Counselling for exploring life's questions

Severity here isn't about how much your situation matters — it's a clinical way of describing how intense your symptoms are and how much they affect your ability to function day to day. Mild difficulties are present and can be distressing, but tend to interfere only modestly with everyday life — you are generally still able to work, maintain relationships and manage routines. Moderate difficulties are more intense or persistent and have a clearer impact on daily functioning — sleep, concentration, motivation, work or relationships may be noticeably affected — but you remain safe and able to engage in talking therapy.

Some difficulties fall outside what one-to-one counselling is designed to treat: severe, complex or enduring conditions such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe depression, eating disorders, or any situation involving risk to your safety usually need specialist or multidisciplinary care. If that's closer to your experience, I'd warmly encourage you to speak to your GP or one of the services listed at the foot of this page. And if you're unsure where you fit, just ask — we can think it through together in a free initial chat.

No — as a counsellor I don't provide formal diagnoses or prescribe medication. A diagnosis can only be made by a GP, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. What I offer is a space to understand and work through your experience — and, where helpful, I can support you in seeking an assessment elsewhere.

It means I start from your experience as you actually live it — staying close to how things feel, seem and matter to you, before reaching for any theory or label. Rather than fitting you into a fixed model, we stay with the texture of your situation and draw, where it helps, on psychodynamic, existential and compassion-focused ideas — deciding together, openly, as we go.

Yes. Sessions are available in both English and Italian. Multilingual and multicultural experience is a particular focus of my work.

In Edinburgh. We walk together while we talk, using movement and open air as part of the reflective space. Online sessions are available everywhere in the UK via Zoom.

Yes — fully. I offer affirmative counselling for LGBTQIA2S+ people, polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships, sex workers, and people with unconventional lifestyles. All identities and relationship structures are welcome.

No. The title "Dr" denotes an academic qualification — my PhD in Anthropology and Film Studies — not a medical one.

I am unable to provide a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please contact your GP, NHS 24 on 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123, and in an emergency call 999. A full list of urgent support is at the foot of this page.

I read every email myself and reply personally, usually within a couple of working days. There's no automated system and no obligation — the first conversation is simply a chance to ask questions and see whether working together feels right.