The Wider Connections Community
Connections operates as a not-for-profit, Community Interest Company (CIC), investing back into our Community Rate fund. This gives people access to support who are otherwise unable to receive it. For this to work, we also seek connection with people who want to help us, help people. This can be anyone, this could be you. There are three other ways that you can help us to help others: As a Director, Donator and Supporter.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors help guide and safeguard the future of Connections. Working alongside the leadership team, they provide oversight, accountability and strategic support, helping ensure that our values, purpose and community benefit remain at the heart of everything we do.
We welcome people with a range of skills, experiences and perspectives who share our values.
Shona Black
Following a career of over 25 years in Legal Services, Shona has extensive experience in operational management, governance and compliance. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with boards and has developed a strong understanding of good governance and organisational effectiveness.
As a Non-Executive Director of Connections Counselling, Shona is keen to support the organisation's mission to provide accessible and affordable counselling services within the community.
Emily
She/Her/Hers
Hello, I’m Emily, a counsellor based in Edinburgh with a master’s in counselling from the University of Edinburgh and a COSCA-accredited diploma (Feb 2025). I’m also a registered member of the BACP and hold a bachelor’s degree of science in psychology and neuroscience from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (May 2018). I bring a grounded, compassionate presence to my work and a deep respect for the uniqueness of each person’s story.
My approach integrates person-centred and psychodynamic modalities, offering a space where you can feel truly heard and understood. I believe that, even in times of distress, you hold the wisdom and strength needed to move forward—and my role is to walk alongside you as we make sense of where you are and where you want to go.
I’ve supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, and life transitions, both in longer-term work and in time-limited counselling models. My placements at Hope Park Counselling Centre and Midlothian SureStart allowed me to work with people from a range of backgrounds, including young mothers and those facing economic and social barriers to care. These experiences have shaped my belief in the power of a safe, non-judgmental relationship to support healing and growth.
Like many people, I’ve experienced difficult times in my own life—and I know first hand how powerful it can be to have a dedicated space to process, reflect, and just be. My own experience of therapy helped me find clarity and strength when I needed it most, and it continues to shape the care and respect I bring to this work today.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. Whether you're seeking support for something specific or simply sensing that something isn’t quite right, therapy can offer a place to reconnect with yourself and your direction. Our work together might involve exploring past experiences, understanding emotions more deeply, or setting goals for change—always at your pace, and always led by what feels meaningful to you. If you’re curious about whether we’d be a good fit, I invite you to get in touch. I’d be honoured to support you on your journey.
In-person & online:
Wednesday: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:00pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm
Friday: 1:15pm, 2:30pm, 3:45pm, 5:00pm, 6:15pm, 7:30pm
Monday: 7:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am, 10:45am
Wednesday: 5:00pm, 6:15pm
If you have any concerns, feedback or difficulties relating to your counselling experience, we encourage you to bring these to the attention of both your counsellor and Connections Counselling CIC so that they can be discussed openly and supportively where possible. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, you may make a formal complaint through my professional governing body: BACP
Jerusha
Hi there,
My name is Jerusha Cargay, and I am a qualified and registered BACP counsellor based in Edinburgh. I work in a person-centred way, offering a warm, non-judgemental, and inclusive space where you can explore your emotions and thoughts at your own pace. Together, we can gently navigate connection with yourself and the life around you.
You may be feeling lost, struggling with identity, carrying shame or grief, or living with chronic illness. Perhaps you’ve experienced spiritual abuse and are exploring how spirituality connects with your sense of self. Or maybe you’re noticing how your neurodivergence shapes your everyday life and relationships. These are just a few examples—life isn’t clear-cut, and whatever you bring, you are welcome to show up exactly as you are in our sessions.
I believe in inclusive and accessible therapeutic practice, which means recognising that our personal experiences are also shaped by wider systemic issues. If any of this resonates with you, I’d be glad to hear from you and see whether working together feels like the right fit.
I offer therapy in both English and Nepali.
In person & Online:
Tuesday; 5:00pm, 6:15pm 7:30pm
Thursday: 5:00pm, 6:15pm 7:30pm
Online Only:
Please enquire
If you have any concerns, feedback or difficulties relating to your counselling experience, we encourage you to bring these to the attention of both your counsellor and Connections Counselling CIC so that they can be discussed openly and supportively where possible. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, you may make a formal complaint through my professional governing body: BACP
Newsletter - Seasonal Updates
Our occasional newsletter will let you know about new counsellors, blogs and events. If you'd like to stay connected with Connections, just sign up below.
Donations
Community Contributors help make counselling accessible to those who may otherwise be unable to afford support. Through one-off or regular financial contributions, they help fund counselling sessions, community projects and the continued development of Connections. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps create opportunities for people to access support when they need it most.