This is generally a 1:1 therapeutic relationship which may involve a variety of different psychological approaches. There are a number of counselling services across Lothian. Counselling may be best first option for people with emotional difficulties relating to their personal history. This can be a difficult area in terms of referring as many of the problems are long-term and not necessarily a mental illness.
Unfortunately, counselling is not available on the NHS in Scotland, but many good local funded services exist, and counselling is offered in the voluntary sector. This is generally low cost, with charges often based on the level of the person’s income. Some services offer specialist counselling eg drugs & alcohol problems or bereavement whilst others offer a general service. There are also a number of counsellors working privately across Lothian.
Further information about counselling services available across Lothian and a directory of services can be accessed via the counselling section of the Health in Mind website http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk/services/counselling/d10/.
There are also services provided locally in some of the Health and Social Care Partnership areas:
- Edinburgh – There are a number of organisations in Edinburgh offering free or sliding scale counselling, info via this link.
- EAST LOTHIAN – East Lothian – Counselling.pdf
