About Us
Life doesn’t always go as we expect. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck in patterns we can’t quite understand. At other times, we simply know something doesn’t feel right, even if we can’t put it into words.
At The Edinburgh Counselling Service, we offer a warm, down-to-earth space to talk things through, make sense of what’s happening and explore what might help.
Based in Edinburgh, we bring together a carefully selected team of counsellors, psychotherapists and CBT therapists who are committed to providing thoughtful, compassionate and professional support. We work with adults, couples, children and young people experiencing a wide range of challenges.
Whatever brings you to counselling, we're here to help.
We founded ECS because we wanted counselling to feel more approachable. Seeking support can be difficult enough without having to navigate confusing language, clinical settings or uncertainty about where to start.
Good therapy starts with genuine human connection. It’s about feeling listened to, understood and able to explore things honestly, without judgement or pressure to have all the answers.
We believe qualifications and experience matter, but so does the person behind them. That’s why we’ve carefully built a team of practitioners who bring not only professional knowledge, but warmth, compassion and a genuine interest in and care for the people they work with.
Our aim is simple: to make finding support a little easier, and to offer a space where all of you is welcome, and you can feel comfortable being yourself.
Why we started The Edinburgh Counselling Service
What matters to us
The relationship comes first
Feeling understood, listened to and comfortable enough to speak openly is an important part of therapy. We want you to feel able to bring your experiences as they are, without worrying about saying the right thing or being judged.
Therapy should fit you (and not the other way around)
There’s no single approach that works for everyone. Our practitioners draw on different therapeutic approaches and tailor their work to your needs, preferences and goals.
We work together
You know your own life and experiences best. Your therapist brings their training and experience, and together you can explore what matters to you, what you hope to change and what feels helpful along the way.
Humans first, therapists second
We aim to make counselling feel approachable, not intimidating. We carefully select our team not only for their professional expertise, but for their warmth, compassion and genuine commitment to the people they work with. We want counselling to feel personal and approachable, never intimidating or overly clinical.
What can you expect from counselling with ECS?
A warm, welcoming space
From your first contact with us, we want you to feel at ease. You can talk openly, take your time and bring whatever feels important, without worrying about finding the right words.
Support tailored to you
Everyone’s experiences are different. Our therapists draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, adapting sessions to your needs, preferences and goals. This might involve practical strategies, exploring past experiences or simply having space to understand how you feel.
A genuine, non-judgemental relationship
You don’t need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of what’s wrong to seek support. Whether you’re struggling with something specific or just don’t feel quite like yourself, you’ll be met with curiosity, compassion and respect.
Space for change
Therapy can help you make sense of difficult experiences, recognise patterns, develop new ways of coping and find a clearer sense of how you want to move forward. We work at a pace that feels right for you.
How we can help
Our therapists support people with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression and low mood, stress and burnout, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma and major life changes.
We also offer support for children and young people experiencing challenges such as anxiety, worry, bullying, eating difficulties and changes in their lives.
Our services include individual counselling, couples counselling, and low-cost counselling. Sessions are available in Edinburgh and online. You can read more about the therapeutic approaches and types of counselling we offer here.
How it works
1. Find your starting point
Browse our team and book an appointment directly, or get in touch with Hannah, our founder and a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. Hannah will take the time to understand what matters to you and help you find a counsellor whose experience and approach feel like a good fit.
2. Meet your therapist
Your initial consultation is an opportunity to talk about what’s brought you to counselling, ask questions and begin to gently explore what you need.
3. Work at your own pace
Sessions are usually weekly, with fortnightly sessions available with some therapists.
4. Regular therapy reviews
You and your therapist can review what’s helpful and agree on what to focus on as things develop.
4. Decide what comes next
When you feel ready to finish therapy, you and your therapist can reflect on what you’ve learned, how far you’ve come and what you’d like to take forward. The aim is for you to leave feeling more confident in yourself, with a clearer understanding of your experiences and ways to navigate what comes next.
Take the first step
Getting in touch doesn’t mean you need to know exactly what you want to talk about or what happens next. Sometimes, it’s enough to know that you’d like things to feel a little different.
Whether you have a particular concern in mind or are finding it difficult to put things into words, we’re happy to help you explore your options and find the right support.
If you’re considering counselling in Edinburgh or online, we’d love to hear from you.