child relationships
Working online and where possible face to face I seek to establish a safe space where you are able to explore those challenges in your life that keep you from moving forward or from leading the life that you aspire to have. ​"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." ​ - Viktor Frankl
0131 357 3826 View 0131 357 3826
Photo of Zainab Ashraf, Counsellor, MBACP
Zainab Ashraf
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I also specialise in women's mental health, fertility issues, birth trauma, abortion, pregnancy loss, parenting concerns, menopause and reproductive health issues.
I offer help to you if you are suffering from anxiety, depression or relationship issues. My purpose is to help you process and heal from those life experiences that are causing pain and distress, to build resilience and to live a life that feels peaceful and fulfilling.
I also specialise in women's mental health, fertility issues, birth trauma, abortion, pregnancy loss, parenting concerns, menopause and reproductive health issues.
I offer help to you if you are suffering from anxiety, depression or relationship issues. My purpose is to help you process and heal from those life experiences that are causing pain and distress, to build resilience and to live a life that feels peaceful and fulfilling.
028 2744 0448 View 028 2744 0448
Photo of Athina Patsoule, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Athina Patsoule
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Online Only
Since 2010, I have been working privately and also collaborating with various public and private organisations, offering individual, couples and group counselling and psychotherapy as well as parenting counselling.
I offer psychotherapy to adults facing challenges like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-esteem issues, family difficulties, relationship issues, personal development concerns, and critical life transitions such as childbearing, separation, divorce, job changes, retirement, illness, or bereavement.
Since 2010, I have been working privately and also collaborating with various public and private organisations, offering individual, couples and group counselling and psychotherapy as well as parenting counselling.
I offer psychotherapy to adults facing challenges like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-esteem issues, family difficulties, relationship issues, personal development concerns, and critical life transitions such as childbearing, separation, divorce, job changes, retirement, illness, or bereavement.
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Photo of Dr Melody Smith, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Melody Smith
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a parent myself, I lead with humility and prioritise whats practical and possible.
Does your child or loved one challenge you? Not in the ways that others might think... Somehow their behaviour is just... different! But in ways that only you understand. Perhaps your loved one runs away, doesn't listen, spits, shouts, masks or has frequent "meltdowns". Or perhaps you suspect your loved one has a condition like Autism or ADHD- maybe they were recently diagnosed. No matter what is underlying your loved one's challenging behaviour, I want to help you reduce the behaviours so that your loved-one can achieve their full potential!
As a parent myself, I lead with humility and prioritise whats practical and possible.
Does your child or loved one challenge you? Not in the ways that others might think... Somehow their behaviour is just... different! But in ways that only you understand. Perhaps your loved one runs away, doesn't listen, spits, shouts, masks or has frequent "meltdowns". Or perhaps you suspect your loved one has a condition like Autism or ADHD- maybe they were recently diagnosed. No matter what is underlying your loved one's challenging behaviour, I want to help you reduce the behaviours so that your loved-one can achieve their full potential!
020 3879 4406 View 020 3879 4406
Photo of Marie Finlay, Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Marie Finlay
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you a parent concerned about your child’s happiness, anxiety, or well-being?
Together, we'll work towards solutions that honour their individuality and experiences. Adolescence can be tough, but I’m here to help them regain control and build resilience. Using proven therapeutic approaches and personalised support, I help young people develop the tools they need to manage anxiety with confidence.
Are you a parent concerned about your child’s happiness, anxiety, or well-being?
Together, we'll work towards solutions that honour their individuality and experiences. Adolescence can be tough, but I’m here to help them regain control and build resilience. Using proven therapeutic approaches and personalised support, I help young people develop the tools they need to manage anxiety with confidence.
01578 517323 View 01578 517323
Photo of Jocelyn Mckinlay, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Jocelyn Mckinlay
Psychotherapist, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I understand the additional pressures that are often faced by lone parent families.
Hi, my name is Jocelyn, searching for support is a brave first step. As a result of the profound personaI growth I experienced from attending counselling for difficulties I was experiencing. I decided to retrain professionally in order to fulfill my passion & support others with their difficulties. I believe that change is truly possible for everyone. Maybe your feeling stuck in life, or living with depression & anxiety? I offer a calm,non judgemental and supportive space for everyone. In session you will feel truly seen & heard. Our sessions will be relaxed and entirely focused on you.
I understand the additional pressures that are often faced by lone parent families.
Hi, my name is Jocelyn, searching for support is a brave first step. As a result of the profound personaI growth I experienced from attending counselling for difficulties I was experiencing. I decided to retrain professionally in order to fulfill my passion & support others with their difficulties. I believe that change is truly possible for everyone. Maybe your feeling stuck in life, or living with depression & anxiety? I offer a calm,non judgemental and supportive space for everyone. In session you will feel truly seen & heard. Our sessions will be relaxed and entirely focused on you.
01875 444626 View 01875 444626
Photo of Dr Craig Dunn, Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Craig Dunn
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
School Counselling Packages Available including child, parent and teacher sessions.
Hello and thank you for looking into my profile. It can be challenging finding the right therapist amidst a sea of warm faces and shiny profiles full of experience. However, I firmly believe that like any relationship, the therapeutic one needs to feel like a 'good fit' too. This outlook forms the ethos of my therapy practice as a counselling psychologist where I work in collaboration with a client to bring change through the healing properties of a relationship. At present, I am supporting clients to understand patterns of behaviours from early life that might be impacting adversely on contentment and relationships.
School Counselling Packages Available including child, parent and teacher sessions.
Hello and thank you for looking into my profile. It can be challenging finding the right therapist amidst a sea of warm faces and shiny profiles full of experience. However, I firmly believe that like any relationship, the therapeutic one needs to feel like a 'good fit' too. This outlook forms the ethos of my therapy practice as a counselling psychologist where I work in collaboration with a client to bring change through the healing properties of a relationship. At present, I am supporting clients to understand patterns of behaviours from early life that might be impacting adversely on contentment and relationships.
0141 673 0100 View 0141 673 0100
Photo of Jacki Knox, Counsellor, DCounsPsych
Jacki Knox
Counsellor, DCounsPsych
Online Only
Areas that I work with include depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, menopause, OCD, family breakdown, school refusal, parenting issues, PTSD, panic attacks, relationship and work difficulties.
Are you finding that everyday life is feeling like a battle? Have you lost the joy for things that previously brought you happiness? Or perhaps you feel that your patience and tolerance is not what it used to be. I see everyday, people who are so busy looking after those around them, they forget to look after themselves, but you will never regret prioritising your mental health. I believe that everyone has the power to overcome life's challenges and discover their true potential. In our counselling sessions, I will help you build resilience, improve your emotional wellbeing, and achieve your goals.
Areas that I work with include depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, menopause, OCD, family breakdown, school refusal, parenting issues, PTSD, panic attacks, relationship and work difficulties.
Are you finding that everyday life is feeling like a battle? Have you lost the joy for things that previously brought you happiness? Or perhaps you feel that your patience and tolerance is not what it used to be. I see everyday, people who are so busy looking after those around them, they forget to look after themselves, but you will never regret prioritising your mental health. I believe that everyone has the power to overcome life's challenges and discover their true potential. In our counselling sessions, I will help you build resilience, improve your emotional wellbeing, and achieve your goals.
01968 700314 View 01968 700314
Photo of Linda Smith, Counsellor, MBACP
Linda Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I support issues such as anxiety, addictions, self-harming and Trauma, Depression, Parenting Concerns, Relationship Conflicts, gender and sexuality, and Self-Esteem….
Sometimes we experience changes or traumas that leave us struggling with the pressures of life, relationships, work, or studies. This can affect our self-esteem, our sense of identity, and our ability to cope. This can become overwhelming and may lead us to unhelpful or harmful thoughts and behaviours. With help, we can overcome our difficulties and learn to manage our emotions more effectively. With compassion, empathy, respect, and a safe space, we feel heard, considered, and valued. By understanding our thoughts and behaviours we can feel empowered to make positive changes that can lead us to fuller and more enjoyable lives.
I support issues such as anxiety, addictions, self-harming and Trauma, Depression, Parenting Concerns, Relationship Conflicts, gender and sexuality, and Self-Esteem….
Sometimes we experience changes or traumas that leave us struggling with the pressures of life, relationships, work, or studies. This can affect our self-esteem, our sense of identity, and our ability to cope. This can become overwhelming and may lead us to unhelpful or harmful thoughts and behaviours. With help, we can overcome our difficulties and learn to manage our emotions more effectively. With compassion, empathy, respect, and a safe space, we feel heard, considered, and valued. By understanding our thoughts and behaviours we can feel empowered to make positive changes that can lead us to fuller and more enjoyable lives.
0141 673 0253 View 0141 673 0253
Photo of Louise Burchell, Counsellor, MA
Louise Burchell
Counsellor, MA
My passion lies in supporting women and men through the emotional complexities of pre-conception, fertility treatment, pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. However, I also welcome individuals from all walks of life who are looking for compassionate, professional counselling. I am a qualified Pluralistic Counsellor with almost 20 years experience working in mental health across a variety of roles, and provide both in-person and online counselling from George Street in Edinburgh.
My passion lies in supporting women and men through the emotional complexities of pre-conception, fertility treatment, pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. However, I also welcome individuals from all walks of life who are looking for compassionate, professional counselling. I am a qualified Pluralistic Counsellor with almost 20 years experience working in mental health across a variety of roles, and provide both in-person and online counselling from George Street in Edinburgh.
0131 381 0812 View 0131 381 0812
Photo of Linsey Revell, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Linsey Revell
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Online Only
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.
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Photo of Dr Catriona Jack, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Catriona Jack
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
Do you feel a bit lost, frustrated, down or hopeless and unsure of how to make changes? Perhaps you feel like you are repeating the same life patterns. You may feel like you have tried everything and are on your last attempt. Well done for taking this step as I understand how daunting it can be, having done so myself. Lots of people are unsure of what to expect, fear being judged, or have difficulty opening up. I believe we could all benefit from therapy at times. How often do you have someone listen entirely to you in life? Choosing the right therapist can be overwhelming and its important we connect first in a free 15 minute call.
Do you feel a bit lost, frustrated, down or hopeless and unsure of how to make changes? Perhaps you feel like you are repeating the same life patterns. You may feel like you have tried everything and are on your last attempt. Well done for taking this step as I understand how daunting it can be, having done so myself. Lots of people are unsure of what to expect, fear being judged, or have difficulty opening up. I believe we could all benefit from therapy at times. How often do you have someone listen entirely to you in life? Choosing the right therapist can be overwhelming and its important we connect first in a free 15 minute call.
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Photo of Laura Savage, Counsellor, BACP
Laura Savage
Counsellor, BACP
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH15
I specialize in helping parents reconnect with themselves and rediscover a sense of calm and joy. At Reconnect Counselling, I offer tailored counselling and psychotherapy services for individual and couples. Whether you're navigating parenthood, struggling with anxiety or depression, facing relationship issues, or coping with the loss of a miscarriage, I’m here to support you. Together, we can explore your thoughts and emotions, helping you reconnect with the parts of yourself that you may feel have been lost. My approach is grounded in compassion, empowerment, and a belief that change is possible.
I specialize in helping parents reconnect with themselves and rediscover a sense of calm and joy. At Reconnect Counselling, I offer tailored counselling and psychotherapy services for individual and couples. Whether you're navigating parenthood, struggling with anxiety or depression, facing relationship issues, or coping with the loss of a miscarriage, I’m here to support you. Together, we can explore your thoughts and emotions, helping you reconnect with the parts of yourself that you may feel have been lost. My approach is grounded in compassion, empowerment, and a belief that change is possible.
0131 381 5140 View 0131 381 5140

See more therapy options for Edinburgh

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.