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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, each working independently but united by a shared commitment to a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy as well as evidence based practices and ongoing professional development. We provide counselling to individuals, couples, and young people, welcoming clients of all backgrounds. Our counsellors are fully qualified, insured, and adhere to the ethical standards of their respective professional bodies. We 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.
Laura Savage
Transactional Analysis Therapist
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Hi, I’m Laura, a counsellor trained in Transactional Analysis. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples find clarity and connection as they navigate life's challenges. My approach is empathetic and client-focused, offering a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours while working towards meaningful change.
I’m here to support those feeling overwhelmed, lost, or disconnected from themselves. Together, we can explore what is holding you back and help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that may feel forgotten, guiding you towards a life that feels more fulfilling and joyful. I have experience working with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, family dynamics, pregnancy, miscarriage, stress, sex work, trauma, self-harm, LGBTQ+ experience and low self-esteem. I also bring years of experience working with autistic children, adults, and their families, offering unique insights and understanding to those navigating similar paths.
I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time on Tuesday afternoon/evenings, Wednesday afternoon/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.
Cécile Sami
Psychodynamic and Person-Centred Therapist
Hi, I’m Cécile. I am a qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, blending both the person-centered and psychodynamic approaches. This combination allows us to address both the present moment and the ongoing impact of your developmental roots. I work with a wide range of presentations in both adult and adolescent populations aged sixteen and up.
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At the core of my therapeutic practice is the exploration of your relationship with yourself. Together, we will examine the narratives you tell yourself about who you are and consider how these narratives came to be. While our sessions will always be guided by what you choose to discuss, I will gently encourage you to explore both conscious and unconscious processes, such as defense mechanisms, attachment styles, thought patterns, internal dialogue, and deeply ingrained beliefs.
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By providing you with an empathetic, authentic, and non-judgmental space, we can collaboratively examine the various factors that filter the way you experience life, helping us work optimally toward your specific therapeutic goals. I place great emphasis on deepening our capacity for self-acceptance and compassion, as these are vital components in creating meaningful change and growth.
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I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time on Monday mornings/early afternoons and Wednesday mornings/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.