Questions, answered honestly
By Lucy Wren, MNCPS (Acc.), accredited counsellor in Leith, Edinburgh.
Everything people most often ask before starting counselling. If your question is not here, just ask in your free chat.
Rated 5.0 by people across Edinburgh
Getting started
How do I book a session? There is no automated online booking. Complete the short enquiry form on the Contact page, and Lucy will get in touch to arrange your free 15-minute introductory chat. If it feels right for both of you, you will then agree a time for your first session.
What is the free 15-minute chat? A relaxed, no-obligation conversation by phone or video. You can ask anything, say a little about what is bringing you to counselling, and get a sense of whether Lucy feels like the right fit. There is no pressure to continue.
What happens in the first full session? You and Lucy get to know each other. She will explain how counselling works, including confidentiality, and you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. Many people are surprised how quickly the hour goes.
Do I need a GP referral or a diagnosis? No. You can come to counselling directly, with or without a diagnosis.
Practicalities
How much do sessions cost? Individual counselling is £60 per hour in person and £50 per hour online. Couples counselling is £70 per hour, in person only. The introductory 15-minute chat is free. See the Fees page for full details.
How long are sessions, and how often? Sessions are 60 minutes. Most people come weekly or fortnightly to begin with, and the rhythm is agreed together and reviewed regularly.
What is the cancellation policy? Please give at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange. Late cancellations may be charged, applied at Lucy’s discretion.
Where are sessions held? At Lab 1, Health by Science, 99 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ, or online by video call. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 08:00 to 20:00.
Do online sessions work as well as in person? Many clients find them just as helpful, and they are available across the UK at £50 per hour. See the Online Counselling page for how they work.
About the counselling
Is everything I say confidential? Yes. What you share stays between you and Lucy, with a small number of legal exceptions, for example where there is a serious risk of harm. Lucy will explain these clearly and plainly in your first session, so you always know where you stand.
Who does Lucy work with? Adults aged 18 and over: individuals, couples, young adults, professionals, and people in later life stages. Lucy is an LGBTQ+ affirmative counsellor and a trained addictions specialist. She does not see under-18s.
What kind of counsellor is Lucy? A pluralistic counsellor, drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT and transactional analysis approaches depending on what helps you most. She is an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), on the PSA Accredited Register.
How many sessions will I need? There is no fixed number. Some people come for a short, focused piece of work; others continue longer. You review progress together and you remain in control throughout.
What if counselling does not feel right once I have started? Say so. A good fit matters, and Lucy would far rather have that conversation than have you quietly struggle on.
If you need help now
Counselling is not a crisis or emergency service. If you need urgent support, please contact your GP, call NHS 24 on 111, or talk to the Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. Reaching out for urgent help is a strong and sensible thing to do.
About the counsellor
Lucy Wren is an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc.), with more than 20 years of experience in person-centred care. She works pluralistically, drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT and transactional analysis approaches, in person in Leith and online across the UK. You can read more about Lucy, or view her entry on the NCPS public register.
In person in Leith, or online across the UK
Address:
Counselling Edinburgh
99 Giles Street,
Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6BZ
Contact Details:
Tel. 0131 210 0149
Email: lucy@healthbyscience.co.uk
Opening Hours.
Monday to Thursday: 8:00AM – 8:00PM