For me, counselling is a way to help us navigate the ups and downs we all face throughout our lives. At different stages of our lives, different things emerge that are unique to each of us, and there are universal experiences that we can all identify with. For me, all our experiences are part of being human. It’s not just getting rid of anxiety or learning how to change our behaviour - we are human, complex and amazing and I want to work with each person in a way that respects their individual experience, to hear their story and help them find ways to have a more meaningful, fulfilling life. Our emotions, thoughts, dreams, creativity, compassion, uniqueness are what make us human – I think this is more important now than ever.

Counselling offers a confidential space to talk and be listened to by a qualified and skilled professional with the view of supporting a person to find ways through their difficulties and explore areas for change and growth.

It is different from conversations we might have with friends or family. I am an Accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work within their Ethical and Professional framework.

How it can help each person will vary depending on what you are coming to counselling for. In general, counselling can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and how we are in the world, how our life experiences have impacted us and to feel more confident and capable with greater resources to navigate our life better.

My style of counselling is based on person-centred and humanistic approaches. I have an open, conversational and relaxed style and work in a creative, holistic and tailored way to best suit each person’s unique needs. I continue to participate in regular training to develop my skills and knowledge and I bring these into my work. By offering a safe, supportive and compassionate space, I will hear your story and experiences so we can connect and work together in a way that is right for you. This is your space.

I offer a space to explore what it is to be human and how you can find ways to live your life better. I have helped people with many different issues including:

• Understanding their emotions

• Communicate better in relationships

• Develop confidence and sense of self

• Understand and manage anxiety

• Gain a different perspective on how and why they think the way they do

• Cope with change and life transitions

• Heal from traumatic experiences

• Understand themselves better

• Building confidence and resilience in young people

• Exploring identity/gender/sexuality

• Find meaning, purpose, direction

There is no ‘big enough’ or ‘bad enough’ criteria for coming to counselling. For some there might be significant traumatic experiences they are struggling with, for others something less tangible, there might be a general feeling of overwhelm or distress or something specific like a relationship problem.

We all struggle with our own challenges, and we can’t compare this to someone else’s - all our experiences are valid and deserving of bringing to counselling. Actually, I would love for people to see counselling as an option before things get bad, to support us through difficulties and prevent ourselves falling into a worse place, or crisis. If you feel like counselling might help you now, then that is a ‘good enough’ reason for doing it.

There is no set number of sessions that you need to come. Many people find that 4-8 sessions are enough, while others feel they need more. There are some people who find they get what they need from one session. And of course you can stop at any time, there is no obligation once you have started that you need to continue.  What determines how long someone comes to counselling for is the nature of their issue, how they feel they are improving and if they feel they are benefiting from it.

I offer short-term counselling to work on specific issues and longer-term psychotherapy for those wanting to work more deeply or who bring more complex experiences.

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in a variety of roles across a range of workplaces including education (both schools and tertiary), disability and in the emergency services.

I have lived and worked in different locations around Scotland and spent a large part of my life living in Australia. All this has given me the opportunity to work with people of many different backgrounds and cultures. I love to travel both close to home and further afield, connecting with nature, walking and exploring.

As well as my formal professional training in counselling, I bring my experiences from all aspects of my life, and being human, to counselling to help me connect and work with each person I see.

I see clients in-person on Monday afternoons in Portobello. This space is fully accessible, there is parking outside, and it has easy access to public bus routes. I also work with clients online at other times.

Sessions cost £60 for an hour and £50 for online sessions.

I can offer some reduced rates for students and those on low incomes. Please just ask about this when you get in touch.

Payment must be paid in advance of the session by bank transfer or cash.

I work young people over 18yo and adults experiencing challenges or difficult times, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, problems in relationships, looking for personal growth or healing; or to learn more about themselves. But really, I work with humans!