We are a therapy practice that offers counselling services for people in Edinburgh and abroad, available in English and Spanish.
CBT Therapy
Therapy and Counselling Services in Edinburgh
Welcome to the Edinburgh Therapy Service
The Edinburgh Therapy Service is a counselling centre based in Edinburgh (United Kingdom). Our areas of expertise include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphia (BDD), and anxiety disorders. We also work with depression, low self-esteem and self-criticism, perfectionism, insomnia, depression, life changes, burnout, and workplace difficulties, body image issues, loss and grief, and self-harm.
Our work is holistic and flexible, which means that we personalised our treatments to each individual. The main modalities of therapy we work with are cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). You can read more about our approach to therapy here.
What we Offer
LGBT Counselling
A safe and inclusive space that acknowledges the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
Online therapy
Please let us know if you're interested in online therapy. You can send us an email indicating your preference.
Counselling in Spanish
Living abroad and looking for therapy in Spanish? We got you covered. We provide counselling in both English and Spanish
Who we Work With
Adults
We offer personalised individual therapy for adults, utilizing evidence-based counselling approaches. Our specialisation lies in OCD, body dysmorphia, and anxiety disorders. We aim for you to take something practical from each session, whether it's increased self-awareness, a new tool for practice, or a different perspective on things.
Young people
We provide counselling for young individuals over 16 years old, offering a secure environment for their emotional well-being to thrive. We use tailored, evidence-based methods to address challenges unique to this stage of development. From academic stress to peer dynamics, anxiety, self-esteem, and family relationships, we create a nurturing space for open expression.
Business
With eight years of corporate experience, I, Cristina, the founder, extend a special welcome to businesses that want to offer their employees mental health support. From workplace counselling to mental health training for employees, we are passionate about enhancing work environments, increasing awareness, optimizing communication, and managing stress.
What Types of Therapy do we Provide
Our main counselling approaches
Who Are we
Therapist and founder
Meet Cristina
Welcome to the Edinburgh Therapy Service, a psychotherapy and counselling practice established in Edinburgh (UK). I am Cristina, a cognitive-behavioural therapist (CBT) based in Edinburgh, as well as an online practitioner reaching English and Spanish speakers anywhere in the world. My vision in establishing this therapy centre was to bring my knowledge, passion, empathy, and compassion to those navigating life's challenges.
Drawing from a foundation of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), I provide a holistic approach to your well-being.
Qualified CBT therapist
Specialised in therapy for OCD
BACP Registered Member
How it Works
Get in contact
Email us to [email protected] and tell us what is your difficulty. We will explain you the details about the sessions and answer any questions.
Book an appointment
Let us know your availability and we will schedule an appointment for you.
Meet your therapist
Meet your therapist on the scheduled day and time.
Psychological Issues we Help With
Definitions: Counselling and Psychotherapy
What is counselling?
Counselling is a therapeutic process that provides people with a confidential and supportive environment to explore and understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Sessions with a counsellor involve open and non-judgmental discussions, allowing clients to express their concerns and explore possible solutions for a better life.
What training does a counsellor have?
A counsellor in the UK typically undergoes a comprehensive three or four-year training program focused on counselling theory and skills.
Do I need counselling?
Deciding when to seek counselling is a highly personal choice, influenced by your circumstances and emotional well-being. If you find yourself struggling with persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress, counselling offers a confidential and supportive environment to explore and manage these emotions. Relationship difficulties, whether in personal or professional spheres, can also signal a time to seek counselling, as it provides an opportunity to enhance communication and understanding. Major life changes, such as job loss, grief, or significant transitions, may prompt the need for counselling support in navigating these challenges. Moreover, recognising unhealthy patterns in thoughts, emotions, or behaviours can be a crucial indicator that counselling could be beneficial. It's not only about addressing crises; counselling can be sought for personal growth and self-discovery, providing tools for a more fulfilling life.
Who might find benefit from counselling?
Counselling is beneficial for those open to receiving support, introspectively examining their challenges, and dedicating time and effort to the process. Those willing to engage honestly and attentively with their issues can benefit significantly. Acknowledging that change isn't always straightforward and requires dedication is an essential aspect of the counselling journey. It's about embracing the commitment needed for self-reflection and growth, acknowledging that progress often involves challenges but is immensely rewarding in the pursuit of personal transformation.
What issues are addressed in counselling?
Attending counselling sessions doesn't necessitate being in a state of crisis. It proves beneficial for a spectrum of issues across various aspects of life. Whether aiming for increased workplace confidence, navigating through a relationship breakdown, or going through the loss of a loved one, counselling offers valuable assistance and support.
How many sessions will be required?
The duration of counselling sessions is adapted to the specific concerns you're addressing. You may have the option of a single session or engage in a short-term course spanning weeks or months, depending on your needs and goals.
What to expect from counselling?
Usually, sessions occur at the same time every week and typically last for about 50 minutes. In your initial sessions, the counsellor will create a safe and confidential space for you to express your thoughts and feelings openly. They may explore the issues that brought you to counselling, gaining insights into your personal history, relationships, and current challenges. Expect the process to be collaborative, with the counsellor working alongside you to set goals and adapt the approach to your unique needs. Counselling often involves self-reflection and exploration, encouraging you to gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. As sessions progress, you can anticipate developing coping strategies and practical tools to face challenges effectively. It's common to experience a range of emotions during counselling, and the counsellor will be there to provide support, guidance, and a non-judgmental space for your personal growth and well-being.
What is psychotherapy?
The term psychotherapy includes a variety of talking therapies. It is a collaborative and confidential process wherein people engage with a trained therapist to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The focus is on establishing a therapeutic relationship to address diverse challenges, enhance mental well-being, and nurture personal growth.
There are different types of psychotherapy, including the following:
➤ Cognitive-behavioural therapist (CBT) and third-wave therapies
➤ Integrative psychotherapy (a mix of approaches)
➤ Existential psychotherapy
➤ Schema therapy
➤ Psychodynamic psychotherapy
What are the differences between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms counsellor and psychotherapist are often used synonymously in the United Kingdom. Someone certified in psychotherapy might choose to identify as a counsellor. While it is commonly perceived that psychotherapy tends to be more long-term and in-depth, the key distinction lies in the specific training chosen by the therapist.
What training does a psychotherapist have?
In the UK, psychotherapists typically undergo extensive training that varies based on the chosen therapeutic modality. Common requirements include completing a recognised psychotherapy training program, which may involve theoretical coursework, supervised clinical practice, and personal therapy. Training programs are often accredited by professional bodies such as the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The duration and structure of training can vary, but it commonly includes a substantial number of supervised clinical hours to ensure competence.
Who might benefit from psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy helps people who are ready to get support, think about their challenges, and put time and effort into the process. If you're willing to honestly and attentively deal with your issues, you can gain significant benefits.
What issues are addressed in psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy can offer valuable support to various problems and challenges. Those experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders or other psychological issues can find a therapeutic space to explore and manage their emotions effectively. People seeking personal growth, self-exploration, or coping strategies for stress management can also find psychotherapy beneficial. It provides a supportive environment for those dealing with grief, loss, or chronic health conditions. Psychotherapy can support individuals in exploring their identity, dealing with addiction, managing workplace stress, and addressing the unique needs of adolescents. Its versatility lies in its ability to adapt to the specific circumstances of each person, promoting overall well-being and mental health.
How many sessions will be required?
The duration of psychotherapy is personalised to the specific challenges you're facing, ranging from single sessions to treatments lasting weeks or even months. It's important to understand that psychotherapy isn't a quick fix; rather, it's a gradual process. To derive maximum benefit from therapy, commitment to both yourself and the therapeutic journey is crucial. In certain cases, the process might extend to a year or more to achieve lasting and meaningful results.
What to expect from psychotherapy?
Usually, sessions occur at the same time every week and typically last for about 50 minutes. Starting psychotherapy means going into a private and safe place where you can talk openly about your thoughts and feelings. During sessions, you can expect a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, developing a deep understanding of yourself and your challenges.
Your psychotherapist will fully focus on you, encouraging open discussions about your feelings, thoughts, relationships, past experiences, and current life challenges. They may ask insightful questions to facilitate exploration. Depending on the therapy type, your sessions might involve practical techniques like self-compassion, relaxation techniques, meditation, or skills training.