Psychodynamic Counselling in Edinburgh
I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist trained in the person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. This allows me to blend techniques that address both the here and now, as well as the present-day impact of your developmental roots.
I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist trained in the person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. This allows me to blend techniques that address both the here and now, as well as the present-day impact of your developmental roots.
My practice is psychodynamic, relational and trauma-informed.
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.
My practice is psychodynamic, relational and trauma-informed.
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.
My main therapy approaches are psychodynamic and person-centred within a pluralistic framework, which means that I work collaboratively with the client and may use different approaches (similar to integrative therapy), depending on what can be the most useful for the client at the moment.
I am a qualified psychotherapist with a background in medicine. I work with adults and young people 16+ with different issues and from diverse backgrounds with warmth, compassion, and respect for their particular circumstances. I work face to face in private practice in the Newington area of Edinburgh, offering long and short term individual psychotherapy.
My main therapy approaches are psychodynamic and person-centred within a pluralistic framework, which means that I work collaboratively with the client and may use different approaches (similar to integrative therapy), depending on what can be the most useful for the client at the moment.
I am a qualified psychotherapist with a background in medicine. I work with adults and young people 16+ with different issues and from diverse backgrounds with warmth, compassion, and respect for their particular circumstances. I work face to face in private practice in the Newington area of Edinburgh, offering long and short term individual psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy, Counselling & Consultancy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH12 (Online Only)
I am a fully qualified and accredited Integrative Psychotherapist, which includes early developmental self psychology, humanistic and psychodynamic understanding.
CBT, EMDR, Psychotherapy and Counselling are options you can choose from when working with me. Life can be hard. Sometimes events happen beyond our control, these could include financial worries, experiences of loss, health concerns, relationship issues or work stress. Maybe some difficulties are longer standing from early childhood issues, abuse, trauma or living with life changing, life limiting or long term conditions.
I am a fully qualified and accredited Integrative Psychotherapist, which includes early developmental self psychology, humanistic and psychodynamic understanding.
CBT, EMDR, Psychotherapy and Counselling are options you can choose from when working with me. Life can be hard. Sometimes events happen beyond our control, these could include financial worries, experiences of loss, health concerns, relationship issues or work stress. Maybe some difficulties are longer standing from early childhood issues, abuse, trauma or living with life changing, life limiting or long term conditions.
Professionally trained in the dialogue between Person-Centred and Psychodynamic approaches to psychotherapy, I believe that each of us is the "expert" of our own lived experiences.
I offer professional psychotherapy and counselling services to adult clients and teenagers who are experiencing psychological distress or living with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and/ or chronic illnesses. The ultimate goal is to empower my clients to excel themselves with self-compassion and confidence and to live a life with pride, respect and love to self and others. I strive to serve with heart and create a safe and secure space for my clients to excel with mental health wisdom and confidence.
Professionally trained in the dialogue between Person-Centred and Psychodynamic approaches to psychotherapy, I believe that each of us is the "expert" of our own lived experiences.
I offer professional psychotherapy and counselling services to adult clients and teenagers who are experiencing psychological distress or living with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and/ or chronic illnesses. The ultimate goal is to empower my clients to excel themselves with self-compassion and confidence and to live a life with pride, respect and love to self and others. I strive to serve with heart and create a safe and secure space for my clients to excel with mental health wisdom and confidence.
Psychodynamic Therapist (Reg.
Whatever your reasons for being here, you are very welcome. I provide a very safe and confidential space to people from ALL walks of life. Whatever difficulties you are experiencing I can help you to gain insight into why they exist and persist. Psychodynamic therapy helps you to bring that which is unconscious into conscious awareness which helps you to understand and resolve internal conflicts that cause suffering. These internal conflicts manifest as, for example, anxiety, depression and self-destructive behaviours, particularly in relationship with others. Psychodynamic therapy is effective in enabling life long change.
Psychodynamic Therapist (Reg.
Whatever your reasons for being here, you are very welcome. I provide a very safe and confidential space to people from ALL walks of life. Whatever difficulties you are experiencing I can help you to gain insight into why they exist and persist. Psychodynamic therapy helps you to bring that which is unconscious into conscious awareness which helps you to understand and resolve internal conflicts that cause suffering. These internal conflicts manifest as, for example, anxiety, depression and self-destructive behaviours, particularly in relationship with others. Psychodynamic therapy is effective in enabling life long change.
I was trained at Edinburgh University in both the person centred and psychodynamic traditions.
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 was trained at Edinburgh University in both the person centred and psychodynamic traditions.
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.
Fàilte! Welcome! My name is Sandra and I am a person-centred / psychodynamic counsellor. If you are looking at this, there is probably something in your life that is causing you concern, distress or anxiety and you would like to change it in some way. Almost all of us experience times in our lives when we feel low. There are many issues that can affect our well-being, our confidence and how we relate to others. There could be any number of reasons for feeling unhappy or discontent. It could be grief, loss, trauma, abuse or relationship issues. It could be that you do not know why you feel as you do.
Fàilte! Welcome! My name is Sandra and I am a person-centred / psychodynamic counsellor. If you are looking at this, there is probably something in your life that is causing you concern, distress or anxiety and you would like to change it in some way. Almost all of us experience times in our lives when we feel low. There are many issues that can affect our well-being, our confidence and how we relate to others. There could be any number of reasons for feeling unhappy or discontent. It could be grief, loss, trauma, abuse or relationship issues. It could be that you do not know why you feel as you do.
I trained at The University of Edinburgh and my work is grounded in the psychodynamic approach.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I trained at The University of Edinburgh and my work is grounded in the psychodynamic approach.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I work with a psychodynamic approach, which is based on the idea that our early life experiences shape the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.
I offer a safe space for clients who might be struggling with life situations or want to work on self awareness. My main interest as a therapist is to accompany my clients in a process of self discovery that inspires growth.
I work with a psychodynamic approach, which is based on the idea that our early life experiences shape the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.
I offer a safe space for clients who might be struggling with life situations or want to work on self awareness. My main interest as a therapist is to accompany my clients in a process of self discovery that inspires growth.
Taking the first step towards therapy, or returning to therapy, can be difficult. Yet working through your experiences can help to process life more meaningfully. Being a qualified psychodynamic therapist means that I understand how even the smallest of issues can play such a huge part in what you may be feeling inside. We can work through this together, as I invite you to share your issues in a warm, empathic, yet well-held space.
Taking the first step towards therapy, or returning to therapy, can be difficult. Yet working through your experiences can help to process life more meaningfully. Being a qualified psychodynamic therapist means that I understand how even the smallest of issues can play such a huge part in what you may be feeling inside. We can work through this together, as I invite you to share your issues in a warm, empathic, yet well-held space.
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Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
Waitlist for new clients
I integrate insights from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Existential Therapy.
If we allow ourselves, therapy can help us in so many ways and even deeply transform us. You may find yourself experiencing feelings of stagnation, fatigue, or loneliness. Perhaps you are contending with various challenges or wish to discover yourself deeper and fulfil your potential. I offer a safe, honest and nurturing listening space. I aim to help individuals gain self-awareness, navigate challenges, facilitate healing, transformation and personal growth. It is a profound privilege to assist people on their journey.
I integrate insights from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Existential Therapy.
If we allow ourselves, therapy can help us in so many ways and even deeply transform us. You may find yourself experiencing feelings of stagnation, fatigue, or loneliness. Perhaps you are contending with various challenges or wish to discover yourself deeper and fulfil your potential. I offer a safe, honest and nurturing listening space. I aim to help individuals gain self-awareness, navigate challenges, facilitate healing, transformation and personal growth. It is a profound privilege to assist people on their journey.
I believe everyone’s journey is unique, so I integrate various therapeutic approaches like person-centred, psychodynamic, trauma-focused, and somatic practices.
Maybe you've spent years feeling like you had to be someone else—constantly trying to meet the expectations of others. Whether it’s unresolved trauma, attachment wounds, or the weight of anxiety and depression, it can leave you feeling disconnected from your true self. You might find yourself stuck in people-pleasing, overworking, masking, or repressing your emotions. Coping can turn into unhealthy patterns like self-harming, developing addictions, OCD, or eating disorders. Together, we can unravel those patterns, understand how your past is shaping your present, and help you develop what you need to feel good in your own skin.
I believe everyone’s journey is unique, so I integrate various therapeutic approaches like person-centred, psychodynamic, trauma-focused, and somatic practices.
Maybe you've spent years feeling like you had to be someone else—constantly trying to meet the expectations of others. Whether it’s unresolved trauma, attachment wounds, or the weight of anxiety and depression, it can leave you feeling disconnected from your true self. You might find yourself stuck in people-pleasing, overworking, masking, or repressing your emotions. Coping can turn into unhealthy patterns like self-harming, developing addictions, OCD, or eating disorders. Together, we can unravel those patterns, understand how your past is shaping your present, and help you develop what you need to feel good in your own skin.
Psychodynamic counselling looks at the way in which early relational experiences become embedded in our unconscious, influencing our sense of self.
I am a psychodynamic counsellor, previously a Clinical Scientist (physicist) in NHS cancer services and more recently, a community educator, working alongside people experiencing multiple disadvantage, trauma, addiction, or exclusion. As a counsellor, I have in two counselling services in the Third Sector, one for people experiencing mental health difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss, grief, or trauma and one for people with physical ill-health conditions, including carers, families and friends. These experiences, plus life itself, have led me to this, my third career and vocation.
Psychodynamic counselling looks at the way in which early relational experiences become embedded in our unconscious, influencing our sense of self.
I am a psychodynamic counsellor, previously a Clinical Scientist (physicist) in NHS cancer services and more recently, a community educator, working alongside people experiencing multiple disadvantage, trauma, addiction, or exclusion. As a counsellor, I have in two counselling services in the Third Sector, one for people experiencing mental health difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss, grief, or trauma and one for people with physical ill-health conditions, including carers, families and friends. These experiences, plus life itself, have led me to this, my third career and vocation.
My practice is informed by psychodynamic, person-centred and attachment-based theories.
In my practice, I work with people who find it difficult to know and express what they want. I also work with clients who have experienced loss, trauma and displacement and therefore lack a sense of safety and belonging. I am experienced in working with people who find it challenging to regulate their emotions and fall into uncontrollable outbursts of confusion, anger, terror and worry. Finally, I specialise in working with individuals who struggle to form and sustain satisfying relationships and so suffer from feelings of worthlessness and emptiness.
My practice is informed by psychodynamic, person-centred and attachment-based theories.
In my practice, I work with people who find it difficult to know and express what they want. I also work with clients who have experienced loss, trauma and displacement and therefore lack a sense of safety and belonging. I am experienced in working with people who find it challenging to regulate their emotions and fall into uncontrollable outbursts of confusion, anger, terror and worry. Finally, I specialise in working with individuals who struggle to form and sustain satisfying relationships and so suffer from feelings of worthlessness and emptiness.
I’ve trained in EMDR, schema therapy, CBT, psychodynamic and compassion-focused therapies.
Having the right fit (“therapeutic alliance”) with your psychologist is viewed as the most crucial factor in the healing process. I would encourage you to choose a practitioner with a broad life experience as well as a clinical training in a range of evidence-based psychological therapies. A former lawyer, I practised human rights & social justice law for years in the courts in the UK. This led to my interest in psychology & trauma & therapies to overcome psychological difficulties. I’ve lived in Canada, France, Italy & Scotland and have travelled all over the world, so I hope to have a background which may help you.
I’ve trained in EMDR, schema therapy, CBT, psychodynamic and compassion-focused therapies.
Having the right fit (“therapeutic alliance”) with your psychologist is viewed as the most crucial factor in the healing process. I would encourage you to choose a practitioner with a broad life experience as well as a clinical training in a range of evidence-based psychological therapies. A former lawyer, I practised human rights & social justice law for years in the courts in the UK. This led to my interest in psychology & trauma & therapies to overcome psychological difficulties. I’ve lived in Canada, France, Italy & Scotland and have travelled all over the world, so I hope to have a background which may help you.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy can provide valuable insights, coping strategies, and tools for personal empowerment.
Seeking help is not easy; if you land on this page, you are brave, as it takes great courage. You are not alone in this struggle, and I am here to offer you a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your innermost thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Together, we will delve into the root causes of your suffering, unravelling the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. My approach, combining individualised psychodynamic techniques with genuine empathy and understanding, sets me apart as a therapist.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy can provide valuable insights, coping strategies, and tools for personal empowerment.
Seeking help is not easy; if you land on this page, you are brave, as it takes great courage. You are not alone in this struggle, and I am here to offer you a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your innermost thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Together, we will delve into the root causes of your suffering, unravelling the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. My approach, combining individualised psychodynamic techniques with genuine empathy and understanding, sets me apart as a therapist.
I am trained to work with children, young people, and adults drawing from both psychodynamic and analytic theory, whilst offer the core conditions of person centred therapy.
Hello, my name is Rachel Gray, and I would be delighted to offer you therapeutic support. I offer both short and long term therapy for adults, young people, and children in central Edinburgh. It can feel daunting when you make the decision to find a counsellor; to acknowledge, even just to yourself, that you may need some support to work through a current or historical difficulty. Having 4 teenagers myself, I understand as a parent how hard it can be navigating the difficulties children and teenagers face. With younger people, I tend to work more creatively as talking therapy can be quite scary on its own for younger clients.
I am trained to work with children, young people, and adults drawing from both psychodynamic and analytic theory, whilst offer the core conditions of person centred therapy.
Hello, my name is Rachel Gray, and I would be delighted to offer you therapeutic support. I offer both short and long term therapy for adults, young people, and children in central Edinburgh. It can feel daunting when you make the decision to find a counsellor; to acknowledge, even just to yourself, that you may need some support to work through a current or historical difficulty. Having 4 teenagers myself, I understand as a parent how hard it can be navigating the difficulties children and teenagers face. With younger people, I tend to work more creatively as talking therapy can be quite scary on its own for younger clients.
In addition to a person-centered foundation, I draw upon psychodynamic and CBT techniques, ensuring a tailored and effective therapeutic experience.
I am a person-centered counsellor with a background in private practice and independent schools. I believe that healing happens in the context of relationships, and I am dedicated to cultivating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can come as they are and work collaboratively toward their goals. It takes great strength to decide to come to counselling and it has been a joy to witness the healing that happens when clients give themselves space to slow down and process.
In addition to a person-centered foundation, I draw upon psychodynamic and CBT techniques, ensuring a tailored and effective therapeutic experience.
I am a person-centered counsellor with a background in private practice and independent schools. I believe that healing happens in the context of relationships, and I am dedicated to cultivating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can come as they are and work collaboratively toward their goals. It takes great strength to decide to come to counselling and it has been a joy to witness the healing that happens when clients give themselves space to slow down and process.
"The effort to become human is among the very few things in a person's life that may over time come to feel more important to him than his personal survival" (T Ogden 1997). I am a professionally qualified and experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. I have undertaken extensive continued professional development which has included training in the Dynamics of Attachment in Adult Life; Therapeutic Assessment; Infant Observation and Therapeutic Supervision. I have a particular interest in the relationship between shame and trauma.
"The effort to become human is among the very few things in a person's life that may over time come to feel more important to him than his personal survival" (T Ogden 1997). I am a professionally qualified and experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. I have undertaken extensive continued professional development which has included training in the Dynamics of Attachment in Adult Life; Therapeutic Assessment; Infant Observation and Therapeutic Supervision. I have a particular interest in the relationship between shame and trauma.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
Nearby Psychodynamic Counsellors Searches for Edinburgh
- Bonnyrigg
- Cowdenbeath
- Cupar
- Dalkeith
- Dunfermline
- Glenrothes
- Gorebridge
- Haddington
- Kirkcaldy
- Livingston
- Musselburgh
- North Berwick
Psychodynamic Counsellors
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.