Feri Collins

My availability is Fridays 8:30am-5:30pm. 

I am an integrative therapist/systemic practitioner based in the Highlands.  Originally from Illinois, USA, I started my training in psychology and received a master's degree in clinical-counselling psychology 20 years ago. Since then I have worked supporting families going through separation and divorce, advocating for children and young people's voices, and guiding clients through emotional pain towards healing.  Currently I manage a third sector counselling service and have a small private practice, where I work mainly online. 

 Psychology generally categorises distress in terms of a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression. Although we can look at our difficulties within a medical approach, how can a label truly describe what we are experiencing? Through further training, particularly in family systemic therapy,  I have come to integrate different perspectives into a collaborative way of working that is strengths-based and emphasises self-compassion. We will work together to gain understanding of your concerns and how to move forward in your life.

Change is an inevitable part of living, and I am more than aware of the impact this can have on us, having lived in 7 countries before moving to Scotland. Understanding change within the stages and transitions of the life cycle is an important part of my approach to what's going on in the present. 

There are so many types of support available and so many counsellors/therapists to choose from, which may make choosing overwhelming. To be effective, therapy has to feel right and be a good fit for you. It is within a supportive, empathic relationship that there is opportunity for growth. Through different perspectives offered in a safe, nurturing space, you can start to view things in a different way, one that highlights your strengths and ways forward. 

I work in a collaborative way that empowers you to work on what is important for you. I will offer reflections and invitations that may lead to greater insight and clarity. 

Sessions are 50-60 minutes long can be scheduled on a basis that might be weekly or fortnightly. 

We will start with a free, initial 15 minute chat either by phone or video to look at what's bringing you to counselling. Together we can discuss if working together feels like a good fit. From there, we'll arrange our first session where we will be able to explore your concerns in more depth. I will ask about different areas of your life to understand more holistically what's going on and think about how best to support you.