I notice you’re reading my page
You may be feeling hurt, sad, anxious, angry, nervous, ashamed or lonely. Or a combination of these.
Maybe you lack confidence or self esteem. Maybe your social or intimate relationships are causing you stress. Maybe you lack self-care. Maybe, quite simply, life could be better.
Importantly, neither searching the internet nor self help books have been enough, and you need someone to talk to. Someone who will listen to you without judgement, and who will acknowledge and help you process your sometimes overwhelming feelings.
Equally, you may be looking for a therapist to work with by way of self development. Perhaps you are a counsellor yourself, or are on the path to being one.
“… gently encouraging you to put words to your thoughts and feelings in the security of a confidential, boundaried, therapeutic relationship.”
My approach
My approach is integrative, although much is derived from psychoanalysis where we aim to make the unconscious conscious. We explore the unconscious processes that affect us and our defences against uncomfortable, overwhelming, shameful or even terrifying feelings. We consider how early relationships reveal themselves in the way we relate to each other in the therapy room. This can be challenging but our task isn’t to traumatise. It’s about identifying the discomfort and loosening its power over us.
If that sounds technical then in practical terms, you will experience an empathic listener, gently encouraging you to put words to your thoughts and feelings in the security of a confidential, boundaried, therapeutic relationship.
Within counselling I have particular interests in relationships in all their expressions; personal and interpersonal issues around age, sex and gender; anxiety and stress of living away from home; workplace stress; and helping people towards confidence and empowerment.
“… regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race and history.”
Counselling with me
As a qualified and experienced counsellor, I offer counselling to adults regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race and history.
For those unfamiliar with counselling, starting out can feel unusual. We’re not used to the attentiveness, and the sometimes uncomfortable experience of sharing our stories, thoughts and feelings with thoughtful reflections delivered in return by someone who cares. And it may take some time to feel sufficiently comfortable about expressing what we’ve been holding onto for so long, perhaps without realising it.
At the first session, we will go through some essential details and it will be over to you to speak your mind – what brings you to counselling, for example. I will listen and communicate my understanding of your situation. And we will work at a pace which is right for you. No issue is too trivial or too embarrassing. The mutuality of the counselling relationship means we are both stakeholders in the process.
“…you will want to choose the counsellor who is the right therapeutic partner for you.”
The next step
Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision. Some like the safety of choosing a counsellor who they will like, including the counsellor’s age, sex, or whatever profile feels comfortable. Perhaps someone who reminds them of a kindly relative. Others choose a counsellor less within their comfort zone, to challenge themselves, or they choose their counsellor because of their particular experience or expertise. Indeed the process by which you choose your counsellor provides for therapeutic reflection in itself! My own opinion is to be open minded and to see what happens. There is always learning to be had.
Often, having made the decision to seek a therapist, we are impatient to get going but we are apprehensive about how to start. Which is why I have deliberately presented this page in a way that gives you an idea of how you might experience me. Even after we meet for the first time or first few times, you are under no obligation to continue working with me. For longer term work especially, you will want to choose the counsellor who is the right therapeutic partner for you.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please contact me (scroll down) using the form or contact details below. My fee for a 50 minute session is £60, payable by card, app, bank transfer or cash.
Adrian Tupper
PgDip, MSc Counselling, MBACP
It's hard to say how I was drawn to counselling. It seemed so obvious at the time, yet so hard to put into words. Often, trying to make sense of our thoughts and feelings is what we're dealing with as humans, and that can sometimes be pleasant and exciting, or it could be difficult or distressing.
After working in the engineering then financial sectors, I studied counselling, attaining a PgDip in 2007, then an MSc in 2008. Working part time for ten years, I finally left my job in financial services in 2017, and now with sixteen years of post-qualification experience, I offer counselling at Eyre Place Osteopathic Practice in Edinburgh's New Town, and at Space for Therapy in Edinburgh's Grange area, close to Edinburgh University's campuses.
I am a registered member of BACP and consequently practise within their ethical framework, which includes minimum levels of supervision and continuing professional development.
Text/phone 07853 749188
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