Counselling for anxiety in Edinburgh and Midlothian
A calm space to talk
Somewhere to talk about anxiety, at your own pace
Anxiety can make ordinary days feel like hard work. Some people tell me it’s a constant hum of worry in the background. For others it arrives out of nowhere, in a meeting, in the car, at three in the morning. Many have been getting on with things like this for years.
Counselling gives you an hour that belongs to you, with someone whose only job is to listen. You don’t need to have the right words, or know where to start. We can work that out together.
I’m a qualified, person-centred counsellor based in Bilston, Midlothian. I see people from Edinburgh and the surrounding area in person, and anywhere online.
What anxiety can look like
Anxiety is different for everyone, and you're the expert on how it feels for you. People who come to see me often describe some of these:
A mind that won't switch off, especially at night
Tension in the body: a tight chest, a churning stomach, shoulders up by your ears
Going over conversations again and again afterwards
Avoiding things you used to manage without thinking: phone calls, busy places, driving
Feeling on edge, snappy or tired for no clear reason
Worry about work, money, health or family that seems bigger than it should be
You might recognise a lot of that, or only one line. Either is a good enough reason to talk.
How it works
How counselling helps with anxiety
We start with what’s actually going on for you: when the anxiety shows up, what it’s attached to, and what it’s been costing you.
Often, simply saying these things out loud to someone who isn’t going to judge you takes some of the weight off. Over time, people start to notice patterns and understand where the feelings come from. From there, you can decide what you’d like to change and how.
My approach is person-centred. I listen, I reflect back what I notice, and you stay in charge of where the conversation goes. I won’t tell you what you should be thinking or feeling.
Your first session
What happens when you get in touch
The first step is a 25-minute consultation, which costs £25. It’s a chance to tell me a little about what’s brought you here, ask any questions, and see whether I feel like the right person for you. There’s no obligation to book anything else.
If we go ahead, sessions last 50 minutes and cost £60. You can come weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Life changes, and how we work together can change with it.
Everything you tell me is confidential. I’ll explain the few legal limits to that before we begin, so there are no surprises.
Where we meet
In person or online
I see clients at my practice in Bilston, EH25, which is easy to reach from Penicuik, Loanhead, Roslin and the south of Edinburgh. If travelling is hard, or you’d rather talk from home, we can meet online instead. Some people find it easier to open up from their own sofa, and that’s fine.
Anxiety at work
When the pressure comes from work
A lot of the anxiety people bring to me starts at work: pressure, long hours, a difficult manager, or the fear of letting people down. If that’s you, counselling is a private space to talk it through, and nothing comes back to your employer.
If you’re an employer who wants to support a member of staff, or your whole team, I also work directly with businesses. You can read about employee wellbeing and workplace counselling.
A common question
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?
For some people, yes. I’m also a trained hypnotherapist, and hypnotherapy can help with specific fears and with confidence. For anxiety, though, I’ll usually suggest we start with counselling, so we understand what’s underneath first. If hypnotherapy would help later on, I’ll say so. Every hypnotherapy session is recorded so you can listen again in your own time.
About Kelly
Who you'll be talking to
I’m a qualified counsellor and hypnotherapist based in Bilston, Midlothian, EH25, and I’ve been working with people from Edinburgh and the surrounding area for years.
My qualifications include:
- Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Ad Dip PC)
- Certificate in Hypnotherapy & Counselling Skills (Cert Hyp CS)
- Diploma in Aromatherapy
Questions people ask
Questions people ask about anxiety counselling
How do I know if I need counselling for anxiety?
There’s no threshold you have to reach. If anxiety is getting in the way of your sleep, your work or the things you enjoy, and you’d like it to change, that’s reason enough to have a conversation.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on you and what you’re dealing with. Some people come for six or eight sessions, others for longer. We’ll check in regularly about how it’s going and whether it’s still helping.
What if I don't know what to say?
That’s very common, especially at the start. You don’t need to prepare anything. We can begin with whatever is on your mind that day, even if it’s “I don’t know where to start”.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you say stays between us. The only exceptions are the rare situations where I’m legally required to act, for example if someone is at serious risk of harm, and I’ll explain these at the start.
Should I see my GP as well?
If anxiety is affecting your daily life, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP too. Counselling works alongside medical care and doesn’t replace it.
What if I need help right now?
If you’re in crisis or worried about your safety, please don’t wait for an appointment. In Scotland you can call NHS 24 on 111 or Samaritans on 116 123 at any time of day or night. Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87) is open evenings and weekends. In an emergency, call 999.
When you're ready
You don’t have to have it all worked out before you get in touch. A short first chat is enough to see whether this feels right.
An initial consultation lasts 25 minutes and costs £25. 50-minute sessions cost £60.
