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.

I offer sessions weekly or fortnightly at the same time each week on Fridays from our city centre location, and Thursday evenings from our location in Cammo, EH4.

*Please note I am currently full and unable to take on new clients.*

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.

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.

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.

Carol Tibi, MBACP

Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT)

Hi I’m Carol, a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

As a CBT therapist, I am dedicated to giving compassionate and effective care to individuals struggling with mental health issues. I provide clients with essential CBT tools and strategies necessary to help them overcome obstacles in their journey towards improved mental health and achieving lasting change.

I have extensive experience working with anxiety-based disorders such as general anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, and OCD, as well as low mood and depression.

Currently, I'm involved with the NHS's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, delivering NICE recommended care and focusing on high intensity interventions. I also volunteer at Saheliya, working with women from ethnic minority communities. Coming from a Black and Ethnic Minority background, I deeply understand the challenges that diverse cultures face in accessing mental health services and I am dedicated to improving access to care for all.

Drawing upon both personal and professional experiences, I have gained a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds. This has shaped my approach in providing effective treatment plans that address each client's individual needs.

With empathy at the heart of my practice, I strive to create a safe and compassionate environment that fosters healing and growth.

I offer weekly or fortnightly online sessions at the same time each week on Monday mornings and afternoons.

Iona Mackenzie, MBACP
Pluralistic Counsellor

Hi there, my name is Iona and I am a qualified counsellor with a diploma in pluralistic counselling. My aim is to work with an individual’s specific needs and adapt each session to fit what works best for the individual and their uniqueness. As a pluralistic counsellor, I draw on a range of different therapeutic approaches, ideas and methods, to suit a client's goals, sometimes incorporating activities and exercises into our work together when appropriate.

I know from experience how surreal and nerve-wracking counselling can be to start with! Please rest assured we can take everything at your own pace. I endeavour to create a protected, welcoming and friendly space, where all parts of you and whatever you may choose to bring will be accepted.

My aim of our work together is to encourage you to realise your potential and work to understand you or your situation. Whatever is going on for you, whatever journey you are on, I can be there with you whilst we explore and try to find the answers. I welcome clients to talk about any area that needs addressed, the past, the present and future and hope to create a space where you can be free to release some of what you have been carrying.

I work with adults aged 18 and over, and have particular experience with working with young adults. Some of my areas of expertise include anxiety, depression and self-esteem. I have worked at the PF Counselling Service and also have extensive experience working in the third sector and with unpaid carer.

I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time each week on Friday afternoons and evenings.

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.

I offer weekly sessions at the same time each week on Monday evenings, Thursday evenings, Friday evenings and Saturdays during the day.

Amber Fieldgate
Person-Centred Counsellor

Hi there! I'm Amber, a dedicated person-centred counsellor with a Master's in Counselling. I believe in creating a warm and supportive environment where adults, children, and young people can feel heard and understood. My approach is rooted in person-centred counselling, which means I work from a place of empathy and non-judgment to support you in discovering your own solutions and pathways to growth.

In our sessions, I strive to create a safe and trusting relationship where you can feel free to express yourself. My gentle curiosity allows us to explore your experiences and emotions together, so that we can uncover new perspectives and unlock your full potential. With experience supporting individuals dealing with many issues such as anxiety, depression and trauma, I am equipped to help you navigate these challenges and find hope for the future. I also have a special interest in supporting neurodivergent adults who have been newly diagnosed or who are navigating living in a neurotypical world.

I have a special passion for supporting young people and children, using both talking and play therapy to help them build their sense of self and overcome difficulties. I understand that children may have a hard time articulating their feelings, but through play therapy, they can process and make sense of their experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.

I know that beginning counselling can often be a nerve-wracking experience, but my promise to you is that I will be here to offer a kind and compassionate presence every step of the way. Let's work together to help you achieve a deeper understanding of yourself and a brighter future.

I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time on Tuesday afternoon/evenings, Wednesday afternoon/evenings and Friday mornings and early afternoons.

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.

I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time on Monday mornings and early afternoons.

Kazandra Pangilinan
Counselling and Psychotherapy Trainee

Hello! I’m Kazandra, a Counselling and Psychotherapy Trainee completing my Master of Counselling at The University of Edinburgh. As a person who has sat on both sides of the therapy couch I deeply appreciate the warm, non-judgemental, and safe space counselling can provide – and I’m committed to offering this same space to others.

As a human being, I intend to use my own story, as well the integrative tools at my disposal to inform my practice and empathically meet you wherever you are. Because my practice is mainly rooted in a person-centred approach, I believe that each person has the endless capacity to grow, shape their narrative, and forge their own path forward. However, I also recognise the many ways our past can be alive in our present, impacting our relationship with both ourselves and others.

With compassion, integrity, and the fullest respect for the resiliency of the human spirit, I will journey alongside you to a place of wholeness, healing, greater self-awareness, and a deeper connection with yourself and the world. Together, we will navigate your way towards fulfilment, peace, and happiness.

My counselling room is a place for discovery, exploration, and empowerment for people of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, genders, and sexualities. You are so welcome here.

I offer weekly sessions at the same time each week on Saturday afternoons.

Siân Troote
Counselling and Psychotherapy Trainee

Hi! I’m Siân, and I am a counselling trainee currently completing my Masters in Counselling at The University of Edinburgh.

As a practitioner, I have an integrated person-centred and psychodynamic approach, inviting you to be curious about the ways in which your past experiences, your relationships, and environments may shape the way you view yourself. Through our sessions, it is my hope that we can journey together towards a place of deeper self-understanding, uncovering a more expansive, self-accepting picture of who you are as a person in the world and how you may wish to be.

According to poet Mary Oliver, ‘attention is the beginning of devotion,’ and as a counsellor I believe that any journey of healing or transformation often begins with paying attention to ourselves – to the parts that are hurting, the parts that confuse or frustrate us, the parts that have been silenced or misunderstood. Having been a client myself, I know this can also be anxiety-inducing! And that's why it’s important to me that we work at a pace that feels right for you, creating a safe therapeutic relationship that's supportive and warm.

Vitally, I welcome people of all experiences, cultures, faiths, ages, sexualities, and genders to my counselling room.

Always I strive to work to the highest possible ethical standards with a dedicated commitment to my own professional development and continuous self-learning in the service of you.

I offer weekly sessions at the same time on Tuesday mornings.

Ingrid Lonning
Counselling Psychologist Trainee

Hi there, my name is Ingrid and I am a Trainee Counselling Psychologist at Glasgow Caledonian University. I have experience working with adults from a diverse range of ages, cultures, genders, and sexualities.

I am currently offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as well as Person-Centred Therapy where the therapeutic relationship is key to self-discovery, growth, and change. I offer a safe, trusting, empathetic, and non-judgemental space to explore what topics or issues you would like. I am able to offer both short and long term counselling, and prior to coming to the Edinburgh Counselling Service I worked at the NHS offering Brief Psychological Therapies (BPIs) and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (BSFT) alongside other forms of therapy.

I endeavour to get to know the person in front of me, to understand what your story is, what you may struggle with or want to change, and how we can work together to achieve any goals you might have.

I follow the standards of conduct, performance and ethics and practice guidelines by The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), The British Psychological Society (BPS), and Glasgow Caledonian University.

I offer weekly sessions at the same time on Monday afternoons and evenings.

Our Therapists

Hannah Walker

Mally Van Nek

Carol Tibi, MBACP

Iona Mackenzie, MBACP Pluralistic Counsellor

Ross Pollard CBT Psychotherapist

Amber Fieldgate Person-Centred Counsellor

Jenni Ochoa Psychodynamic Counsellor and Nature Therapist

Kazandra Pangilinan Counselling and Psychotherapy Trainee

Siân Troote Counselling and Psychotherapy Trainee