Yuhua Lei

My name is Crystal Yuhua Lei (my pronouns are she/her). I am a psychodynamic counsellor based in Edinburgh. Welcome to my practice, The Quiet Tree Counselling, where I offer one-to-one sessions with adults online and in person in a private therapeutic space.

I am dedicated to offering you a space of psychological safety, compassion and genuine human connection within my therapeutic practice. In a world where feeling truly heard can be a rarity, I believe in the profound healing power of real conversation and empathetic listening. I have named my practice The Quiet Tree because life can be chaotic, difficult and overwhelming, and I would like to offer you a safe space for healing, a supportive space where you will feel seen and heard. My hope is that our work together will empower you to be who you want to be and take you where you want to go.

I am originally from China and have lived in Edinburgh for 17 years. In addition to English, I also offer counselling and psychotherapy in Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese.

I am experienced in helping with sexual violence/abuse and identity issues (feeling different/lost/alone, body image or illness). I am also experienced in counselling students, trainees and the issues they face. You will find me to be warm, gentle, genuine and engaging. Drawing from experiences working with trauma, I adopt a trauma-informed approach in my practice.

Trained in the traditions of person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, I practise as a psychodynamic and humanistic counsellor.

This means I have an awareness of how the past informs the present, shaping our identity and ways of relating through a variety of experiences, both past and present. Some of these experiences are etched vividly in our memory, while others are buried deep within the recesses of our consciousness. They all contribute to the complex tapestry of who we are as a person. By understanding these dynamics, we unlock the door to potential change or acceptance.

My approach is also deeply relational. While theories provide a grounding for my work, the heart of my practice lies in listening to your story and the experiences we share in our therapeutic relationship. My hope is that my approach, firmly rooted in trust, compassion, and a deep understanding of your unique journey, will enable you to feel truly seen and heard, as we work together to navigate the complexities of your inner world and relationships.

Finding the right therapist is an important step for your therapeutic journey. I offer a free 15-30 minute intro meeting online or by phone so that we can meet and explore if we can work together.