Counselling in Edinburgh
Whatever brings you to counselling, it is a recognition that you are inquisitive and want to understand more about yourself. You may have been affected by particular circumstances and events in your life or you may just feel that you want a new direction, whatever it is it is hard to do it on your own. Think of me as accompanying you on your journey and being the back-up support team. The counselling space is here for you to tell your story, reflect on your experiences and develop new perspectives. You will find a calm, gentle space where your voice will be heard.
Whatever brings you to counselling, it is a recognition that you are inquisitive and want to understand more about yourself. You may have been affected by particular circumstances and events in your life or you may just feel that you want a new direction, whatever it is it is hard to do it on your own. Think of me as accompanying you on your journey and being the back-up support team. The counselling space is here for you to tell your story, reflect on your experiences and develop new perspectives. You will find a calm, gentle space where your voice will be heard.
I believe that a deep, equitable, non-judging and trusting relationship, between two people is at the heart of all successful therapy. In the words of E.E. Cummings, ‘It takes courage to grow and become who you really are’ I have found that growing and developing a sense of who we truly believe we are, in the relation to our past, ourself, our families, friends and society is a life long endeavour. It is my belief that it helps us when we can practice self-love, to raise our self-esteem and to realise that we are deserving of love and respect. That each and every one of us is more than good enough.
I believe that a deep, equitable, non-judging and trusting relationship, between two people is at the heart of all successful therapy. In the words of E.E. Cummings, ‘It takes courage to grow and become who you really are’ I have found that growing and developing a sense of who we truly believe we are, in the relation to our past, ourself, our families, friends and society is a life long endeavour. It is my belief that it helps us when we can practice self-love, to raise our self-esteem and to realise that we are deserving of love and respect. That each and every one of us is more than good enough.
There's often a gap between who we are and who we want to be.
You're not alone in feeling this way. My approach is friendly, non-judgmental, and always very practical. You can become a happier, healthier version of you.
There's often a gap between who we are and who we want to be.
You're not alone in feeling this way. My approach is friendly, non-judgmental, and always very practical. You can become a happier, healthier version of you.
Hello, my name is Rachel Gray, and I would be delighted to offer you therapeutic support. I offer both short and long term therapy for adults, young people, and children in central Edinburgh. It can feel daunting when you make the decision to find a counsellor; to acknowledge, even just to yourself, that you may need some support to work through a current or historical difficulty. Having 4 teenagers myself, I understand as a parent how hard it can be navigating the difficulties children and teenagers face. With younger people, I tend to work more creatively as talking therapy can be quite scary on its own for younger clients.
Hello, my name is Rachel Gray, and I would be delighted to offer you therapeutic support. I offer both short and long term therapy for adults, young people, and children in central Edinburgh. It can feel daunting when you make the decision to find a counsellor; to acknowledge, even just to yourself, that you may need some support to work through a current or historical difficulty. Having 4 teenagers myself, I understand as a parent how hard it can be navigating the difficulties children and teenagers face. With younger people, I tend to work more creatively as talking therapy can be quite scary on its own for younger clients.
UPDATE- practice closed later in 2026 . . . Contact form via website / / /
Just Human Therapy is a humanist, feminist, LGBTQ+ affirming online counselling service based in Scotland. Going to therapy can feel tough, so I aim to make it as approachable as possible. Often this isn't a quick fix, but an explorative, collaborative process to come back to who you are and what you need. If you're struggling with low mood, lingering trauma affects, or obsessive worry, I can support your steps forward.
UPDATE- practice closed later in 2026 . . . Contact form via website / / /
Just Human Therapy is a humanist, feminist, LGBTQ+ affirming online counselling service based in Scotland. Going to therapy can feel tough, so I aim to make it as approachable as possible. Often this isn't a quick fix, but an explorative, collaborative process to come back to who you are and what you need. If you're struggling with low mood, lingering trauma affects, or obsessive worry, I can support your steps forward.
Let me start by saying I believe no part of you is wrong, faulty or irrational - and I want to help you understand why you're responding to things in the way that you do. I also don't believe shaming ourselves out of our struggles is effective.
You may be wrestling with how you feel about yourself, or having challenges in close relationships. This could present as depression, anxiety, low self esteem, anger, issues with alcohol/drugs or food, or other challenging behaviours. I particularly value working with people who feel very deeply, known as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs.) Daytime, evening and Saturday appointments offered.
Let me start by saying I believe no part of you is wrong, faulty or irrational - and I want to help you understand why you're responding to things in the way that you do. I also don't believe shaming ourselves out of our struggles is effective.
You may be wrestling with how you feel about yourself, or having challenges in close relationships. This could present as depression, anxiety, low self esteem, anger, issues with alcohol/drugs or food, or other challenging behaviours. I particularly value working with people who feel very deeply, known as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs.) Daytime, evening and Saturday appointments offered.
Do you feel at times you’re on the outside of life looking in? Society’s expectations and demands can be overwhelming, everyone else seems “sorted” while you are struggling with thoughts, identity, relationships, life events.
Do you feel at times you’re on the outside of life looking in? Society’s expectations and demands can be overwhelming, everyone else seems “sorted” while you are struggling with thoughts, identity, relationships, life events.
I am a fully accredited Counselling Psychologist and EMDR therapist with a specialist interest in relational trauma and C-PTSD. I work with adults who have experienced ongoing or developmental trauma, including emotional neglect, abuse, attachment trauma, and relational wounds that continue to affect self-esteem, relationships, and a sense of safety in the world.
Many of the people I work with describe feeling “stuck", living with chronic anxiety, shame, emotional overwhelm, dissociation, or a sense that something is wrong. My role is to offer a thoughtful, collaborative space where we can explore these experiences together.
I am a fully accredited Counselling Psychologist and EMDR therapist with a specialist interest in relational trauma and C-PTSD. I work with adults who have experienced ongoing or developmental trauma, including emotional neglect, abuse, attachment trauma, and relational wounds that continue to affect self-esteem, relationships, and a sense of safety in the world.
Many of the people I work with describe feeling “stuck", living with chronic anxiety, shame, emotional overwhelm, dissociation, or a sense that something is wrong. My role is to offer a thoughtful, collaborative space where we can explore these experiences together.
Excellence, Compassion, Not Giving Up On You
Zoe Chouliara Psychology
Director Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
We are an Awarded, Specialist, Boutique Psychology/Mental Health Clinic in the heart of City centre Edinburgh. No juniors, no associates.
Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara has 17 years of clinical experience in working with severe and/complex psychological difficulties and 14 years of supervising and training others.
We are Trauma Specialists, Gender Specialist (BPS National Register) and specialist in plastic surgery.
We handle anything you've got.
Excellence, Compassion, Not Giving Up On You
Zoe Chouliara Psychology
Director Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
We are an Awarded, Specialist, Boutique Psychology/Mental Health Clinic in the heart of City centre Edinburgh. No juniors, no associates.
Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara has 17 years of clinical experience in working with severe and/complex psychological difficulties and 14 years of supervising and training others.
We are Trauma Specialists, Gender Specialist (BPS National Register) and specialist in plastic surgery.
We handle anything you've got.
Starting therapy can seem daunting and scary at first. But it's the first step you have taken to embark on this journey. Feeling isolated and not able to make sense of the world around you? Questioning all that you have grown up with? Racing thoughts constantly clouding your mind? Feeling detached, anxious or upset? Not sure how to process what you are experiencing? All this seems pretty overwhelming but more common than you think. Through acceptance and kindness why not allow yourself to be able to make sense of all this through therapy. Let each session speak for itself and discover different parts of yourself.
Starting therapy can seem daunting and scary at first. But it's the first step you have taken to embark on this journey. Feeling isolated and not able to make sense of the world around you? Questioning all that you have grown up with? Racing thoughts constantly clouding your mind? Feeling detached, anxious or upset? Not sure how to process what you are experiencing? All this seems pretty overwhelming but more common than you think. Through acceptance and kindness why not allow yourself to be able to make sense of all this through therapy. Let each session speak for itself and discover different parts of yourself.
—Currently accepting new clients—
Hi, I’m Laura. Thankyou for taking this brave step towards finding a counsellor. I know what it is like to be struggling and I am sorry that you are not functioning as the best version of yourself. I work with women and girls predominantly facing struggles with anxiety, depression (including perinatal), panic, emotional dysregulation, low self esteem, struggles within motherhood, relationship and friendship difficulties, challenges within neurodiversity, bipolar disorder, BPD and PMDD. Please reach out to discuss other requirements.
—Currently accepting new clients—
Hi, I’m Laura. Thankyou for taking this brave step towards finding a counsellor. I know what it is like to be struggling and I am sorry that you are not functioning as the best version of yourself. I work with women and girls predominantly facing struggles with anxiety, depression (including perinatal), panic, emotional dysregulation, low self esteem, struggles within motherhood, relationship and friendship difficulties, challenges within neurodiversity, bipolar disorder, BPD and PMDD. Please reach out to discuss other requirements.
I support children aged 3-13 with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Seeking therapy can be daunting, but I aim to offer a safe, supportive environment where children can work through their difficulties at a pace that suits them. Play Therapy is a gentle, child-led approach that creates lasting long-term skills. By offering early support to children we give them the best possible chance of thriving, and prevent their difficulties from worsening over time.
I support children aged 3-13 with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Seeking therapy can be daunting, but I aim to offer a safe, supportive environment where children can work through their difficulties at a pace that suits them. Play Therapy is a gentle, child-led approach that creates lasting long-term skills. By offering early support to children we give them the best possible chance of thriving, and prevent their difficulties from worsening over time.
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.
Hello,
I am an Art Therapist and I am passionate about using art as a powerful tool to explore thoughts and emotions and supporting others to do this. You don't have to have previous experience, be good at art or use any in our sessions however.
My approach is inclusive and trauma-informed and I collaborate with clients to work on their individual aims.
Hello,
I am an Art Therapist and I am passionate about using art as a powerful tool to explore thoughts and emotions and supporting others to do this. You don't have to have previous experience, be good at art or use any in our sessions however.
My approach is inclusive and trauma-informed and I collaborate with clients to work on their individual aims.
Hello, my name is Anna Planedin and my main approach is psychodynamic but I also integrate person-centered and emotionally focused therapies. I help people find relief and movement from a place of feeling 'stuck.' I specialize in working with chronic pain, loss, trauma 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 approach is psychodynamic but I also integrate person-centered and emotionally focused therapies. I help people find relief and movement from a place of feeling 'stuck.' I specialize in working with chronic pain, loss, trauma 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.
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’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.
Have you had a recent difficult experience? Or maybe you are going through something painful just now? Perhaps you feel stuck and unable to move forward? It can often be difficult to understand feelings such as anxiety, overwhelm, panic, distress, fear, immobilisation, anger or sadness. Working collaboratively with you, at your own pace, I can help you process your feelings and faciliate a deeper and compassionate understanding of your current situation. In exploring and talking about both your present and past experiences and memories, I can offer you a safe and calming space to help you move forward.
Have you had a recent difficult experience? Or maybe you are going through something painful just now? Perhaps you feel stuck and unable to move forward? It can often be difficult to understand feelings such as anxiety, overwhelm, panic, distress, fear, immobilisation, anger or sadness. Working collaboratively with you, at your own pace, I can help you process your feelings and faciliate a deeper and compassionate understanding of your current situation. In exploring and talking about both your present and past experiences and memories, I can offer you a safe and calming space to help you move forward.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in loops of overthinking, or worn down from trying to cope on your own, therapy can offer a place to pause and breathe. Many people I work with say things like, “My mind never switches off,” or “I’m exhausted from holding everything together.” You might feel trapped in your thoughts, constantly on edge, or quietly battling self-doubt while getting on with daily life. Often there’s a sense of, “I don’t know how I got here — I just know I can’t keep going like this.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in loops of overthinking, or worn down from trying to cope on your own, therapy can offer a place to pause and breathe. Many people I work with say things like, “My mind never switches off,” or “I’m exhausted from holding everything together.” You might feel trapped in your thoughts, constantly on edge, or quietly battling self-doubt while getting on with daily life. Often there’s a sense of, “I don’t know how I got here — I just know I can’t keep going like this.”
Hi I'm Sandra. Starting therapy can be beneficial to anyone who is experiencing emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges. I am a trained counsellor and I can provide a supportive and confidential space to work through these difficulties. I believe that everyone has the ability to heal and grow, and I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is important to find a counsellor who is a good fit for you as I think the relationship that we build together is a key factor in the healing process.
Hi I'm Sandra. Starting therapy can be beneficial to anyone who is experiencing emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges. I am a trained counsellor and I can provide a supportive and confidential space to work through these difficulties. I believe that everyone has the ability to heal and grow, and I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is important to find a counsellor who is a good fit for you as I think the relationship that we build together is a key factor in the healing process.
My mode of therapy is psychodynamic, based on Freudian psychoanalysis, where a basic, central, premise was his view of the mind. Freud’s belief intimated that some of what we experience on a day-to-day basis e.g. emotions, beliefs and impulses; takes place in the unconscious and is not available to the conscious mind. Similarly, my belief, is that the unconscious mind governs behaviour to a much greater degree than people suspect and my therapy involves deep exploration of clients’ past to access, and understand, the root cause of their problems. The emphasis of psychodynamic therapy is on the trust between client and therapist.
My mode of therapy is psychodynamic, based on Freudian psychoanalysis, where a basic, central, premise was his view of the mind. Freud’s belief intimated that some of what we experience on a day-to-day basis e.g. emotions, beliefs and impulses; takes place in the unconscious and is not available to the conscious mind. Similarly, my belief, is that the unconscious mind governs behaviour to a much greater degree than people suspect and my therapy involves deep exploration of clients’ past to access, and understand, the root cause of their problems. The emphasis of psychodynamic therapy is on the trust between client and therapist.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Edinburgh
700+
Average cost per session
£64
Counsellors in Edinburgh who prioritize treating:
| 89% | Anxiety |
| 81% | Depression |
| 80% | Self Esteem |
| 76% | Stress |
| 75% | Relationship Issues |
| 68% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 53% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 70% | Aviva |
| 56% | Bupa |
| 56% | AXA PPP |
How Counsellors in Edinburgh see their clients
| 70% | In Person and Online | |
| 30% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 73% | Female | |
| 24% | Male | |
| 3% | Non-Binary |