Sylvia Hamilton

Currently working on Monday and Saturday mornings in Dalkeith. I am unable to accept new clients at present and hope to offer additonal spaces in February 2025.

I'm Sylvia, a psychodynamic counsellor and social worker. Originally from Caithness, beside the shores of the Pentland Firth, I am now based in Midlothian, at the foot of the Pentland Hills.

​I have many years' experience of supporting people through life's challenges, including those from diverse backgrounds. I am passionate about building meaningful therapuetic relationships to support personal growth. ​

I am a late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult and mother of neurodivergent children. I have a particular interest in the intersection of trauma and neurodiversity, and recognise that being neurodivergent increases a person's likelihood of experiencing trauma.​

People come to counselling for many reasons, and the most powerful part of that experience is often the feeling of being listened to and accepted. It is a chance for you to explore and process your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

Perhaps you are feeling low, anxious, or unsure about how you are going to cope with life's changes. Maybe you have experienced a loss and are struggling. You may have been experiencing difficulties in your relationships. You may have had traumatic experiences in earlier life which are still affecting you now. You might have tried counselling previously, and are now ready to explore things in more depth.

I can offer you a safe space to be heard, at a pace that is right for you, supporting you to develop your understanding of yourself. This includes how the past is impacting on your life in the present. Greater self understanding can help you to feel more confident, self-compassionate, and in control of your future. Our work together may be either short-term (6-8 sessions) or longer-term, depending on your needs and wishes.

I use a psychodynamic approach in my counselling practice. That means we will work together to discover how past experiences for example from childhood or previous relationships might be impacting on your life in the here and now.

I offer a free 15 minute call for us discuss what has led you to seek counselling and for you to ask me about my approach and decide if you would like us to begin working together.