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Our Therapists
Heal. Grow. Thrive.
Welcome to The Edinburgh Counselling Service. We are a small group of warm, compassionate and empathic counsellors. We provide counselling to individuals, couples and young people. We welcome clients of all backgrounds, and help individuals feel empowered, live authentically, thrive in relationships with themselves and others, experience healing and change, and uncover purpose in their lives. To find out more about each of our therapists, please feel welcome to take a look at our profiles below.
Hannah Walker
Founder of The Edinburgh Counselling Service
Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Hi I’m Hannah, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. I’m the founder of The Edinburgh Counselling Service where I provide counselling to individuals, couples and young people. I am particularly experienced in supporting individuals with anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, relationships, perfectionism, burnout and imposter syndrome.
I aim to help individuals feel empowered, live authentically, thrive in relationships with themselves and others, experience healing and change, and uncover purpose in their lives. Whether you would like support working through something specific, or would simply like a space that’s just for you, I provide a place for you to explore what is important to you.
My approach to counselling is grounded in openness, trust, honesty, compassion (and even a little humour!). The counselling journey can bring the confidence, personal growth and self-awareness required to reach your full potential and live fully. Please take a look here to find out more about how I work.
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*Please note I am currently full and unable to take on new clients.*
Odett Toth
Integrative Counsellor
Hi there, I'm Odett and I'm an integrative counsellor dedicated to fostering therapeutic change through person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. At the heart of my practice lies a commitment to meeting you where you are on your journey and tailoring our sessions to suit your unique needs and preferences.
I understand the importance of finding a therapist who resonates with you, and I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all my clients. Whether you're seeking guidance through challenging times or looking to explore deeper aspects of yourself, I am here to walk alongside you on your path to healing and self-discovery.
With a background in working with a diverse range of clients, I specialise in addressing relationship issues, anxiety and depression, self-esteem concerns and trauma. I also have a special interest in working with survivors of domestic abuse. My goal is to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. Together, we'll aim to create a space for genuine connection, where you can feel truly seen and heard and can feel free to be your authentic and confident self. During this journey of self-discovery and growth, we will aim to navigating the complexities of life with courage and compassion.
As a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I adhere to their professional standards, ensuring a safe and ethical therapeutic environment. I offer sessions in both English and Hungarian, providing a comfortable space for clients who prefer therapy in their native language. I believe in the power of creativity and play in therapy, and for those who are interested, I integrate creative tools into our sessions to facilitate exploration and expression.
I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions on Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings.
Nicole Mackintosh
Integrative Counsellor
Hi, I’m Nicole and I am a qualified integrative therapist registered with the BACP. I draw on both psychodynamic and person-centred approaches within my practice. Within sessions, I encourage my clients to find their own way in their therapeutic journey. Some clients may respond better to having more directive and structured sessions, whereas other clients may like to focus on one session at a time, working with whatever they feel is most important on that day. Whichever way a client wants to work, I strive to create the warm and open environment they need to do this.
My approach to therapy centres on fostering a strong and positive therapeutic relationship and I believe this relationship can encourage growth and change. I meet my clients from a place of non-judgement and curiosity. I offer warmth, compassion and an understanding that therapy can sometimes feel a little daunting. Alongside this, I believe there is a place for joy and laughter within the counselling room.
The main bulk of my experience is within working with trauma, specifically with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I also have experience of working with relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and domestic and emotional abuse. I strongly believe in the benefits of working creatively in a therapeutic environment, and have experience incorporating art into sessions for clients as a way for them to express themselves and tell their stories.
My experience also extends to working with children in an education setting, working in a way which puts art, creativity and play at the heart of the therapeutic process. I offer a safe place for children and young people to experience therapy to ensure they can work in a way they understand and so that they leave having had a positive experience of therapy.
I welcome clients from all ages, backgrounds and experiences.
I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions on Thursday and Friday mornings and afternoons.
Jennifer Dunn
Integrative Counsellor
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Hello, I’m Jennifer and I am an integrative counsellor for adults. I draw on both person-centred and psychodynamic approaches in my practice. I would describe my way of working as relational, meaning that the quality of our relationship is what is most important to me, and that I believe this relationship has the potential to promote growth and change. I focus on what is happening between us in the session, in the here-and-now. I am interested in our early relationships and how they have an impact on our current self-concept and how they may play out today. I also have an interest in existential psychotherapy; I am curious about how we make meaning of our experiences and how they shape our own worldview. I offer a space where we can unpack whatever you bring with curiosity and compassion.
I have particular experience of working with new parents and also have an experience of working with trauma, grief, neurodiversity, relationship difficulties, childhood neglect and life transitions. I have previous experience of working in both adult education and the prison service, and therefore welcome anyone of any background and experience. I offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you will find warmth, unconditional acceptance and positive regard, and maybe even a little humour sometimes!
I am currently working towards a doctorate in psychotherapy and counselling and I am a member of the BACP. I am also fluent in French and am comfortable offering sessions in French.
I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time on Monday afternoon/evenings, Tuesday afternoon/evenings and Wednesday afternoon/evenings.
Amy Polson
Pluralistic Counsellor
Hi there, I’m Amy and I provide counselling to adults and young adults. I mainly work in a pluralistic way, which means I collaborate with clients to find what suits them best. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’, and together we can figure out what you would like to work on and what tools and techniques may help to get you to where you would like to be. Perhaps you will feel more drawn to a free-flowing exploration of past or present experiences. Or maybe you are looking for more structure to work on behaviour change. The therapeutic process can be completely flexible to respond to whatever you may need in each moment.
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I have extensive experience working with children, young people and adults and have additional training in Play Therapy and trauma-informed therapy for survivors of abuse. I enjoy working with a diverse range of ages, genders and backgrounds. Areas that I have experience working with include issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, suicidal ideation and self-harm, relationship problems, LGBTQ+ experience and low self-esteem. I have ongoing membership with the BACP who oversee that I am working to the highest standards at all times.
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My deepest intention is to create a safe, genuine and supportive therapeutic relationship with clients so that we can explore whatever arises with compassion and curiosity. I understand that engaging in the counselling process can be not only fulfilling and transformative but also significantly challenging at times. I offer a wholehearted unconditional acceptance and non-judgement so that you can trust that all of you is welcome in the space.
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I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time each week on Wednesday mornings and early afternoons, Thursday mornings and early afternoons, and Saturday mornings and afternoons.
Mally Van Nek
Individual and Couples' Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Hello, I’m Mally and I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist registered with COSCA. I provide counselling to individuals and couples. As a trauma-informed multimodal counsellor; I combine different therapeutic styles and theories to create a space which is warm, safe and non-judgemental. I create a space where you will be free to be your authentic self, and I can support you as we explore the root of your challenges.
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I draw on many different aspects of counselling modalities to provide a safe, inclusive, warm space. I am particularly experienced with providing Psychodynamic Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), and Schema Therapy. I tailor my approach to each individual to suit their goals and needs.
My counselling ethos is that ‘you are the expert on your life’ and I am there to support, empower, and help you explore whatever you choose to bring to each session. I am passionate about working with LGBTQIA individuals and couples, people who have experienced trauma and sexual violence, and those in polyamorous or non-monogamous relationships.
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I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time each week on Tuesday mornings and afternoons. I also offer online sessions on Monday evenings.
Amber Fieldgate
Person-Centred Counsellor
Hi there! I'm Amber, a friendly and dedicated person-centred counsellor holding a Master's in Counselling from the University of Edinburgh. ​As a proud member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I adhere to their ethical standards, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care.
Having undergone therapy personally, I understand the courage it takes to begin this journey. My goal is to make the process as comfortable as possible, recognising that everyone moves at their own pace. I believe in creating a warm and supportive space where everyone not only feels heard, but truly understood.
My approach is rooted in person-centred counselling, emphasising empathy and non-judgment. In our sessions, I aim to build a safe and trusting relationship, encouraging you to freely express yourself. With gentle curiosity, we'll explore your experiences and emotions, uncovering new perspectives and unlocking your full potential.
I bring expertise in supporting individuals dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Additionally, I have a special interest in assisting neurodivergent adults, offering support to those navigating a neurotypical world. Being neurodivergent myself, I bring a unique perspective that deepens my understanding of clients navigating similar experiences. I view neurodivergence not as a weakness but as a strength, recognising the challenges it poses alongside the inherent opportunities it can present.
I have a passion for supporting young people and children, using both talking and play to help them build their sense of self and overcome difficulties. I understand that children may have a hard time articulating their feelings, it is my goal that through play therapy, they can process and make sense of their experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
Embarking on counselling may feel nerve-wracking, but my promise to you is unwavering support and a kind, compassionate presence every step of the way. Let's collaborate to deepen your understanding of yourself and pave the way for a brighter future.
I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time on Tuesday afternoons/evenings, Wednesday afternoons/evenings, and Friday mornings/early afternoons.
Ross Pollard
CBT Psychotherapist
Hi I’m Ross, a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist and counsellor with the BACP. I provide individual and group therapy, delivered either face-to-face or online. I have experience supporting a wide range of adults, from students to senior professionals. As well as this, I specialise in working with disabled and neurodivergent clients (such as ADHD, Autism and dyslexia).
My approach generally follows a Cognitive Behavioural framework with integrated Compassion-focused practices. I help clients better understand themselves and their difficulties, to empower them to facilitate positive changes in their thinking, behaviours, and beliefs. On this journey, I equip clients with the skills to become more resilient and encourage personal growth through self-compassion and acceptance. I have experience working with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, Autism, communication difficulties, shame, body dysmorphia and dyslexia.
I welcome clients who don’t know specifically what they wish to focus on, or who alternatively, just want a safe place to talk, rather than follow a specific approach. Every individual is unique, so I passionately believe in making the therapy process collaborative, inclusive of different learning styles and shaped by the client’s input. Therapy can be lifechanging and I want your experience to leave you feeling confident and fulfilled.
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I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time each week on Monday evenings, Thursday evenings, Friday evenings and Saturdays during the day.
Jenni Ochoa
Psychodynamic Counsellor and Nature Therapist
Hi, I’m Jenni, a qualified relationship counsellor registered with COSCA. I am an experienced trauma-informed therapist who works with couples, individuals, and relational groups. I am also certified to provide Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy. We are all valuable individuals with unique experiences that carve out patterns we may not notice. I create a safe environment where we can collaborate towards understanding how you see yourself, how you move through your world, and gain powerful insights into how you can develop in relation to your life and relationships.
My approach is empathic warmth, grounding, and attunement. I work primarily from a psychodynamic and systemic perspective where we explore your unconscious thoughts in relation to past experiences and work to increase awareness of how these might manifest in your day-to-day life. Realising the influence of your past on present behaviour can be daunting but you’ll find I am passionate about making space for fun and I believe working creativity can energise the counselling relationship and enhance self-awareness wherever things feel a little ‘stuck’.
I endeavour to create authentic connection by welcoming all that exists in our humanness, working towards a sense of self-worth without conditions, uplifting confidence, and becoming comfortable with owning your power.
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I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time on Monday mornings and early afternoons.
Karcher Cox
Counselling Psychologist Trainee
A warm welcome! I'm Karcher, a Trainee Counselling Psychologist studying at Glasgow Caledonian University. I hold a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills and am a student member of The British Psychological Society (BPS). My Doctorate-level course is accredited by both the BPS and the Health and Care Professions Council. Additionally, I attend supervision with a COSCA-accredited Psychotherapist, ensuring continuous improvement in my practice and high-quality care for all clients.
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I have experience working with adults, including students and professionals, who face challenges such as anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship issues, and loneliness. I offer Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, collaborating with clients to create personal and meaningful experiences. My approach is non-judgmental, empathetic, and encourages authenticity, which includes the use of humour and expressing our many emotions.
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As a Trainee Counselling Psychologist, I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is key to successful therapy. I use therapeutic techniques to help you process emotions, understand yourself and your relationships more deeply, and build resilience and confidence. Having attended therapy myself, I understand the concerns and confusion that can accompany reaching out, as well as the relief and clarity it can bring.
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I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds who seek a safe space to explore their emotions, relationships, or any other concerns. No issue is too small for therapy; I'm here to listen, accept, and support you on our journey together.
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I offer concessionary sessions on Tuesday mornings and early afternoons.