About Sally Wright – Experienced Counsellor in Edinburgh & Online
My Path to Becoming a Counsellor
I’m Sally Wright (PGDip), a qualified counsellor based in Edinburgh offering individual and couples counselling in person and online across the UK.
My path into counselling began in the NHS ambulance service, where I trained and worked as a paramedic. In that role, I often met people in moments of intense crisis and learned how to stay calm, compassionate and present in the midst of distress. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to the emotional and relational side of people’s experiences and to offering support that extends beyond immediate crisis care.
This led me into the social care sector, where I worked for over 20 years in a range of roles supporting individuals with diverse and complex needs. My experience includes working with people with disabilities, people from LGBTQ+ communities, those living with HIV or hepatitis C and people who use substances.
During this time, I progressed from frontline support work into senior roles, with responsibility for managing services and supporting teams. I also worked as a volunteer coordinator, recruiting, training and supporting volunteers across a variety of services.
Across all of this work, I developed a strong foundation in meeting people with respect, patience and humility. I recognise the importance of seeing each person in the context of their wider life and experience.
This background informs my work as a counsellor in Edinburgh, particularly with people who are going through difficult periods in their lives, struggling with low self-esteem or feeling stuck in patterns they would like to understand and change.
If you would like to find out more about counselling in Edinburgh, or explore whether we might work well together, you can find out more about my individual counselling or couples counselling work.
A Relational, Professional Counselling Approach
I began my counselling training over ten years ago and have since developed a relational, collaborative and emotionally attuned way of working. At the heart of my approach is the belief that meaningful change happens within the safety of a trusting therapeutic relationship. I aim to offer a space where you feel heard, understood and accepted as you explore whatever has brought you to counselling.
As an experienced counsellor with more than 2,000 hours of clinical practice, I have supported individuals and couples through a wide range of difficulties, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and experiences of abuse
- Relationship difficulties
- Identity, confidence, and self-worth
- Life transitions and student wellbeing
I also have experience working with autistic and ADHD clients. I recognise both the strengths and differences that can come with neurodivergent ways of experiencing the world, alongside the challenges that come when navigating environments that are not always understanding, accessible, or accommodating.
My approach is tailored to each person or couple I work with. Rather than applying a fixed formula, I seek to understand your unique experiences, relationships and circumstances. Together, we can explore whatever feels most important, whether that relates to long-standing patterns, recent life events, painful emotions, relationship challenges, or a general sense that something in your life feels out of balance.
While every person’s experience of counselling is different, many people find that having a dedicated space to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and relationships can lead to greater understanding and new possibilities for change.
You can read more about my individual counselling in Edinburgh or couples counselling in Edinburgh.
Who I Work With
I support:
- individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, low mood or life transitions
- people navigating issues around identity, self-worth or grief
- couples experiencing communication difficulties or relationship distress
Supervision and Professional Development
I am a qualified counselling supervisor and I offer thoughtful, collaborative supervision to other practitioners. I’m passionate about reflective practice and about supporting the growth and wellbeing of fellow counsellors. More information on my supervision page.
Values & Influences
I work in a non-pathologising, trauma-informed way. My values are aligned with the A Disorder For Everyone (AD4E) movement, which asks not “What’s wrong with you?” but “What happened to you?” I believe that emotional distress is a natural response to adversity. Therapy can be a space to reclaim your story, reconnect with your strengths and feel more fully yourself.
I also hold an awareness of the wider systems that shape our lives. Experiences of marginalisation, inequality, the climate crisis, political instability, racism and misogyny have shaped us. They don’t stay outside the therapy room—they affect how we feel, relate and how we make sense of the world. I aim to hold space for the personal and the political, recognising that healing often involves both.
Therapy with me is a space where all parts of you are welcome. Where you can come just as you are and be met with compassion and clarity.
You can find more information on my FAQs page.
Memberships
As a registered member of COSCA (Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy). I work in line with their ethical framework. This includes ongoing supervision, continuing professional development and a commitment to practicing with care and integrity.
I am also a member of International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). Emotionally Focused Therapy is an evidence based psychotherapy approach grounded in attachment science. It is one of the most rigorously researched and empirically validated forms of therapy.
Qualifications and Professional Training
- COSCA Certificate in Counselling – Edinburgh College
- Post Graduate diploma Psychological Wellbeing Counselling and Psychotherapy – Persona Training and Development – Aberdeen University (BACP Accredited)
- Certificate in Group Facilitation and Training Skills – Persona Training and Development
- Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 1. – PESI
- Emotionally Focused Therapy – Externship, Core Skills 1,2,3 and 4. – British Emotionally Focused Therapy Centre
- COSCA Counselling Supervision Certificate – Crossreach University of the West of Scotland
