Why therapy? Why now? Why me?
There are lots of reasons why someone might refer themselves to me for therapy. It can include, but is not limited to, feelings of overwhelm or conflict, perhaps anxiety around feeling stuck or wanting change with a particular goal or relationship. Some people use therapy to explore how their past affects their present. Some people need a space just for them, where their unique experience of the world can be validated. You may be a parent who is wanting therapy for your child as they struggling with some aspects of their daily life.
Many people come to me because of my clinical expertise in working with themes related to gender, sex and relationship diversity. I also specialise in supporting people’s recovery from trauma, in particular, the impact of childhood sexual abuse. I am experienced in offering personal therapy to both trainee and qualified therapists and understand the unique dynamics of such relationships. The therapy I offer can allow people to have a time and a relationship in which to safely express themselves, usually resulting in an increase self esteem and self awareness.
One-off session
(Sometimes two sessions)
Suitable for people looking for a triage style appointment around their current circumstances, with the aim of feeling more resourced. I create this space particularly for people who might need to bring a part of themselves that they cannot so easily assume most therapists might be so knowledgeable about.
Also suitable for ex-clients who may need a ‘check-in’.
Brief block
(6-8 sessions)
Suitable for people with a specific ‘issue’, situation or feeling they would like to focus on that we will agree during assessment. Ideal for people who have some existing supports in their life and/or previous experience of therapy or other self reflective processes.
Long term open ended
*Currently full to new referrals*
The most common way of working in my private practice and therefore unfortunately therefore usually my least available. Working in an open ended way allows for a fluidity in the areas of your life we may attend to at different times in the therapy. I offer the opportunity to build relational safety over a longer term period. I recognise for those who have experienced trauma or loss, particularly in relationships, that this can be a delicate and time consuming process which is not always linear.
Sessions are usually 1 hour in length, offered weekly.
Different lengths and frequencies of session available by negotiation.
Group work for adults
I am available for a variety of commissioned group work at my standard hourly rates.
Stay up to date with the latest groups and workshops available to the public via my mailing list and news.
Limitations
Waiting list
When full, I do not operate a waiting list due to my low client turnover rate. However you are very welcome to email me a few months after you have first been in touch to see if anything has changed. For those looking for an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist I recommend searching Pink Therapy directory. For those looking for an art therapist I recommend searching the BAAT listings.
Crisis
Starting therapy often isn’t useful if you are in active crisis. Here are some immediate resources that may be more helpful.
International work
I am insured to offer a limited amount of client work to people outside the UK but I am currently at capacity and not taking any international referrals at this time.
Young children
Whilst I am experienced in working with children of all ages, my current premises are unsuitable for younger children, so in my private practice I do not work with those younger than 8 years old.
Hybrid working
The nature of my work and life commitments mean for at least 1 week per month I am usually not in Edinburgh for in-person sessions, though I am available remotely via zoom. When considering your relational needs in therapy, I invite you to bear this in mind.
Couples/Family Therapy
Whilst many of my clients will be exploring their relationships in therapy with me, I do not offer couples or family therapy.
Location options
In-person
I offer sessions at my premises in central Edinburgh, based at Summerhall.
Online
I offer secure online sessions over the Zoom platform.
Outdoors
I can arrange to meet at the beach or a green space in Edinburgh. Only available after initial assessment and negotiation of purpose.
Hybrid
You don’t have to pick just one! For many of my clients a more fluid approach works for their life circumstances and I’m happy to offer this flexibility.
Book an initial appointment
I invite you to email me in order for us to assess if what I can offer is compatible with your needs.
We can also schedule a short 15 minute telephone call prior to booking an initial appointment if required.
Art Therapy with Alison 