Blog 4: Welcoming Counsellors and Therapists — In Edinburgh and Online Across the UK
Connections Counselling is now a Community Interest Company (CIC)
“We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy.”
— Carl Rogers
As counsellors, we know the power of space — not just physical, but emotional, ethical, and relational. At Connections Counselling, we’ve created a space where all of that lives and breathes. And now, that space is open to you.
We’re delighted to share that Connections Counselling is now officially a Community Interest Company. Becoming a CIC reflects not just a legal structure, but a deeper commitment: to offer spaces for healing that are ethical, inclusive, and rooted in community care. We work with counsellors and clients throughout the UK and Europe via online sessions.
This milestone reaffirms our mission to make counselling more accessible to those who may otherwise be unable to afford it. As we begin to apply for funding, every £600 raised will allow us to provide a guaranteed Tier 1 counselling space — at least 15 fully-funded sessions for someone in need.
We believe in the power of relationship — and that includes the relationships we nurture with other counsellors. If you’re a therapist looking for a space that honours your work and supports your practice, we’d love to welcome you. This is counselling that reaches further and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Three Ways to Work With Us
Whether you’re just starting out, expanding your private practice, or seeking a space aligned with your values, Connections offers three flexible ways to join us:
- Connections Counsellor
- Affiliated Counsellor
- Private Hire
Our two counselling rooms are available seven days a week, from 9am to 9pm, with bookings in four-hour blocks:
- Morning (9am – 1pm)
- Afternoon (1pm – 5pm)
- Evening (5pm – 9pm)
There’s also a calming reception and waiting space for your clients, complete with tea and coffee. And we’re situated in one of Edinburgh’s most creative and community-centred spaces — the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, just off Leith Walk.
Connections Counsellor
As a Connections Counsellor, you become part of our heart and vision. This includes being featured on our website and social media, as well as contributing to a community of practice that upholds our core values, which you would be required to understand and implement.
These seven core values are not checkboxes, but living principles. They shape how we hold space, how we share power, and how we respond to the realities our clients face. These values aren’t about perfection — they’re about intention.
They are:
- Accessibility
- Nurtured connection
- Blended power balance
- Active self-care
- Professional development
- Social and cultural awareness
- Compassion and empathy
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
— Carl Rogers
If you feel a pull toward this kind of practice, come visit, get a feel of the space and see if it speaks to you.
Affiliated Counsellor
As an Affiliated Counsellor, you remain fully independent, working from your own values, structures, and client agreements. While your approach may differ from ours, we ask that this is made clear to clients to ensure transparency and understanding. You’ll still be part of our wider community, being listed on our website.
Private Hire
Simply need a professional, peaceful space to work with clients? Our rooms are available to hire with no public-facing affiliation to Connections. It's simple, flexible, and yours to shape.
Where We Are
We’re rooted in Leith — a place alive with creativity, difference, and resilience — but we also reach far beyond, with online sessions offered across the UK and Europe.
You’ll find us at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall (36 Dalmeny St, EH6 8RG) — with a buzzing café on site (open Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm), great public transport links, and nearby parking.
We’re more than bricks and mortar. We’re a place where values meet practice, and where therapists can truly feel they belong.
“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
— Carl Jung
If you're a counsellor or therapist looking for a space to root your practice — one that honours both autonomy and community — we’d love to connect.
Get in touch to arrange a visit or find out more.