Jill Atkinson

I work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning in person and online. I'm able to offer day time or evening appointments. 

Hello and thank you for viewing my profile. 

The nature of modern life can often be overwhelming. Many people feel anxious, depressed, or lost in the world. This might be because of any number of reasons, such as family or personal relationships, childhood experiences, work, lifestyle or some of the reasons may be unknown. Whatever you are struggling with, I believe counselling can provide the opportunities for healing and growth and can help you process and explore the challenges that life brings. It can be a positive and valuable life investment that is empowering and freeing.

My practice uses an integrative approach: I believe in the uniqueness of each individual and that different approaches may work at different times but that the theraputic relationship is at the heart of counselling. I will help you gain insight into the thoughts, emotions and experiences that might impact how you live your life. I can help you develop a deeper awareness of yourself, allowing you to feel more control, increase your resilience, and improve your general wellbeing. Together, we work at your pace and towards your goals to achieve the life changes you desire. Whatever approach we choose, compassion is always at the centre of my practice, and my sessions take place in a safe, held and supportive space.

I also offer walk and talk therapy, another pathway to healing and growth. Here the natural world is brought in to the healing process and the relationship becomes three way. Fostering a relationship with the natural world is deeply transformational, it provides opportunity to nourish a sense of belonging, a fresh discovery of solutions and news ways of being and interacting within the world. 

I have experience working with anxiety, mild-to-moderate depression, low mood, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, loneliness, social anxiety, stress and personal growth. I also work in as a group-work therapist, facilitating groups on low self-esteem, managing anxiety and self-compassion. 

Qualifications

Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork – a Cognitive Behavioural Approach - The Centre of Therapy and Counselling Studies

COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills - The University of Edinburgh

BSc (Hons) Psychology - The University of Stirling

Additional Training

An Introduction to Theory and Practice of Compassion-Focused Therapy, The Compassionate Mind Foundation

An introduction to Transactional Analysis - Physis Scotland

Mood and Food - The Connection 

An introduction to working therapeutically outdoors - Venture Trust

I firstly offer a free 20 minute telephone consultation, this is a chance for you to tell me why you're interested in counselling along with what your hopes are. I can answer any questions you may have and check if i'm the right counsellor to meet your needs. 

Should you decide to go ahead, we will book an initial appointment, where I will spend some time finding out more about you, your current situation and the impact it's having on your life. I will then contract for 4-6 counselling sessions followed by a review of where you are.