Connections Counselling
Counselling (or therapy) is not about being ‘broken or needing fixed’, it’s about change and growth. That can be from a place of healing or seeking personal development. The benefits of a professional therapeutic relationship are unquantifiable and are for everyone at every stage of their life and career. From unresolved childhood trauma to exploring self-actualisation and everywhere in-between, Connections counselling is here to help facilitate change and nurture growth.
At Connections we are aware of the growing needs for self-care and mental health support. Our aim is to provide access a diverse range of excellent counsellors and ensure that our services are available to everyone. We also understand that no two relationships are the same, so do not hold people to a set number of sessions. Every client-counsellor relationship starts as a single-session and continues until it ends organically. Whether it’s a short or longer-term relationship, we will work with you until an agreed finish and can help with an extensive range of issues.
Whether online or in person, Connections will provide a confidential space where you can explore life's challenges with professional support. Our skilled counsellors are dedicated to helping you gain valuable insights and develop effective strategies for personal growth. With a commitment to excellence and continuous professional development, our aim is to foster impactful positive change, enabling you to navigate life's complexities through your own growth.
As Connections begins its journey, Ian is our initial online counsellor. To begin, Ian will be working solely online, as will any other counsellors who join Connections. In February 2025 Connections will open its doors for in-person individual counselling and group work. Our home will be in Out of the Blue’s Drill Hall on Dalmeny St, just off Leith Walk in Edinburgh. At connections, it is our intention to provide access to a range of inclusive and diverse therapists who can provide help and support to people seeking change and growth. Our online platform will be accessible in the UK (and throughout Europe) from October this year, before we open our physical doors to people in and around Edinburgh in February 2025.
Connections is currently looking for counsellors who align with our values to come on board.
Services
Online Counselling
Online counselling offers a range of benefits that make mental health support and use of a therapeutic relationship more accessible and personalised. It enables you to connect with compassionate, trained professionals from the comfort of your own home, creating a safe space for sharing. With flexible scheduling, you can more easily fit sessions into your busy life, ensuring that your mental well-being remains a priority. This approach is particularly helpful for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges, as well as anyone who prefers not to visit a counsellor or counsellor’s premises in person. Embracing online counselling means taking a proactive step toward nurturing your mental health in a way that feels comfortable and tailored to you. If you're ready to explore this journey, please click here to connect and inquire about becoming a new client.
Connections tiered fee structure
· Free Counselling Sessions - Tier 1
For individuals on less that £10,000 per year, such as those receiving Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance. These sessions are funded through donations and grants and therefore might be subject to a waiting system. We offer up to 15 sessions in Tier 1 with a check in every 5. As Tier 1 is a funded program, we would look to end at (or around) sessions 15. However, under considered circumstances there might be scope to continue beyond the designated 15 sessions.
· Pay What You Can - Tier 2
For individuals on £10,000 - £20,000 per year. Clients can pay any variable amount between £5 and £30. We recommend (but are not restricted to) 10-15 sessions and will have a check-in every 5.
· £40 per session - Tier 3
Individuals earning between the Scottish Living Wage (£11.44 per hour) and the average Scottish wage, up to £30,000 per year. We recommend (but are not restricted to) 10-15 sessions and will have a check-in every 5.
· £50 per session - Tier 4
All individuals earning over £30,000 per year. We recommend (but are not restricted to) 10-15 sessions and will have a check-in every 5.
In Person
In-person counselling offers a deeply personal and engaging approach to mental health support and personal development. Meeting face-to-face with a trained professional fosters a strong therapeutic relationship, allowing for open and honest communication in a safe, welcoming environment. The traditional setting can enhance focus and commitment to your journey of change, making it easier to delve into specific areas. In-person sessions enrich the therapeutic experience and allow for a more nuanced understanding of your feelings and experiences. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, please click here to connect and inquire about becoming a new client.
Connections tiered fee structure
· Free Counselling Sessions - Tier 1
For individuals on less that £10,000 per year, such as those receiving Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance. These sessions are funded through donations and grants and therefore might be subject to a waiting system. We offer up to 15 sessions in Tier 1 with a check in every 5. As Tier 1 is a funded program, we would look to end at (or around) sessions 15. However, under considered circumstances there might be scope to continue beyond the designated 15 sessions.
· Pay What You Can - Tier 2
For individuals on £10,000 - £20,000 per year. Clients can pay any variable amount between £5 and £30. We recommend (but are not restricted to) 10-15 sessions and will have a check-in every 5.
· £40 per session - Tier 3
Individuals earning between the Scottish Living Wage (£11.44 per hour) and the average Scottish wage, up to £30,000 per year. We recommend (but are not restricted to) 10-15 sessions and will have a check-in every 5.
· £50 per session - Tier 4
All individuals earning over £30,000 per year. We recommend (but are not restricted to) 10-15 sessions and will have a check-in every 5.
Work With Connections
If you're a qualified counsellor, we invite you to be part of our supportive and dynamic environment, dedicated to making a positive impact on mental health. Working with us means collaborating with like-minded professionals who value compassion and holistic care. We offer online and in-person (February 2024) work with clients who engage with Connections. We will provide access to ongoing training (CPD) and resources to help you enhance your skills. Together, we can create a new and unique nurturing space for both clients and counsellors, fostering growth and well-being for all involved. If you align with our core values and you're ready to make a difference, please reach out to learn more about joining our community.
Group work, PPG and Space hire
Coming in February 2024, Connections plans to run a range of group services for members of the public and counsellors. For example, many people are getting late diagnosis in life for neurodiversity and often not sure how to fully explore this. We will run group sessions for neurodiverse people to help them explore what it means to them individually and collectively.
Group work for counsellors (PPG) can be incredibly rewarding and insightful and Connections will be running this for counsellors early next year.
Perhaps you are a counsellor looking to run your own group? Connections will be offering space for you to run your sessions.
More will follow in the coming months. Please email Connections to register any interest and enquire further about these group opportunities
Group work, PPG and Space hire
Coming in February 2024, Connections plans to run a range of group services for members of the public and counsellors. For example, many people are getting late diagnosis in life for neurodiversity and often not sure how to fully explore this. We will run group sessions for neurodiverse people to help them explore what it means to them individually and collectively.
Group work for counsellors (PPG) can be incredibly rewarding and insightful and Connections will be running this for counsellors early next year.
Perhaps you are a counsellor looking to run your own group? Connections will be offering space for you to run your sessions.
More will follow in the coming months. Please email Connections to register any interest and enquire further about these group opportunities.
Group work, PPG and Space hire
Coming in February 2024, Connections plans to run a range of group services for members of the public and counsellors. For example, many people are getting late diagnosis in life for neurodiversity and often not sure how to fully explore this. We will run group sessions for neurodiverse people to help them explore what it means to them individually and collectively.
Group work for counsellors (PPG) can be incredibly rewarding and insightful and Connections will be running this for counsellors early next year.
Perhaps you are a counsellor looking to run your own group? Connections will be offering space for you to run your sessions.
More will follow in the coming months. Please email Connections to register any interest and enquire further about these group opportunities.
Our Approach
All counselling (and therapy) is done under contract. This is to ensure that you receive the best support available, from trained, qualified individuals. The contract is an integral part of the counselling process and it is important that it is fully understood before work can begin. We will email our contract to you in advance of any first session so that you have time to understand it and ask any questions.
There are many differing types of counselling modalities, so which one might fit you best? Well, it’s a generally accepted in the industry that it’s the relationship that heals, regardless of the modality. So, we invite you to reach out to our counsellors and see whom you think you might get on with best and when your availability coincides. We offer brief introductory sessions at no cost to help you feel who you ‘click’ with. These can be done online or by phone.
Even if you do not connect with us, please ensure that whomever you choose to work with has membership with one of the UK’s governing regulators (COSCA, BACP, NCPS, UKCP . . .) and have their own insurance. Anyone can claim to be a counsellor or therapist but it takes years of training to ensure not only that we are able to help in the best way possible, that we fully understand the counselling process and know how to do no harm.