I offer a service in psychotherapy and counselling for both short and long term work. In order to help you decide whether I'm the right person for you or not, I've organised information around some key questions.

If, having read this, you still have questions, please contact me and I'll do my best to answer them.

What is psychotherapy and counselling?

These words describe a process in which you and I work together on matters that concern you in order that you may experience greater fulfilment in your life.

Those matters may relate to a specific situation you find yourself in and might be resolved to your satisfaction through a short course of counselling (e.g. 6-12 sessions over a period of weeks or months).

However, if they relate more to "the way I am in the world" then longer term psychotherapy work may be needed (e.g up to a year or more).

You probably won't know at the outset how long you need and what the work will be about. The only thing you may be certain of is "I want things to change."

Very often, when a person first makes contact with a therapist or counsellor, they have already been thinking about it for a long time. It is a courageous step to take.

How important is it that we get on?

I know from my own experience as a client that the quality of the relationship I have with my therapist is what enables me to do the work I need to do. I need to be able to trust that person and to feel safe enough to share things that I may feel embarrassed about. I want to know that if I'm angry or upset or boring or whatever else, they're going to stick around.

A key part of the process - in particular for longer term work - will involve us in building this kind of relationship.

I offer a free introductory session which gives both of us the opportunity to see whether I am the right therapist for you.

Can you reassure me that you know what you're doing?

It is important to know that your therapist is well trained and operates inside a robust community of fellow practitioners where they can be both supported and challenged.

I have a Foundation Course in Gestalt Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Gestalt Therapy. These qualifications mean that I have undergone four years of training involving theory, experiential training, skills practice, personal therapy and supervision.

As an ongoing support for myself as a practitioner, I have a personal therapist and have individual and group supervision. I am also engaged in post graduate training.

I am a member of GPTI (Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute) and operate with their Code of Ethics. I also have valid professional indemnity insurance.

Once I contact you, what is the next step?

If we decide to work together, then we will contract for six sessions. On the sixth session, we would review progress, agree what else is needed, and then re-contract accordingly.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are an hour long and usually occur weekly. Weekend and evening appointments are available.

How much will it cost me?

For private individuals the fee per session is £45 although I do have a few concessionary places available.

If you’re coming through an organisation, then please contact me to discuss fees.

Where do you work?

I am based in two locations in Edinburgh: the Edinburgh Gestalt Institute in Lothian Road (city centre) and Wallace House in Boswall Road (north Edinburgh). Wallace House is fully accessible for those with restricted mobility.