Hard work, long hours, and getting the job done—that’s what you do. Are you carrying the weight of pressure, stress, or personal struggles alone? You don’t have to. Counselling is a space for you where you can talk in confidence, without judgment, get support, and find ways to feel more in control.
Talking it through can make a real difference. It’s okay and normal to ask for help and support. Sometimes we need that neutral space to talk things through. Seeking counselling isn’t a weakness—it’s the complete opposite, it is a strength as it is about you taking control, talking about what is troubling you, and working together to find useful ways to handle the difficulties and challenges you are encountering; at a pace that feels right for you.
I offer practical, down-to-earth counselling that understands the realities of your world. Whether you are feeling under pressure, worn down with work, personal or business financial worries, uncertainty of the future; I am here to listen and help you work through your difficulties. I can help you develop skills to communicate better, to understand and manage your feelings, and learn straightforward strategies to feel empowered to make decisions.
Living and working in the Scottish Borders, I appreciate the space, freedom and beauty of the countryside, however I am aware of the disadvantages that rural life brings, and the feelings of isolation of living in rural areas. Having worked for over 20 years in the road transport industry, construction and farming, I have worked predominately with men. I have observed the struggles and difficulties that come with lone working in these industries in particular; and the detriment it has on men’s mental health.
My life and work experience has shaped my warm and empathic approach and I can offer you a confidential and supportive space where you can talk through your concerns, thoughts and feelings without judgement, and feel truly listened to, understood and valued.
If you feel ready to take the next step, I offer counselling sessions that fit in with your lifestyle - whether it is in person, online or over the phone. Let's work together to improve your life and find meaningful ways forward.
Qualifications:
SCOTACS Diploma Level 10 in Counselling & Group Work with a CBT approach COSCA Counselling Skills ASIST Training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Bereavement Training Workplace Mental Health Training
Experience:
I regularly attend courses in mental health to keep up my Continued Professional Development, this includes keeping up to date with mental health strategies in the Transport Industry, Farming and Construction, of which I have over 25 yrs experience working in these sectors.
My clinical hours were completed working for a Mental Health & Physical Wellbeing organisation in Leith, Edinburgh, where I amassed experience of working with clients diagnosed with Depression, different types of Anxiety, Self Harm, Addiction, OCD, Domestic Abuse & Bereavement to mention a few. Using the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach proved to be a success in treatment of these conditions. Since then I have continued to work with clients of varying ages and backgrounds covering various types of Anxiety, Depression, Low-self Esteem, Trauma, Relational issues in Personal & Family, Work-Related Stress, Isolation - living and working in rural areas.
I am registered with COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) which is accredited by the PSA (Professional Standards Authority) and also BACP ( British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) as a Counsellor Member and as such abide by their codes of Ethical Practice.
I am also a Listening Volunteer with Samaritans and recently been appointed as Deputy Director of Recruitment and Training, as well as being Lead Trainer at my local branch. Working to help prevent suicide in my local area is close to my heart, having experienced loss of male work colleagues and a friend, who have taken their own lives.
I specialise in the following areas:
- Anger management
- Bereavement and Loss
- Depression and Anxiety
- Financial Pressures & Worry
- Isolation and Loneliness
- Life transitions fatherhood, divorce, retirement
- Low mood and Low Self-esteem
- Overthinking, struggling to switch off
- Perfectionism
- Relationship and intimacy issues
- Stress or burnout (especially from work or family)
- Struggles with identity, self-esteem, or masculinity
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Workaholism
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