Female Counselling in Musselburgh

Photo of Rachel Rickman, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Rachel Rickman
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Waitlist for new clients
Hello I’m Rachel and a very warm welcome. As you find yourself here, you may be feeling stuck in life at the moment and perhaps issues or difficulties may be causing you distress or to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you feel anxious, depressed or have low self esteem? Often through no fault of our own we can get caught up in these difficult cycles. The good news is I can help you get "unstuck" and help you to achieve lasting change in your life. I will help you move towards your goals and lead a more fulfilled life. I am here to support you every step of the way, giving you the space and time to discover yourself.
Hello I’m Rachel and a very warm welcome. As you find yourself here, you may be feeling stuck in life at the moment and perhaps issues or difficulties may be causing you distress or to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you feel anxious, depressed or have low self esteem? Often through no fault of our own we can get caught up in these difficult cycles. The good news is I can help you get "unstuck" and help you to achieve lasting change in your life. I will help you move towards your goals and lead a more fulfilled life. I am here to support you every step of the way, giving you the space and time to discover yourself.
0131 381 8606 View 0131 381 8606
Photo of Jowita Kaminska, Counsellor, MCOSCA
Jowita Kaminska
Counsellor, MCOSCA
My areas of expertise are menopause, bereavement, loss, neurodiversity, sexuality, stress, anxiety, depression, spirituality. If you need empathic and non-judgemental space where you can explore your difficulties, I am here for you. I work with menopausal women to demystify and make sense of their transition. I support people in bereavement and loss of any kind by offering a safe space to express all emotions, including the ones we usually shield our loved ones from. I have experience of working with neurodiverse persons, particularly ADHD.
My areas of expertise are menopause, bereavement, loss, neurodiversity, sexuality, stress, anxiety, depression, spirituality. If you need empathic and non-judgemental space where you can explore your difficulties, I am here for you. I work with menopausal women to demystify and make sense of their transition. I support people in bereavement and loss of any kind by offering a safe space to express all emotions, including the ones we usually shield our loved ones from. I have experience of working with neurodiverse persons, particularly ADHD.
0131 381 4244 View 0131 381 4244
Photo of Karen Matthews - Eir Counselling
Eir Counselling
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, problems with your sexual identity, grief, trauma or a feeling of being stuck? Often the difficulties people face in the present are connected to earlier life experiences. By exploring these connections, we can uncover the deeper meanings behind current struggles. I am Dr Karen Matthews, the founder of Eir Counselling. I offer psychodynamic counselling in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space where together we can work through your struggles towards healing and lasting change.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, problems with your sexual identity, grief, trauma or a feeling of being stuck? Often the difficulties people face in the present are connected to earlier life experiences. By exploring these connections, we can uncover the deeper meanings behind current struggles. I am Dr Karen Matthews, the founder of Eir Counselling. I offer psychodynamic counselling in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space where together we can work through your struggles towards healing and lasting change.
01764 915841 View 01764 915841
Photo of Anna Shepherd, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Anna Shepherd
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Hello. My name is Anna Shepherd. I have been a Psychotherapist for over 20 years. I offer Art Psychotherapy, Talking Therapy, EMDR and Mindfulness. Seeking help can feel a bit daunting. I offer a confidential space in which you will be supported to explore whatever brings you to therapy. I will meet you with gentle compassion, curiosity, warmth and humour. Meaningful connection will be the cornerstone of our work and together we will find helpful ways to ease whatever distress has brought you here.
Hello. My name is Anna Shepherd. I have been a Psychotherapist for over 20 years. I offer Art Psychotherapy, Talking Therapy, EMDR and Mindfulness. Seeking help can feel a bit daunting. I offer a confidential space in which you will be supported to explore whatever brings you to therapy. I will meet you with gentle compassion, curiosity, warmth and humour. Meaningful connection will be the cornerstone of our work and together we will find helpful ways to ease whatever distress has brought you here.
0131 381 1136 View 0131 381 1136
Photo of Hazel Stevenson, Counsellor, MCOSCA
Hazel Stevenson
Counsellor, MCOSCA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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!
01764 915874 View 01764 915874
Photo of Maya Tomse, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Maya Tomse
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Online Only
Living with neurodiversity like ADHD, Autism, learning differences, OCD etc. can bring both unique strengths and daily challenges. Anxiety, stress, and relationship struggles are common, leaving many individuals, couples, and families feeling stuck. I understand this deeply—not only through years of professional training but also from my own life in a neurodivergent family. In therapy, I offer a safe, supportive space to explore how neurodivergence shapes communication, intimacy, and family dynamics.
Living with neurodiversity like ADHD, Autism, learning differences, OCD etc. can bring both unique strengths and daily challenges. Anxiety, stress, and relationship struggles are common, leaving many individuals, couples, and families feeling stuck. I understand this deeply—not only through years of professional training but also from my own life in a neurodivergent family. In therapy, I offer a safe, supportive space to explore how neurodivergence shapes communication, intimacy, and family dynamics.
0131 297 6069 View 0131 297 6069
Photo of Elspeth Campbell, Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Elspeth Campbell
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You know that feeling - like your brain is sprinting while your body is glued to the floor. The constant thinking, the pressure to “just get on with it,” the guilt when you don’t. You’ve spent years trying to hold it all together. Masking. Coping. Over-functioning one minute, overwhelmed the next. And underneath it all…that quiet fear that you’re somehow failing at life in a way other people aren’t. You might be wondering if it’s ADHD. Or you’ve recently been diagnosed and now you’re unpacking years of why was everything so hard? You want clarity, steadiness, confidence in yourself again, some relief and a bit of breathing room.
You know that feeling - like your brain is sprinting while your body is glued to the floor. The constant thinking, the pressure to “just get on with it,” the guilt when you don’t. You’ve spent years trying to hold it all together. Masking. Coping. Over-functioning one minute, overwhelmed the next. And underneath it all…that quiet fear that you’re somehow failing at life in a way other people aren’t. You might be wondering if it’s ADHD. Or you’ve recently been diagnosed and now you’re unpacking years of why was everything so hard? You want clarity, steadiness, confidence in yourself again, some relief and a bit of breathing room.
01620 670493 View 01620 670493
Photo of Fiwasade Onifade, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Fiwasade Onifade
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
At times issues and difficulties in your life might be causing you to feel unfulfilled or distressed, or even just a sense of unhappiness within you. Counselling is a process of talking about these issues and working through them confidentially with a Counsellor. Counselling also helps you address your problems in a positive way, enabling you to clarify these issues, explore options and increase self-awareness. I will offer you a confidential time and space to explore all of these in a very supportive way. I aim to work with you in a way which offers understanding, support and enables you have new perspectives.
At times issues and difficulties in your life might be causing you to feel unfulfilled or distressed, or even just a sense of unhappiness within you. Counselling is a process of talking about these issues and working through them confidentially with a Counsellor. Counselling also helps you address your problems in a positive way, enabling you to clarify these issues, explore options and increase self-awareness. I will offer you a confidential time and space to explore all of these in a very supportive way. I aim to work with you in a way which offers understanding, support and enables you have new perspectives.
01764 915912 View 01764 915912
Photo of Jocelyn Mckinlay, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Jocelyn Mckinlay
Psychotherapist, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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.
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 Lisa Campbell-Hunter, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Lisa Campbell-Hunter
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
You're doing everything 'right' but still feel disconnected, anxious or on edge. I'm a counselling psychologist supporting high-functioning adults break free from cycles of avoidance, self blame and over-responsibility. Most of my experience has involved helping people who have experienced abuse, trauma and emotional neglect. Especially those who are used to prioritising others, feeling numb, ‘getting on with it’, and having to stay strong. I’ve listened to and supported them in understanding their feelings, improving self-belief, understanding their past and create meaningful change to build their own future.
You're doing everything 'right' but still feel disconnected, anxious or on edge. I'm a counselling psychologist supporting high-functioning adults break free from cycles of avoidance, self blame and over-responsibility. Most of my experience has involved helping people who have experienced abuse, trauma and emotional neglect. Especially those who are used to prioritising others, feeling numb, ‘getting on with it’, and having to stay strong. I’ve listened to and supported them in understanding their feelings, improving self-belief, understanding their past and create meaningful change to build their own future.
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Photo of Heather Redwood, Counsellor, MBACP
Heather Redwood
Counsellor, MBACP
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello, and welcome! I am a BACP Registered Counsellor working from the West End of Edinburgh. At the heart of my practice is a fundamental belief in and respect for your agency, intuition, and your capacity to heal and grow in uniquely meaningful ways. My approach is collaborative and I will relate to you as expert in your life. I will listen without judgement, I won’t make assumptions about what’s best for you, and I invite you to arrive in our sessions just as you are.
Hello, and welcome! I am a BACP Registered Counsellor working from the West End of Edinburgh. At the heart of my practice is a fundamental belief in and respect for your agency, intuition, and your capacity to heal and grow in uniquely meaningful ways. My approach is collaborative and I will relate to you as expert in your life. I will listen without judgement, I won’t make assumptions about what’s best for you, and I invite you to arrive in our sessions just as you are.
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Photo of Laura Savage, Counsellor, BACP
Laura Savage
Counsellor, BACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
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
Photo of Rose Noonan, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Rose Noonan
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Hi thank you for visiting my profile page, you’ve just taken the courageous first step to look for help through counselling. Sometimes we face challenges in our day-to-day lives which can be stressful, frustrating and difficult to manage. Turning to someone you don’t know can be daunting and confusing making you feel vulnerable and scared. However, counselling offers a safe, caring confidential space to explore, and discuss your difficulties. I will listen and support you with empathy and respect. I will work with you in an open, honest and non-judgemental way.
Hi thank you for visiting my profile page, you’ve just taken the courageous first step to look for help through counselling. Sometimes we face challenges in our day-to-day lives which can be stressful, frustrating and difficult to manage. Turning to someone you don’t know can be daunting and confusing making you feel vulnerable and scared. However, counselling offers a safe, caring confidential space to explore, and discuss your difficulties. I will listen and support you with empathy and respect. I will work with you in an open, honest and non-judgemental way.
01875 444490 View 01875 444490
Photo of Claire de la Varre, Psychotherapist, PhD, MHGI
Claire de la Varre
Psychotherapist, PhD, MHGI
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Claire, and I'm an experienced therapist and hypnotherapist. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I see adults, couples, elderly people, children, and teens. Although I work with whatever issue you want to address in therapy, I also specialise in the following areas: 1) anxiety and depression 2) ongoing or longer-term support, plus coping skills, for chronic or terminal illness e.g. long covid, IBS, Parkinson's or cancer 3) sex-informed couples counselling (not sex therapy, but we will talk about your sex life), and 4) dissociative disorders (depersonalisation/derealisation or DID spectrum).
Hi, I'm Claire, and I'm an experienced therapist and hypnotherapist. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I see adults, couples, elderly people, children, and teens. Although I work with whatever issue you want to address in therapy, I also specialise in the following areas: 1) anxiety and depression 2) ongoing or longer-term support, plus coping skills, for chronic or terminal illness e.g. long covid, IBS, Parkinson's or cancer 3) sex-informed couples counselling (not sex therapy, but we will talk about your sex life), and 4) dissociative disorders (depersonalisation/derealisation or DID spectrum).
01934 314986 View 01934 314986
Photo of Marian Willoner, Counsellor, BACP
Marian Willoner
Counsellor, BACP
Serves Area
I have some availability for both in person and online sessions - do get in touch. Are you finding it all too much? Stressed out? Not sure which direction to take? Or maybe you are struggling with isolation or lack of confidence in social situations? Maybe you are dealing with being neuro-diverse (ADHD or autism) in a neuro-typical world? Perhaps you want to be more your authentic self or make a transition in your life? Are you trying to cope with a difficult situation such as grief, loss, illness, caring or a break up? In all these situations I can listen to you, support you and help you to find ways forward.
I have some availability for both in person and online sessions - do get in touch. Are you finding it all too much? Stressed out? Not sure which direction to take? Or maybe you are struggling with isolation or lack of confidence in social situations? Maybe you are dealing with being neuro-diverse (ADHD or autism) in a neuro-typical world? Perhaps you want to be more your authentic self or make a transition in your life? Are you trying to cope with a difficult situation such as grief, loss, illness, caring or a break up? In all these situations I can listen to you, support you and help you to find ways forward.
0131 381 8542 View 0131 381 8542
Photo of Joey Chan - Joey Chan | Art Therapy for Ageing Well, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Joey Chan | Art Therapy for Ageing Well
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Later life can bring many changes. Dementia, illness, grief or retirement may feel overwhelming. You do not need to be good at art to take part. As a resident therapist at Creative Arts Therapies Space (CATS) in Leith, I offer one-to-one art therapy for older adults and carers in a safe and creative setting.
Later life can bring many changes. Dementia, illness, grief or retirement may feel overwhelming. You do not need to be good at art to take part. As a resident therapist at Creative Arts Therapies Space (CATS) in Leith, I offer one-to-one art therapy for older adults and carers in a safe and creative setting.
0131 381 3933 View 0131 381 3933
Photo of Janis Sinclair, Psychotherapist, PMCOSCA
Janis Sinclair
Psychotherapist, PMCOSCA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you anxious and finding life overwhelming, suddenly the simplest decisions are impossible - this may be situational, relational or historical; large or small I offer a space to speak freely secure in the knowledge our sessions are confidential. My theory is person centred although I offer Integrative therapy which is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the individual client.
Are you anxious and finding life overwhelming, suddenly the simplest decisions are impossible - this may be situational, relational or historical; large or small I offer a space to speak freely secure in the knowledge our sessions are confidential. My theory is person centred although I offer Integrative therapy which is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the individual client.
01785 338104 View 01785 338104
Photo of Dr Adele Leithead, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Adele Leithead
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
We may all experience distress at some point in our lives. Maybe you feel that you struggle to keep on top of things; think you are 'not good enough'; struggle in relation to others; feel down; lack confidence; worry; or are stuck due to disturbing memories. Distress presents in numerous ways and how we deal with it can be dependent on our experiences. Many experiences are out of our control. If you are having difficulties with emotions, thoughts, behaviours or relationships (maybe even a combination), you may be at a point where you are thinking about change and need some help achieving this. We can explore your hopes together.
We may all experience distress at some point in our lives. Maybe you feel that you struggle to keep on top of things; think you are 'not good enough'; struggle in relation to others; feel down; lack confidence; worry; or are stuck due to disturbing memories. Distress presents in numerous ways and how we deal with it can be dependent on our experiences. Many experiences are out of our control. If you are having difficulties with emotions, thoughts, behaviours or relationships (maybe even a combination), you may be at a point where you are thinking about change and need some help achieving this. We can explore your hopes together.
01875 440623 View 01875 440623
Photo of Melanie Peele, Counsellor, BACP
Melanie Peele
Counsellor, BACP
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
While there is so much joy in getting to know ourselves deeply and authentically, living as a queer and/or transgender person in this world is not always easy. I specialise in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity. I work with adults and older adolescents who are LGBTQIA+/gender non-conforming, or questioning their identities. I also specialise in trauma recovery, treating healthcare professionals, and working with English speaking immigrants. I work from multiple affirming perspectives, including Health at Every Size, neurodivergence affirming, disability affirming, and fat-positive perspectives.
While there is so much joy in getting to know ourselves deeply and authentically, living as a queer and/or transgender person in this world is not always easy. I specialise in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity. I work with adults and older adolescents who are LGBTQIA+/gender non-conforming, or questioning their identities. I also specialise in trauma recovery, treating healthcare professionals, and working with English speaking immigrants. I work from multiple affirming perspectives, including Health at Every Size, neurodivergence affirming, disability affirming, and fat-positive perspectives.
0131 381 4596 View 0131 381 4596
Photo of Anne Henderson, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Anne Henderson
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
I hope to offer you a warm welcome to my therapy room. There you will find a comfortable chair with a view of the beach. I welcome clients of all ages 16 years upwards. You may have a specific issue you wish to explore, or come to find a safe space to look more deeply at things that have been troubling you. Life can throw up all kinds of curve balls that can impact in many ways. Coming to talk together can help to make sense out of what can be confusing situations, relationships and feelings. I will meet you with acceptance and give you space and time to explore your options and support your change.
I hope to offer you a warm welcome to my therapy room. There you will find a comfortable chair with a view of the beach. I welcome clients of all ages 16 years upwards. You may have a specific issue you wish to explore, or come to find a safe space to look more deeply at things that have been troubling you. Life can throw up all kinds of curve balls that can impact in many ways. Coming to talk together can help to make sense out of what can be confusing situations, relationships and feelings. I will meet you with acceptance and give you space and time to explore your options and support your change.
01620 678807 View 01620 678807
Female Counsellors

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.