How much does it cost? Sessions cost £35 and last for fifty minutes. An initial consultation costs £20.

What happens at an initial consultation? I will being by explaining how I work and my policy on confidentiality. Then I will ask you to tell me why you have come for a consultation. We may do a small amount of counselling work within the session if you are agreeable and if it is appropriate. Finally, we will discuss together whether counselling / psychotherapy might be useful for you and whether we would like to do some further work together.

How many sessions do I need? How many sessions you choose to attend will depend on who you are, the difficulties you are encountering, and what benefits counselling or psychotherapy can bring for you. For some people just one session will be appropriate. For others, a series of six or ten sessions can be highly effective. A smaller number of people choose to invest in on-going psychotherapy, which may last much longer.

Can people really change? I am committed to the view that when you feel stuck in your life or overwhelmed by problems, there are always possibilities for change. Through reflection and action, you can come to understand yourself better and make changes to improve your life. Counselling and psychotherapy support this process.

What approach do you take? In my work I draw extensively on the ideas and methods of Transactional Analysis. You can find out more about this approach by reading the accessible book TA Today by Ian Stewart and Vann Joines or by looking up 'Transactional Analysis' at www.wikipedia.com. I also take an active interest in a range of other psychological approaches, including narrative therapy and Buddhist techniques for developing mental well-being.

What is your background? I have been studying and working with Transactional Analysis since 2002. I hold a Certificate in Transactional Analysis Counselling Theory and Skills and a Diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling, both awarded by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Training Institute in Edinburgh. In 2008, I completed Level 1 Narrative Therapy training. I live and work in Edinburgh. I worked for a number of years as a university lecturer before moving into the voluntary sector and training as a psychotherapist.

Are you a member of a professional body? I am a member of the Institute of Transactional Analysis (UK) www.ita.org.uk My practice is supervised according to the ITA code of ethics and I attend regular personal therapy, training and development.

Where do you work? I normally use rooms at Direction, a therapy centre that shares space with Relationship Scotland at 18 York Plac, Edinburgh, EH1 3EP. The centre is nearby The National Portrait Gallery, on the opposite side of the road. (Click for a map.) On occasion, I also use other therapy rooms in central Edinburgh.

When do you work? I usually see clients between 5pm and 8pm on either Monday or Wednesday or during the day on Friday. These hours may vary from time to time.

What's the first step? Contact me by telephone and we can have a brief, informal, and confidential chat. At this point, you can decide to meet me for an initial consultation. Alternatively, I can suggest other professionals who might be better suited to working with you.