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Our Therapists
Heal. Grow. Thrive.
Welcome to The Edinburgh Counselling Service. We are a small group of highly qualified, 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 and Director of The Edinburgh Counselling Service
Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Psychologist
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, issues around food and exercise, stress, trauma, relationships, perfectionism, burnout and imposter syndrome.
I 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 Tuesdays and Fridays from our city centre location, and Thursday evenings from our location in Cammo, EH4.
Dani Spackman
Integrative Counsellor
Hello, my name is Dani and I am a certified Counsellor with a Master's in Counselling Psychology. I work with all individuals, but have centered my work around supporting girls and women and the unique challenges they face.
I believe my role as a counsellor is to help you find your voice, and write your own authentic story. I want to help each person I meet realise their unique and personal potential to overcome adversity and inspire self-acceptance. I am passionate about challenging unrealistic norms that no longer serve you, and breaking down barriers that are preventing you from living the life you truly deserve.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, body image concerns, family and relationship conflict. I work with children, adolescents, and adults either individually or in a family setting. I use an integrated approach when working with individuals, which includes Attachment Theory, Systemic Approaches, Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. In addition, I am trained in EMDR for those dealing with trauma.
I strive to create a caring and compassionate environment for all people I meet, and I look forward to beginning this journey with you.
I offer sessions Mondays to Thursdays during the day and am able to offer some flexibility with times to accommodate those with changing schedules.
Kathryn Drever, MBACP
Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Hello! I'm Kathryn and I am a qualified counsellor and member of the BACP. I am deeply committed to the process that is counselling and psychotherapy. I believe that so much can be gained through deep, non-judgmental listening to my clients and by taking the time to explore their life stories with them.
I work from a person-centred approach that believes in helping others strengthen their inner capacity for personal growth and fulfillment. It is not about offering "techniques" for overcoming adversity, but an inherent belief that by strengthening the person from within, they will be better equipped to move forward in their healing journey and find fulfillment once again. I help my clients find that inner strength and empowerment by connecting with their authentic selves. You are more than welcome in the counselling space and I want to help you feel empowered in your life by first empowering you.
I have experience working with clients navigating through difficult relationships, family dynamics, anxiety and depression. I also have experience working with self-harm and suicide and I believe that counselling can help in understanding these behaviours in a non-judgmental way as you move forward in your healing journey. Furthermore, I also have experience in helping clients navigate trauma and can support clients who are concerned about a loved one struggling with addiction.
I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions at the same time each week on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings.
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.
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 or fortnightly sessions at the same time each week on Monday evenings, Thursday evenings, Friday evenings and Saturdays during the day. I am able to offer some flexibility with times to accommodate those with changing schedules.
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.
Veronica Arias
Counselling Psychologist Trainee
Hello, my name is Veronica and I am a Counselling Psychology Trainee at Glasgow Caledonian University undergoing the final stages of my doctoral training. I provide therapy to clients of any gender and age. I have experience supporting a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationships issues, bereavement, trauma, and substance abuse.
I work in a collaborative, client-centred and integrative way, and tailor my therapeutic approach to suit individual needs, goals, and preferences. The approaches I use are predominantly person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, with integrated compassion-focused practices.
My work is based in developing a positive relationship with my clients, where they can feel safe to explore, understand, manage and hopefully overcome their difficulties. I follow the standards of conduct, performance and ethics and practice guidelines by The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS).
I offer weekly sessions at the same time each week on Sundays mornings.
Amy Polson
Pluralistic Counsellor Trainee
Hi, I’m Amy and I’m currently completing my diploma-level counselling training.
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.
I have extensive experience working in supportive roles 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 + 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.
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.
I offer weekly sessions at the same time each week on Saturday mornings.
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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 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.