CBT counselling for young adults in
Edinburgh, Midlothian & ONLINE
The Steady Place
You might be here because something doesn’t feel quite right - either for you, or for a young person you care about.
You don’t have to decide anything yet.
I offer a relaxed, no-pressure first chat - just to see if it feels like the right fit.
You're also very welcome to send a quick message to ask a question - even if you are not sure about booking yet.
You can’t always control what happens, but you can learn how to respond to it
This is something we explore together in counselling
CBT COUNSELLING
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence‑based approach that looks at the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
When something feels difficult or overwhelming, it often shows up as patterns - in how we think about things, how we feel, and what we do (or avoid). CBT helps us gently notice and make sense of those patterns, so they feel less confusing and more manageable.
Rather than trying to change everything at once, CBT focuses on small, realistic steps that help you respond differently to challenges, in ways that feel supportive and achievable for you.
How I use CBT
My work is grounded in CBT, but I use it in a way that feels flexible, human and collaborative - not rigid or overly structured.
Together, we might notice patterns, explore what’s keeping things stuck, and find practical ways to move forward.
We might also spend time reconnecting with the things that matter to you - your strengths, interests, values and the parts of yourself that can get lost when life feels difficult.
Some sessions focus on making changes, while others focus on slowing things down, reflecting, and making sense of what’s going on.
We’ll work together to find what feels most helpful for you, and adjust our approach as we go.
Tools for life
One of the aims of CBT isn’t just to help you feel better in the moment, but to support you in building tools you can carry with you beyond our sessions.
Over time, you may begin to:
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Understand your patterns more clearly
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Respond differently to difficult thoughts or feelings
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Feel more confident in managing things day to day
The goal isn’t to “fix” you - it's to help you feel more equipped, more grounded, and more like yourself as you navigate whatever lies ahead.
CBT can help with:
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Anxiety, worry, and overthinking
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Low mood or feeling flat
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Panic and physical anxiety symptoms
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Self‑esteem and confidence
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Stress, overwhelm, and feeling under pressure
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Habits, avoidance, and coping patterns
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Life transitions, uncertainty, and change
…and anything else that feels difficult to manage day to day.
Understanding your nervous system
At times, you might notice your body reacting before you’ve had time to think - feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down.
This is a natural response, especially during periods of stress or uncertainty. Our nervous system is designed to protect us, even when those reactions don’t always feel helpful.
In counselling, you may find it useful to explore ideas such as the Window of Tolerance, which helps explain how we move between feeling calm and settled, overwhelmed, or disconnected.
Understanding what’s happening in your body can make these experiences feel less confusing and easier to manage with care and self‑compassion.
Further Information
Working together
CBT is most helpful when it’s collaborative.
We’ll work together to understand what’s going on for you and find ways forward that feel realistic and manageable.