I offer a free 20-minute introductory counselling call by phone or online, with no obligation and no pressure to commit to therapy. This initial consultation is an opportunity for us to briefly discuss what has brought you to counselling, explore whether I may be the right counsellor for you and answer any questions you may have about the counselling process.

My aim is to help you feel as comfortable as possible. There is no right or wrong way to approach the conversation and you do not need to share anything you are not ready to discuss. The call is simply a chance for us to get a sense of each other and see if therapy with me feels like the right next step.

During the call, we may discuss:

• What has brought you to counselling or therapy
• Any questions you have about how I work
• Whether you are looking for individual counselling, couples counselling, or supervision
• Practical details such as availability, fees, and session arrangements
• What you hope to gain from counselling

Many people feel nervous about reaching out for support and wonder what they should say during an introductory therapy call. Others worry about how to begin, especially if they have been carrying difficult thoughts, feelings, or experiences on their own for a long time. These feelings are completely natural. You might not know exactly what you want from therapy and that’s okay, lots of people start from that place.

If we both feel that counselling is the right next step, we can arrange your first session. I usually reserve the same weekly appointment time for each client, although I can sometimes offer flexibility where needed.

Whether you are looking for counselling in Edinburgh, online therapy, couples counselling, or professional supervision, the introductory call is an opportunity to explore how I can support you and whether we would work well together.

Almost everyone feels nervous before the first counselling session. You may be wondering what to expect from therapy, what you’ll be asked, or whether you’ll know where to begin. Some people arrive with a clear idea of what they want to talk about, while others simply know that something in their life feels difficult and needs attention.

However you arrive, you’ll be met with warmth, acceptance and respect. There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with and there is no right or wrong way to approach your first therapy session.

During our first counselling session, we’ll begin to get to know one another and explore what has brought you to therapy. I’ll listen carefully to your experiences and help you identify what feels most important to focus on. Together, we’ll start building a therapeutic relationship that feels supportive and collaborative.

You may find it helpful to reflect on questions such as:

• What has led you to seek counselling at this time?
• What feels most difficult right now?
• How would you like things to be different in your life?
• What might life look like if counselling were helpful?

The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the counselling process and get a sense of how I work. Whether you’re attending individual counselling, online therapy, couples counselling, or professional supervision, it’s important that you feel comfortable and supported.

There is no expectation that everything needs to be discussed in the first session. Therapy is a process that unfolds over time. We will work at a pace that feels right for you, creating a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences without judgement.

By the end of the first session, people usually feel a sense of weight has lifted a little. We’ll have a clearer understanding of what brings you to counselling and how we might work together moving forward.

Sessions are during office hours and I offer in-person sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Online sessions are available on Tuesdays and Fridays. I do not have availability in the evenings or at weekends.

If you’ve chosen face-to-face counselling, your sessions will take place in my comfortable and private therapy room near Haymarket in Edinburgh. Many people appreciate the opportunity to meet in person and benefit from having a dedicated therapeutic space away from the demands of everyday life.

When you arrive for your appointment, simply ring the door buzzer and the receptionist will let you into the building. Let them know that you’re here to see Sally and you’ll be directed to the waiting area on the first floor. I will come to meet you at your appointment time and invite you into the counselling room.

My therapy room is purposefully designed to provide a calm, welcoming and confidential environment where you can feel comfortable talking openly about whatever is on your mind. I will provide a glass of water and you’re welcome to bring your own drink if you prefer.

Whether you’re attending counselling for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, stress, low self-esteem, or personal growth, my aim is to create a space where you feel safe, respected and genuinely heard.

Face-to-face counselling sessions in Edinburgh offer an opportunity to step away from daily distractions and focus entirely on yourself and your wellbeing. Together, we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, exploring the issues that have brought you to therapy and supporting the changes you would like to make.

Please note that my counselling room is located on the third floor and there is no lift access. If you have any accessibility questions, concerns or special accommodation requests, please feel free to get in touch before your appointment and we can discuss possible alternatives.

Preparing for an online counselling session is usually straightforward. Many clients find that online therapy offers a convenient and flexible way to access support from the comfort of their own home.

For online counselling sessions, you’ll need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A device that supports video calls, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone
• A quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly and won’t be interrupted
• Headphones, if possible, to improve sound quality and enhance privacy
• A comfortable place to sit, along with anything that helps you feel at ease, such as a drink, blanket, or notebook

It’s also helpful to give yourself a little time before and after the session. Taking five or ten minutes beforehand allows you to get settled, test your technology if needed and prepare mentally for the session. Similarly, having a few moments afterwards can help you reflect on the conversation before returning to the demands of daily life.

Many people wonder whether online therapy is as effective as face-to-face counselling. Research suggests that online counselling can be highly effective for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and personal development. Many clients appreciate the flexibility, accessibility, and comfort of attending therapy from their own environment.

Whether you’re attending online counselling from Edinburgh or elsewhere in the UK, my aim is to create the same warm, supportive, and confidential therapeutic space that I offer in person. Together, we’ll work in a way that feels comfortable, and effective for you.

One of the most common questions people ask before starting therapy is, “How many counselling sessions will I need?” The honest answer is that it depends on your individual circumstances, what bring you to therapy and what you want to explore.

You don’t need to decide at the outset how many sessions you’ll have. We can take things one step at a time and we can review things together as the work progresses.

Some people find that short-term counselling, typically 8-12 sessions is enough to work on a specific issue or navigate a particular life challenge and develop ways of coping. Others benefit from longer term therapy, 6 months to a year or more, which allows more time to explore deeper patterns, longstanding difficulties, relationship issues or traumatic experiences.

There is no one size fits all approach to counselling every person is different and we will take into account your unique needs and circumstances.

You remain in control of the pace and duration of your sessions and most people know when the right time is to stop because they feel different. Some clients choose to taper off sessions, cutting frequency down to fortnightly, to see how they cope without weekly appointments. Others decide to stop altogether when they’ve got to where they want to be.

If you’re considering counselling but are unsure about how long you might need support, that’s completely understandable. Many people begin therapy without knowing the answer to that question. We can work it out together and I will always support you to end therapy in a way that feels appropriate to you.

People often notice changes in different ways. You may feel a weight beginning to lift, find yourself thinking differently, or respond to situations in ways that surprise you. Sometimes these shifts happen gradually and can be difficult to spot while you’re in the middle of them.

If you’re unsure whether counselling feels helpful, we can talk about that together. Your experience of therapy matters and your thoughts and feelings about our work are very important.

If you’re unsure whether counselling is helping, we can explore that together. Sometimes meaningful change takes time, and progress can be gradual rather than immediate. At other times, it may be helpful to adjust the focus of our work, explore a different therapeutic approach, or talk about what’s feeling difficult within the counselling relationship itself.

Throughout our work together, I will pay close attention to how the sessions are working for you and whether your needs are being met. If something doesn’t feel right, I encourage you to broach it with me. This might include concerns about the pace of therapy, the approach we’re using, or feeling that you haven’t been fully understood. Open conversations about these experiences can often lead to valuable insights and positive changes in the therapeutic process.

One of the benefits of counselling is having a space where you can speak honestly about your experience, including any frustrations, doubts, or disappointments. Your feedback helps ensure that our work remains focused on what is most important to you.

If, after discussing your concerns, you feel that counselling is not what you were hoping for, you are free to stop therapy at any time. Finding the right counsellor and therapeutic approach is an important part of the process and it’s essential that you feel you are getting the right support for you.

Your experience matters most. Counselling should feel like a respectful space where your voice is heard, your concerns are taken seriously and your needs remain at the centre of our work together.

Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling and one of the foundations of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Many people considering therapy ask, “Are counselling sessions confidential?” In most circumstances, the answer is yes.

Everything you share during counselling sessions is treated as private and confidential. I will not disclose information about you or our work together without your consent, except in very limited circumstances where I have a legal or ethical duty to act.

As part of my practice, I keep brief handwritten notes during or after sessions using only your initials. These notes are stored securely in a locked cabinet and handled in accordance with data protection and professional ethical standards.

Like all professional counsellors, I attend regular clinical supervision to ensure I am providing the best possible support for my clients. Supervision is a standard ethical requirement within the counselling profession. During supervision, client work is discussed confidentially and identifying information is not shared unnecessarily.

There are rare limits to confidentiality in counselling. If I believe that you, or someone you tell me about, is at serious risk of harm, I may have a legal and ethical responsibility to share relevant information with appropriate services. This could also apply in certain situations where required by law.

If a situation arose where confidentiality needed to be broken, I would aim to discuss this with you first whenever possible. I would explain what information may need to be shared, why it needs to be shared, and who it may need to be shared with.

Confidential counselling is designed to provide a space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences. My aim is always to create an environment where you feel respected, supported and able to speak freely.

For full details about how your information is stored and protected, please refer to my Privacy Policy.

People come to counselling for many different reasons. You do not need to be in crisis or have a diagnosed mental health condition to benefit from therapy. Many people seek counselling because they want support, greater self-understanding, or a space to talk openly about what they are experiencing.

Counselling can help with a wide range of emotional, psychological and relationship difficulties, including:

• Anxiety and excessive worry
• Depression and low mood
• Stress and burnout
• Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• Trauma and difficult life experiences
• Relationship difficulties
• Couples counselling and communication problems
• Grief, loss, and bereavement
• Life transitions and major life changes
• Work-related stress
• Neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism
• Identity, sexuality and LGBTQIA+ experiences
• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected
• Anger, shame, or difficult emotions
• Personal growth and self-development

Some people come to therapy with a clear issue they want to work on, while others arrive with a general sense that something doesn’t feel right. Together, we can explore your experiences, identify patterns, and work towards the changes that matter most to you.

Counselling provides a confidential and supportive space where you can better understand yourself, develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen your relationships and improve your emotional wellbeing.

If you’re unsure whether counselling could help, I offer a free 20-minute introductory call where we can discuss what is bringing you to therapy and whether I may be the right counsellor for you.

Yes. I am trained in couples counselling and relationship counselling, sometimes referred to as marriage counselling or marriage guidance. I work with couples at all stages of your relationship, whether you are experiencing significant difficulties or simply want to strengthen your connection.

My training includes Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), a highly effective, evidence-based approach to couples therapy. EFT helps couples understand the emotional patterns that can lead to conflict, distance, or misunderstandings. The focus is on creating secure emotional connections, rebuilding trust, improving communication and fostering deeper intimacy.

Couples seek relationship counselling for a variety of reasons, including:

• Communication difficulties
• Frequent arguments or recurring conflict
• Loss of emotional or physical intimacy
• Trust issues and rebuilding after betrayal
• Life transitions and major changes
• Parenting challenges
• Feeling disconnected or distant from one another
• Anxiety, stress, or external pressures affecting the relationship
• Strengthening an already healthy relationship

Whether you and your partner are facing specific challenges or simply want to develop a stronger, more fulfilling relationship, couples counselling can provide a supportive space to explore your experiences together.

My role is not to take sides or decide who is right or wrong. Instead, I help both partners feel heard, understood and better able to understand each other’s needs and emotions. Together, we work towards creating a stronger, more secure and more connected relationship.

Yes. I offer professional counselling supervision for counsellors, therapists and other helping professionals. I provide both in-person supervision in Edinburgh and online supervision, creating a supportive, reflective and collaborative space where you can explore your clinical work, consider ethical questions and support your ongoing professional development.

Drawing on my experience in both counselling practice and supervision training, I work alongside practitioners to deepen reflection, strengthen clinical skills and maintain professional wellbeing. Supervision is not only about safeguarding clients; it is also an opportunity to nurture your growth, confidence and effectiveness as a practitioner.

My approach to supervision is collaborative and tailored to your individual needs. Whether you are newly qualified or an experienced therapist, I strive to create a space where you feel supported, challenged and encouraged in your professional progress.

As a counselling supervisor, I offer face-to-face supervision in Edinburgh for practitioners who value meeting in person, as well as online sessions for those who prefer greater flexibility.

Clinical supervision can help you:

• Reflect on client work in a safe and confidential environment
• Explore ethical and professional dilemmas
• Develop greater self-awareness as a practitioner
• Strengthen therapeutic skills and confidence
• Prevent burnout and support professional wellbeing

I welcome therapists from a range of backgrounds and approaches and aim to offer supervision that is both supportive and professionally rigorous.

If you are looking for counselling supervision in Edinburgh, face-to-face supervision in Edinburgh, or online supervision, I would be happy to discuss how we might work together.

For more information about supervision sessions, fees, and availability, please visit my Supervision page or get in touch.

Yes. I offer counselling room rental in Edinburgh for counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, coaches, supervisors, family therapists, couples therapists and other helping professionals looking for a spacious and professional environment to work with clients.

One of the unique features of my therapy room is its size. The room comfortably accommodates up to eight people, making it suitable not only for individual therapy but also for family therapy, group therapy, supervision groups, therapy workshops, training sessions, and other therapeutic or wellbeing-focused group work.

The room provides a welcoming, private and confidential space designed to help both practitioners and clients feel comfortable and at ease. Whether you are looking for a space for one-to-one counselling or need a larger room for group work, the room offers flexibility to meet a variety of professional needs.

If you are searching for therapy room hire in Edinburgh, counselling room rental in Edinburgh, a room for group therapy in Edinburgh, or a space for family therapy or supervision groups, this room may be an ideal fit.

For full details about availability, facilities, location and rental rates, please visit the Counselling Room Rental page. You’re also welcome to get in touch if you’d like to arrange a viewing or discuss your requirements.