There is no threshold you need to reach before therapy becomes appropriate. You do not need to be in crisis, and you do not need a diagnosis or a referral. Many people come to therapy because something feels off — a persistent low mood, a nagging anxiety, a sense of being stuck — without being able to name exactly what is wrong. That is entirely enough to begin.

If you have been thinking about therapy, that thought itself is usually a sign that talking to someone could help. The first step is simply getting in touch.

The terms are often used interchangeably, and in practice the distinction can be subtle. Counselling tends to focus on specific issues or challenges in the present, helping you to develop clarity and coping strategies. Psychotherapy is typically a deeper, longer-term process that explores the roots of patterns, feelings and behaviours — often going back to earlier experiences.

I draw on both approaches, tailoring my way of working to what each individual client needs.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore whether working together feels right. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with — the pace is entirely led by you.

I will welcome you in a safe, confidential space and ask about what has brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get from it. By the end of the session you will have a clearer sense of whether you would like to continue, with no obligation either way. Many clients have felt a sense of relief simply from having had the conversation.

It's very common to feel nervous before starting therapy — you're taking a courageous step in prioritising your wellbeing. I will help ease your nerves, explain each step clearly and ensure you feel supported throughout.

Simply get in touch via the contact page and I will respond to arrange an initial session. Sessions are available Monday to Thursday, between 10am and 6.20pm, in person at 45 Frederick Street in Edinburgh's New Town, online or by telephone.

I work primarily within the Person Centred tradition, which means I aim to create a warm, non-judgemental space in which you are free to talk openly without fear of criticism. At the heart of this approach are the conditions of empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard — the belief that you are the expert on your own experience.

Alongside this, I draw on Psychodynamic concepts to help explore the deeper roots of how you think, feel and behave — understanding how past experiences may be shaping your present. I also have specialist training in trauma, having completed Trauma Enhanced Practice at Levels 2 and 3.

Therapy sessions usually last up to 50 minutes and take place weekly or fortnightly. This regular schedule provides structure and supports progressive reflection and growth over time.

This varies from person to person and depends entirely on what you bring to therapy and what you are hoping to achieve. Many clients notice meaningful change within 6 to 12 sessions. Others choose to commit to medium or longer-term therapy, or open-ended work with no fixed end point.

There is no pressure to commit to a set number of sessions at the outset. I will review progress with you regularly, and the decision about when to end is always yours.

Progress in therapy is rarely linear, and it can sometimes feel harder before it feels easier — particularly when exploring difficult experiences. Over time, many clients notice they feel lighter, more self-aware, better able to regulate their emotions and more confident in understanding their own responses to the world.

My clients have described feeling heard, understood and less alone with their difficulties. The testimonials on my website give a genuine sense of what working with me is like in practice.

There are no right or wrong things to talk about — you are encouraged to speak openly about what's on your mind, including:

• thoughts and feelings
• experiences and memories
• relationships and behaviours

I aim to listen without judgment and will help you explore patterns or emotional responses in a way that supports insight and healing.

Therapists focus on supporting your self-exploration and emotional awareness rather than simply offering advice. We'd work collaboratively to build understanding and where applicable identify coping strategies that feel meaningful to you.

Absolutely. Therapy can support you with:

• stress, anxiety and low mood
• life transitions
• relationship difficulties
• grief and loss
• self-esteem and confidence issues
• trauma and past experiences

Yes. I offer sessions in person at my therapy room in Edinburgh's New Town, online via video call, or by telephone — or a combination of all three, depending on what suits you best. The quality and confidentiality of the session is the same regardless of the format.

Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. Everything you discuss with me is held in confidence. There are a small number of exceptional circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others — but I would always aim to discuss this with you first wherever possible.

I work within the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which sets clear professional standards around confidentiality and client care.

It's important to work with someone you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel a connection, it's okay to discuss this with me — good therapeutic fit matters. This is normal and part of the process.

I understand therapy is an investment and therefore strive to offer self-funding clients a competitive rate. To give my full energy in every session I have a maximum number of clients I see in a week.

An initial session costs £65 and lasts up to 50 minutes. This gives us an opportunity to explore whether working together feels right, with no obligation to continue.

Ongoing sessions — whether in person, online or by telephone — also cost £65 for 50 minutes, and are available for as long as you both feel they are useful.

Fees can be paid by bank transfer, cash, credit or debit card, or PayPal, and are due on the day of each session.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of a scheduled session are charged at the full fee, unless agreed otherwise. Advance cancellation and rescheduling is possible subject to availability.

I have extensive experience of working for charitable and publicly funded counselling organisations, where sessions were free or low cost. I understand the importance of access to high quality therapy for people on a low or no income.

Concessionary rates are not available within my private practice at present. If affordability is a concern, I would encourage you to search for low cost therapy services in your area — organisations such as COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) can help you find accredited, affordable support.

Yes. I offer the following as flexible options:

• Face-to-face sessions
• Online video counselling
• Phone sessions

This makes therapy more accessible and easier to fit around your schedule.

My therapy room is located on the third floor of 45 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EP — in the heart of the New Town, a short walk from Princes Street. Please note the room is reached by stairs. The building is well served by public transport, and on-street and multi-storey parking is available nearby.

I hold a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Counselling from the University of Edinburgh, with a focus on the Person Centred approach and Psychodynamic perspective. I have completed specialist Trauma Enhanced Practice training at Levels 2 and 3, and am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I'm also an affiliated therapist with Aviva, AXA Health and Bupa, working with clients through insurance and Employee Assistance Programme providers.

Prior to training as a psychotherapist, I worked in corporate investment and banking, having completed a BA in Business Administration. This background gives me a particular understanding of the pressures of professional and corporate environments.

I have over 5,000 dedicated hours of client experience. Before establishing my private practice at Newtown Counselling I worked as a psychotherapist at Wellspring in Leith — a leading Edinburgh charity providing affordable, high quality psychotherapy — and as a telephone counsellor for Trauma Counselling Line Scotland, a free service run by Health in Mind.

I have worked with a wide range of clients and welcome enquiries from people over the age of 18 of all abilities, cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, nationalities and sexualities.

I have particular experience working with anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma. I also regularly work with clients experiencing unexpected mood changes, disrupted sleep, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and those seeking healthier ways to cope with stress or difficult emotions.

I am happy to work with almost any issue and would always encourage you to get in touch if you are unsure whether therapy could help with what you are going through.