Counselling
Life can be challenging, and at times, overwhelming. Whether you're navigating a difficult period, seeking clarity, or looking to grow, you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to offer you a safe, compassionate space to bring (or find) your true self - free from judgement. A space to pause, explore your thoughts and feelings, be truly heard, and start reconnecting with yourself.
I’m Louise, a qualified Pluralistic Counsellor with almost 20 years experience working in mental health across a variety of roles. I provide both in-person and online counselling from Edinburgh. My passion and expertise lie in supporting women and men through the journey from pre-conception to parenthood, but I’m equally dedicated to working with people from all walks of life.
If you’d like to work with me or find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: louise@louiseburchell.com
How I Work as a Pluralistic Counsellor
As a pluralistic counsellor, I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Different things work for different people at different times, and my role is to work with you to find what feels right for your unique needs.
We can work together in a variety of ways, depending on what you’re looking for:
Exploring Your Current Experiences: For some clients, having a safe, non-judgmental space to talk through their current feelings and experiences is exactly what they need.
Looking at the Past: Others may wish to explore past events, including their childhood, to better understand how those experiences have shaped their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors today.
Learning Tools and Techniques: Some people prefer a more practical approach, focusing on strategies to manage daily challenges like anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming emotions. These might include relaxation or mindfulness techniques, journaling prompts, or cognitive strategies.
Often, my work with clients combines elements of these approaches. My style is flexible and responsive to your preferences, and our work together is always a partnership. Together, we’ll explore what’s most important to you and find the approach that works best for your hopes and goals.
If you’re not sure what you want or need right now, that’s okay—we’ll figure it out together.
Who I Work With
While I have a particular focus on supporting individuals through the perinatal stage of life, I work with clients across the full spectrum of human experience. If you feel we might be a good fit, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
I work with both men and women and have supported clients facing a wide range of challenges, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, sexual assault, a sense of "not feeling quite right" but not being sure why, phobias, trauma, bereavement, loss, change, grief, maternal rage, relationship issues, intrusive thoughts, self-harm, perfectionism, suicidal thoughts, burnout, ageing, inner critical voices, career transitions, perimenopause, and much more.
That said, you don’t need a specific issue or reason to come to counselling - wanting to is enough. Some people come to counselling as a form of self-care or to create a dedicated space just for them, especially if they’re often the ones providing emotional support to others. Others see counselling as a preventative measure or a chance to get to know themselves better.
Whatever your reason for seeking counselling, you are welcome here.
How I Can Help
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, or simply feeling stuck, counselling can provide:
A space to be heard and understood.
Tools to manage life’s challenges and emotions.
Insight to rediscover your strengths and move forward with confidence.
Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you.
What to Expect
Your counselling journey begins with an initial assessment session where we’ll explore your concerns, goals, and how we can work together. This first session is an opportunity for you to find out more about me and the way I work, as well as share what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from it. Importantly, it is a chance for you to decide whether we feel like a good fit to carry on working together and so there is no obligation to commit to further sessions.
At the heart of my practice is the creation of a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. I strive to be open, honest, non-judgmental, and empathetic, so you feel truly heard and understood.
Sessions are available in-person at my practice in Edinburgh City Centre or online via Zoom, offering flexibility to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Typically, sessions take place at the same time each week to provide structure and consistency. However, if you need more flexibility, I’m happy to discuss how we can make this work for you.
As your counselling journey progresses, and you feel ready, you might choose to space out your sessions - moving from weekly to fortnightly or monthly as you transition toward the end of your time in therapy.
Take the Next Step
If you're ready to start your journey or would like to learn more, please read through my counselling FAQs or get in touch. You deserve support, and I’m here to help.
Contact me at louise@louiseburchell.com, or use the form below.
“Louise was the perfect match for me. Her approach to counselling enabled me to engage and reflect. I have attended counselling previously but always felt it was somewhere to offload once a week, but Louise helped me to understand the work that I had to commit to using the tools she suggested. Louise helped me to feel confident as she was so empathetic, warm and she really valued what I brought to sessions.”
~ Gabriella ~