Chronic Illness Counselling in Midlothian
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
Therapy is a space to be, a gift of self-care. This is an opportunity to receive, to be heard, to learn healthy and adaptive ways to be in relationship with self and others. My approach is wholistic, integrative, and intuitive; guiding you to identify, feel, and understand your needs and emotions, reset and nurture the nervous system, learn to hold boundaries, and connect to your authentic self. Helping identify and transmute beliefs that no longer serve, from "I'm not good enough" to "I am worthy"; moving from fear to love & acceptance. Helping the mind-brain to communicate and ground into your heart and body.
Therapy is a space to be, a gift of self-care. This is an opportunity to receive, to be heard, to learn healthy and adaptive ways to be in relationship with self and others. My approach is wholistic, integrative, and intuitive; guiding you to identify, feel, and understand your needs and emotions, reset and nurture the nervous system, learn to hold boundaries, and connect to your authentic self. Helping identify and transmute beliefs that no longer serve, from "I'm not good enough" to "I am worthy"; moving from fear to love & acceptance. Helping the mind-brain to communicate and ground into your heart and body.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, trauma, loss, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Many clients come feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves. My practice is welcoming to people from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent people, and those in diverse relationships. Together, we create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, gain insight, build resilience, and move towards a life that feels more fulfilling and authentic.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, trauma, loss, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Many clients come feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves. My practice is welcoming to people from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent people, and those in diverse relationships. Together, we create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, gain insight, build resilience, and move towards a life that feels more fulfilling and authentic.
As a Chartered Health Psychologist, my work is grounded in the understanding that many psychological difficulties make sense when viewed in the context of a person’s experiences, relationships, and environment. I work intigritively, drawing on multiple evidence-based approaches to support individuals navigating complex challenges, including trauma, mental health difficulties, and broader life stressors.
As a Chartered Health Psychologist, my work is grounded in the understanding that many psychological difficulties make sense when viewed in the context of a person’s experiences, relationships, and environment. I work intigritively, drawing on multiple evidence-based approaches to support individuals navigating complex challenges, including trauma, mental health difficulties, and broader life stressors.
In our bustling lives, where responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations of career, relationships, and personal growth pull at our every moment, it feels like navigating stormy seas and it's easy to lose sight of yourself amidst the turbulence. Finding a sanctuary for our wellbeing is vital. Imagine a place that's always safe and secure, a haven from the stresses and worries of your everyday life. My speciality is using Transactional Analysis (TA), a form of social psychology that helps you understand your personality, how you interact with others and how past life events could be affecting your here-and-now experience.
In our bustling lives, where responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations of career, relationships, and personal growth pull at our every moment, it feels like navigating stormy seas and it's easy to lose sight of yourself amidst the turbulence. Finding a sanctuary for our wellbeing is vital. Imagine a place that's always safe and secure, a haven from the stresses and worries of your everyday life. My speciality is using Transactional Analysis (TA), a form of social psychology that helps you understand your personality, how you interact with others and how past life events could be affecting your here-and-now experience.
I work with adults from any age group. I am available for anyone who is ready to make positive changes and would like to break free from old destructive thinking or behavioural patterns. Here to help you to get through any kind of loss, life challenges, stress, anxiety, changes that put your life on hold. I will provide a safe space where you can unload your thoughts without filters. Together with the right approach we can find specific tools tailored to you and will work on reaching your goals.
I work with adults from any age group. I am available for anyone who is ready to make positive changes and would like to break free from old destructive thinking or behavioural patterns. Here to help you to get through any kind of loss, life challenges, stress, anxiety, changes that put your life on hold. I will provide a safe space where you can unload your thoughts without filters. Together with the right approach we can find specific tools tailored to you and will work on reaching your goals.
I truly believe that making the first step to access therapy can be the hardest one to take, it can feel overwhelming and vulnerable. Do you struggle with re-playing traumatic life experiences? Battle with low mood? Feel anxious and on edge? Do these problems impact your life in many ways? Do you want to make positive changes to feel better? If you have answered yes to these, I can help! I am trained and experienced in supporting people who are suffering with trauma, low mood, anxiety and phobias. Together we can work towards achieving positive mental health and recovery from mental pain, which you deserve.
I truly believe that making the first step to access therapy can be the hardest one to take, it can feel overwhelming and vulnerable. Do you struggle with re-playing traumatic life experiences? Battle with low mood? Feel anxious and on edge? Do these problems impact your life in many ways? Do you want to make positive changes to feel better? If you have answered yes to these, I can help! I am trained and experienced in supporting people who are suffering with trauma, low mood, anxiety and phobias. Together we can work towards achieving positive mental health and recovery from mental pain, which you deserve.
I’m Chris, a person-centred counsellor based in Leith, with my practice overlooking the Shore. I welcome clients from across the UK for both face-to-face and online sessions. As a queer person and active member of the LGBT community, my personal journey has granted me valuable insight into the challenges of identity and acceptance. Having experienced prejudice and exclusion myself, I am deeply passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental space where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. My commitment is to offer a therapeutic environment where all aspects of you are welcomed and respected, regardless of your background.
I’m Chris, a person-centred counsellor based in Leith, with my practice overlooking the Shore. I welcome clients from across the UK for both face-to-face and online sessions. As a queer person and active member of the LGBT community, my personal journey has granted me valuable insight into the challenges of identity and acceptance. Having experienced prejudice and exclusion myself, I am deeply passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental space where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. My commitment is to offer a therapeutic environment where all aspects of you are welcomed and respected, regardless of your background.
I am an experienced therapist, working in central Edinburgh and online, using my person-centred and psychodynamic training. I can support you to get to know yourself more, find self compassion and care for yourself. I offer a safe space to bring your difficulties and for us to address them together. Clients comment on my warmth and empathy as well as a practical approach to whatever you are dealing with or exploring. I listen carefully and can offer a fresh perspective and understanding. Whatever has brought you to consider therapy, please get in touch and we can arrange to meet and discuss your needs.
I am an experienced therapist, working in central Edinburgh and online, using my person-centred and psychodynamic training. I can support you to get to know yourself more, find self compassion and care for yourself. I offer a safe space to bring your difficulties and for us to address them together. Clients comment on my warmth and empathy as well as a practical approach to whatever you are dealing with or exploring. I listen carefully and can offer a fresh perspective and understanding. Whatever has brought you to consider therapy, please get in touch and we can arrange to meet and discuss your needs.
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.
Free initial online consultation to discuss your needs and how we might work together. I offer safe, steady, calm, warm, and non-judgemental support to work through current or past difficulties that might feel too big or complex to face alone. I'm happy to work with individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, either online or in person. I'm also happy to work flexibly around childcare and/or work commitments.
Free initial online consultation to discuss your needs and how we might work together. I offer safe, steady, calm, warm, and non-judgemental support to work through current or past difficulties that might feel too big or complex to face alone. I'm happy to work with individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, either online or in person. I'm also happy to work flexibly around childcare and/or work commitments.
Online Therapists
I worked with Mental Heath, Psychotherapy and Supervision for the past 20 years (first abroad, then in the past few years, in the UK). I worked as a volunteer, in the private sector, and as a private practitioner. My background is in Clinical psychology and, in particular, psychotherapy. I have trained as a C. Psychologist and as Psychoanalytical Psychotherapist. I am familiar with a variety of different modalities and therapeutic approaches. I have worked with a variety of people from all age groups with different background and beliefs. https://www.lailarashid.com/home
I worked with Mental Heath, Psychotherapy and Supervision for the past 20 years (first abroad, then in the past few years, in the UK). I worked as a volunteer, in the private sector, and as a private practitioner. My background is in Clinical psychology and, in particular, psychotherapy. I have trained as a C. Psychologist and as Psychoanalytical Psychotherapist. I am familiar with a variety of different modalities and therapeutic approaches. I have worked with a variety of people from all age groups with different background and beliefs. https://www.lailarashid.com/home
Some of the most common concerns that I support people with are low mood, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, coping with chronic illness, grief, self-esteem, and identity exploration.
Drawing from my NHS and charity experience, I frequently work with people who have been affected by abuse, neglect, or trauma, as well as people who have faced marginalisation, discrimination, and oppression based on aspects of their identity (e.g. race, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, education, or faith/religion).
Some of the most common concerns that I support people with are low mood, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, coping with chronic illness, grief, self-esteem, and identity exploration.
Drawing from my NHS and charity experience, I frequently work with people who have been affected by abuse, neglect, or trauma, as well as people who have faced marginalisation, discrimination, and oppression based on aspects of their identity (e.g. race, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, education, or faith/religion).
Often we can think about situations differently, but we struggle to feel differently. This is why I work with embodiment and the felt-sense of our experiences. Having the supportive presence of another to explore our whole selves can help us find more choice and possibility in how we respond to the circumstances we find ourselves in. It can help us move from a place of fixity to flow.
I have a particular interest in early developmental trauma and how it impacts our nervous system and affects our lives far into adulthood.
Often we can think about situations differently, but we struggle to feel differently. This is why I work with embodiment and the felt-sense of our experiences. Having the supportive presence of another to explore our whole selves can help us find more choice and possibility in how we respond to the circumstances we find ourselves in. It can help us move from a place of fixity to flow.
I have a particular interest in early developmental trauma and how it impacts our nervous system and affects our lives far into adulthood.
Are you seeking a confidential space to explore and express yourself, where you are heard without judgement?
I’m Nova. I offer therapy in person, outdoors (in a place of your choosing), and online.
My experience supporting people and working with trauma gives a strong foundation to my therapy work. My approach is relational, drawing from different approaches and the understanding that we all have unique needs.
Together, we create a calm, compassionate space where you are heard and validated.
We work with what you bring, in ways that work for you. Different methods can offer different paths towards change.
Are you seeking a confidential space to explore and express yourself, where you are heard without judgement?
I’m Nova. I offer therapy in person, outdoors (in a place of your choosing), and online.
My experience supporting people and working with trauma gives a strong foundation to my therapy work. My approach is relational, drawing from different approaches and the understanding that we all have unique needs.
Together, we create a calm, compassionate space where you are heard and validated.
We work with what you bring, in ways that work for you. Different methods can offer different paths towards change.
Hello, I’m Carol. Feeling “stuck”, "lost", anxious or afraid and finding it hard to cope with daily life can be something we may all experience at some point in our lives. This can be difficult to navigate alone and I would like to support you by providing a safe, confidential space as we work together to help you gain insight, self-awareness, clarity, confidence and positive growth towards greater fulfilment. As a psychodynamic therapist, I will help you find your way again by unravelling hidden or unconscious aspects of you. Whatever the issue we can explore this together.
Hello, I’m Carol. Feeling “stuck”, "lost", anxious or afraid and finding it hard to cope with daily life can be something we may all experience at some point in our lives. This can be difficult to navigate alone and I would like to support you by providing a safe, confidential space as we work together to help you gain insight, self-awareness, clarity, confidence and positive growth towards greater fulfilment. As a psychodynamic therapist, I will help you find your way again by unravelling hidden or unconscious aspects of you. Whatever the issue we can explore this together.
I’m an experienced and Accredited Therapist with a specific focus in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I have also recovered from OCD myself.
Additionally, I have significant experience treating Anxiety, Addictions and Traumatic Stress.
I use a range of effective approaches to help treat these difficulties. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and supported. Together, we can navigate your challenges, and develop effective strategies that empower you toward lasting change. You can be free from your problems.
I look forward to working alongside you on this journey.
I’m an experienced and Accredited Therapist with a specific focus in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I have also recovered from OCD myself.
Additionally, I have significant experience treating Anxiety, Addictions and Traumatic Stress.
I use a range of effective approaches to help treat these difficulties. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and supported. Together, we can navigate your challenges, and develop effective strategies that empower you toward lasting change. You can be free from your problems.
I look forward to working alongside you on this journey.
I have a particular interest in working with clients navigating chronic illness.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I have a particular interest in working with clients navigating chronic illness.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
Our ideal clients are children, young people, and adults seeking clarity, understanding, and support around their mental health or neurodivergence. Many come to us feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of their next steps. Our experienced team provides thorough assessments, compassionate therapy, and personalised support, helping clients make sense of their experiences and build practical strategies to move forward with confidence and self-understanding.
Our ideal clients are children, young people, and adults seeking clarity, understanding, and support around their mental health or neurodivergence. Many come to us feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of their next steps. Our experienced team provides thorough assessments, compassionate therapy, and personalised support, helping clients make sense of their experiences and build practical strategies to move forward with confidence and self-understanding.
What happened to us, doesn't have to define us. The narrative of our issues can be transformed in something different. A healing story that can give you empowerment and freedom. We can feel angry, anxious, frozen, stuck but we may not always know why. You may look for happiness or you feel you are lost. Or perhaps, you still don't know what's missing. Regardless, I understand it's important for you to know how to cope and what really matters to you. Finding and challenging your personal story, may give you the answers you are looking for. I can help with that!
What happened to us, doesn't have to define us. The narrative of our issues can be transformed in something different. A healing story that can give you empowerment and freedom. We can feel angry, anxious, frozen, stuck but we may not always know why. You may look for happiness or you feel you are lost. Or perhaps, you still don't know what's missing. Regardless, I understand it's important for you to know how to cope and what really matters to you. Finding and challenging your personal story, may give you the answers you are looking for. I can help with that!
See more therapy options for Midlothian
Chronic Illness Counsellors
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.