Counselling in Edinburgh
Saturday appointments available. You might be struggling with how you feel about yourself, or having challenges in your close relationships. This could present as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, problems with alcohol/drugs or food, or other challenging behaviours. You might want to explore why this is happening and learn more about yourself. You might want to find coping strategies or set yourself goals to achieve during therapy. Whatever it is that you want, it's my role to help you get there. Whilst I will deepen your self-understanding, I won't push you to discuss things you don't want to - it's your space.
Saturday appointments available. You might be struggling with how you feel about yourself, or having challenges in your close relationships. This could present as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, problems with alcohol/drugs or food, or other challenging behaviours. You might want to explore why this is happening and learn more about yourself. You might want to find coping strategies or set yourself goals to achieve during therapy. Whatever it is that you want, it's my role to help you get there. Whilst I will deepen your self-understanding, I won't push you to discuss things you don't want to - it's your space.
I am a Person-Centred counsellor, which means I work collaboratively with you to develop a personalised approach that fits your unique needs. I especially enjoy supporting individuals dealing with ADHD, Autism, navigating questions of identity and sexuality, or struggling with work stress and burnout. I'm committed to working with neurodivergent clients in a neuro-affirming way, valuing their unique experiences and strengths. I also strive to create a safe and affirming space for LGBTQAI+ individuals and members of other marginalised communities.
I am a Person-Centred counsellor, which means I work collaboratively with you to develop a personalised approach that fits your unique needs. I especially enjoy supporting individuals dealing with ADHD, Autism, navigating questions of identity and sexuality, or struggling with work stress and burnout. I'm committed to working with neurodivergent clients in a neuro-affirming way, valuing their unique experiences and strengths. I also strive to create a safe and affirming space for LGBTQAI+ individuals and members of other marginalised communities.
When you encounter difficult times in our day to day lives it is helpful to be able to talk these through with someone who is trained and objective. To help you explore the issues that matter to you, bringing insight and understanding to enable you to find your way through problems and dilemmas.
When you encounter difficult times in our day to day lives it is helpful to be able to talk these through with someone who is trained and objective. To help you explore the issues that matter to you, bringing insight and understanding to enable you to find your way through problems and dilemmas.
Whether you are new to therapy or have been attending for years, whether you have a clear goal or are uncertain about your reasons, I am here to guide you in finding your way forward.
Whether you are new to therapy or have been attending for years, whether you have a clear goal or are uncertain about your reasons, I am here to guide you in finding your way forward.
Melissa Grieff
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH12 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I appreciate that life is full of twists and turns, unexpected events that may present particular challenges at different stages in your life. This could be health issues, including physical and mental health, loss including unemployment, redundancy, bereavement, relationship breakdown, a crisis of identity and self-esteem.There could be trauma from early life experiences or events in adult life that you may have not had the time and space to fully explore and process your feelings.The opportunity to have a safe, confidential space to open yourself to all the possibilities that life holds can be life changing.
I appreciate that life is full of twists and turns, unexpected events that may present particular challenges at different stages in your life. This could be health issues, including physical and mental health, loss including unemployment, redundancy, bereavement, relationship breakdown, a crisis of identity and self-esteem.There could be trauma from early life experiences or events in adult life that you may have not had the time and space to fully explore and process your feelings.The opportunity to have a safe, confidential space to open yourself to all the possibilities that life holds can be life changing.
Understanding our relationships, experiences and even our own selves can be daunting. Many of our deepest wounds stem from the sense of isolation that might come from attempting to fit into societal expectations and from our interactions with others. A therapeutic relationship offers a chance to explore and understand how we relate to others, our social environment and ourselves, and perhaps experience relating in a different way. I attempt to create a space where you feel seen, heard and acknowledged in all your uniqueness.
Understanding our relationships, experiences and even our own selves can be daunting. Many of our deepest wounds stem from the sense of isolation that might come from attempting to fit into societal expectations and from our interactions with others. A therapeutic relationship offers a chance to explore and understand how we relate to others, our social environment and ourselves, and perhaps experience relating in a different way. I attempt to create a space where you feel seen, heard and acknowledged in all your uniqueness.
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.
Psychotherapy may be a wonderful way of not only helping you with your struggles but also increasing your sense of freedom.As a therapist and another human being,I believe in your strengths that I highly promote;being holistic, person-centred but also pretty dynamic to address your issues on social, psychological, biological, physical, cultural and spiritual levels is the most important part of this journey and it is my objective. Ethics and truth are the values I've carried in my soul and spirit since I started practicing in 2011. My work is supervised and strictly adheres to the International Heilkunst Association code of ethics.
Psychotherapy may be a wonderful way of not only helping you with your struggles but also increasing your sense of freedom.As a therapist and another human being,I believe in your strengths that I highly promote;being holistic, person-centred but also pretty dynamic to address your issues on social, psychological, biological, physical, cultural and spiritual levels is the most important part of this journey and it is my objective. Ethics and truth are the values I've carried in my soul and spirit since I started practicing in 2011. My work is supervised and strictly adheres to the International Heilkunst Association code of ethics.
Hi, I'm Lilian, an Addictions Therapist and Executive Function Coach. I specialise in problematic drug and alcohol use, sex and pornography addiction, and anxiety and depression. I also work with couples, and with partners experiencing betrayal trauma. As a coach, I work with people diagnosed and self-diagnosed with Autism (ASD) and ADHD to support executive functioning skills. You may be experiencing problems in your relationships, work, health and finances and feel overwhelmed. Understanding your relationship with substances, sex or porn is key to resolving the struggle.
Hi, I'm Lilian, an Addictions Therapist and Executive Function Coach. I specialise in problematic drug and alcohol use, sex and pornography addiction, and anxiety and depression. I also work with couples, and with partners experiencing betrayal trauma. As a coach, I work with people diagnosed and self-diagnosed with Autism (ASD) and ADHD to support executive functioning skills. You may be experiencing problems in your relationships, work, health and finances and feel overwhelmed. Understanding your relationship with substances, sex or porn is key to resolving the struggle.
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.
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.
15 Second Videos
Courtney Amesbury-Cooke
Chai Counselling Ltd
Steve Harvey
Sarah Quinley
Zsofia Kaplar
Maggie C - Treats Trauma, Anxiety & Menopause.
Jenny Kerr
Ali Hogan
Donatella Tamborrini Psychological Therapies
Iris Bosnic
Marian Willoner
Let Me Sleep
Samantha Bennett
Jane Edwards
Jeanette Finlayson
Stuart P Morgan-Ayrs Frssa Frsph
Lucy Hodgson
Summerside Counselling
Claire Murdoch
Bethany Brown
Ela Lourenco
Beata (Bea) Michalska
Fiona Reid
Anna Shepherd
Sarah Elliott
Melissa Favre-Lorraine
Vista Wellbeing - CBT Online, phone & Edinburgh
Laura L Mackintosh
Evangelia Botsaki
Ellie Pickett
Federico Ferrarese - CPsychol and CBT Therapist
Claire de la Varre
Space to Tame
Shirley Chan
Taylor Broughton
Abigail Nelson
Jess Bryson
Healthy Mind Club
Barbara Balazs
Anna Dako
Mairi Rowan Counselling
Gulistan Karaca
Rosanna Veitch
Sandy Blair
John James Muirhead
Rory Ross
Sophie Santolaria
Hazela Counselling Ltd
Iona Naismith
Toni Kearton
I am an accredited therapist providing support to both individuals and couples. My approach is Pluralistic which means that I work collaboratively with you. I believe that we each have different needs at different times and my approach is as individual as you are. In times of crisis we can lose sight of our inner resources and therapy can help us access our strengths. My Couples work is rooted in Attachment Theory which holds that we bring our own expectations from past relationships into our present ones and this can sometimes lead to our feeling stuck.
I am an accredited therapist providing support to both individuals and couples. My approach is Pluralistic which means that I work collaboratively with you. I believe that we each have different needs at different times and my approach is as individual as you are. In times of crisis we can lose sight of our inner resources and therapy can help us access our strengths. My Couples work is rooted in Attachment Theory which holds that we bring our own expectations from past relationships into our present ones and this can sometimes lead to our feeling stuck.
Hi there, my name is Ana and I'm a psychodynamic therapist and supervisor with a special interest and experience in working with those affected by existential issues and a Masters thesis in working with adult children of parents with narcissistic traits. In my client work, I draw on my background in psychology, philosophy and systemic therapy, as well as psychodynamic therapy and attachment theory which looks at the unconscious relational processes between us and finds links between what you're experiencing in the present and your early childhood and family experiences. My supervision approach is both psychodynamic and integrative.
Hi there, my name is Ana and I'm a psychodynamic therapist and supervisor with a special interest and experience in working with those affected by existential issues and a Masters thesis in working with adult children of parents with narcissistic traits. In my client work, I draw on my background in psychology, philosophy and systemic therapy, as well as psychodynamic therapy and attachment theory which looks at the unconscious relational processes between us and finds links between what you're experiencing in the present and your early childhood and family experiences. My supervision approach is both psychodynamic and integrative.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Maybe you’re looking for psychotherapy for yourself, or for someone you care about. In the 34 years I’ve been a practicing psychotherapist I know that people usually try a variety of things before they finally reach out and contact a professional. It feels awful, frustrating and overwhelming to feel stuck. One of the things I love about my work is coming alongside someone and helping them find their unique way of becoming free from that stuck place.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Maybe you’re looking for psychotherapy for yourself, or for someone you care about. In the 34 years I’ve been a practicing psychotherapist I know that people usually try a variety of things before they finally reach out and contact a professional. It feels awful, frustrating and overwhelming to feel stuck. One of the things I love about my work is coming alongside someone and helping them find their unique way of becoming free from that stuck place.
As a Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy and Couples Counsellor, I maintain a full private practice working online with adults and couples. I'll tailor the therapy to you, working with you collaboratively to develop the tools, clarity, & understanding you need to grow and heal while honouring the humanness in what you're going through and the unique way you experience life. Together, we could uncover the beliefs and patterns that hurt or hold you back and pattern new, healthier ways of being with yourself and others.
As a Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy and Couples Counsellor, I maintain a full private practice working online with adults and couples. I'll tailor the therapy to you, working with you collaboratively to develop the tools, clarity, & understanding you need to grow and heal while honouring the humanness in what you're going through and the unique way you experience life. Together, we could uncover the beliefs and patterns that hurt or hold you back and pattern new, healthier ways of being with yourself and others.
Hi, I’m Cassie. My practice style is genuine, warm and most importantly - human! I believe that people find healing through the connections they build in relationships. However, for many people, current relationships don’t provide the conditions required to unpack and process their challenges. As a therapist, I've supported individuals addressing issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, family dynamics, and trauma survival, including sexual and domestic abuse.
Hi, I’m Cassie. My practice style is genuine, warm and most importantly - human! I believe that people find healing through the connections they build in relationships. However, for many people, current relationships don’t provide the conditions required to unpack and process their challenges. As a therapist, I've supported individuals addressing issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, family dynamics, and trauma survival, including sexual and domestic abuse.
Some days it can feel a bit too much. Do you exhaust yourself trying to cope with whatever life throws at you? Even when you feel worn out, close to boiling point or increasingly flat inside? You may feel a need to show yourself strong and capable even when you don’t feel like that. You might treat others a lot better than yourself. This is likely to place a huge toll on your mind and body; perhaps even on the very relationships you put so much into. You can learn to carry less of life's burdens by yourself and get more out of your precious time. What dreams have you given up on? What would you do if you could?
Some days it can feel a bit too much. Do you exhaust yourself trying to cope with whatever life throws at you? Even when you feel worn out, close to boiling point or increasingly flat inside? You may feel a need to show yourself strong and capable even when you don’t feel like that. You might treat others a lot better than yourself. This is likely to place a huge toll on your mind and body; perhaps even on the very relationships you put so much into. You can learn to carry less of life's burdens by yourself and get more out of your precious time. What dreams have you given up on? What would you do if you could?
It takes courage to reach out for support. We can find ourselves stuck in unhelpful patterns and longing for change. Maybe you feel lost, stuck, anxious, depressed or have low self-esteem? Our work together will focus on helping you move forward in the ways you wish. I am dedicated to creating a space where you feel seen, heard and valued. Experience has taught me how essential the strength of the therapeutic relationship is in bringing about positive change. I believe it is through an accepting and compassionate connection that we can transform our perspectives and the way we relate to ourselves and others in the world.
It takes courage to reach out for support. We can find ourselves stuck in unhelpful patterns and longing for change. Maybe you feel lost, stuck, anxious, depressed or have low self-esteem? Our work together will focus on helping you move forward in the ways you wish. I am dedicated to creating a space where you feel seen, heard and valued. Experience has taught me how essential the strength of the therapeutic relationship is in bringing about positive change. I believe it is through an accepting and compassionate connection that we can transform our perspectives and the way we relate to ourselves and others in the world.
Emma Ryland Positive About Neurodiversity
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH6
It’s a big step to come to therapy, especially if you’ve had a lifetime of feeling different and not understood or heard. Maybe you experience anxiety and it’s starting to impact your life? Perhaps you have poor self-esteem and would like to set better boundaries? Have you or someone you care about recently received an autism or ADHD diagnosis and you’re having complicated feelings, not sure what to do now? Are you keen to please others but really harsh on yourself? I regularly work with people who answer 'yes' to these types of question.
It’s a big step to come to therapy, especially if you’ve had a lifetime of feeling different and not understood or heard. Maybe you experience anxiety and it’s starting to impact your life? Perhaps you have poor self-esteem and would like to set better boundaries? Have you or someone you care about recently received an autism or ADHD diagnosis and you’re having complicated feelings, not sure what to do now? Are you keen to please others but really harsh on yourself? I regularly work with people who answer 'yes' to these types of question.
Here is a safe place where you can bring what’s on your mind and together we can make sense of it to find a clearer way forward. Sometimes troubles can feel too stuck or confusing to find words for. In sessions with me, along with words, we can use art materials, or any to hand objects, like a pencil, a piece of paper or string to express what is happening for you. This can give a cathartic sense of difficulties as if lifted from you and shared. Working together in this way can support new ways of thinking and improve relationships through increased self-awareness and emotional mastery.
Here is a safe place where you can bring what’s on your mind and together we can make sense of it to find a clearer way forward. Sometimes troubles can feel too stuck or confusing to find words for. In sessions with me, along with words, we can use art materials, or any to hand objects, like a pencil, a piece of paper or string to express what is happening for you. This can give a cathartic sense of difficulties as if lifted from you and shared. Working together in this way can support new ways of thinking and improve relationships through increased self-awareness and emotional mastery.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Edinburgh
500+
Average cost per session
£60
Counsellors in Edinburgh who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
85% | Self Esteem |
82% | Depression |
78% | Stress |
75% | Relationship Issues |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
59% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
62% | Aviva |
55% | AXA PPP |
47% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in Edinburgh see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
21% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Edinburgh?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Most Psychologists in the directory are accredited members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and/or are registered in the Health and Care Professions Council (HPCP).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in the UK. Psychologists have earned a degree in psychology and many are members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and have completed a postgraduate qualification in a specialism. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are not required to have a psychology degree, but to belong to a professional organisation such as the BACP or UKCP, they are required to have completed a training course as well as clinical and supervision hours.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the UK could be between £30 - £60 when seeing a counsellor and £60 - £150 and up when seeing a clinical psychologist. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the BACP, the UKCP, or BPS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there has been participation in a criminal act or act of terror, or if there is potential or known harm to the client or others, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.