Ian Nicholson-Kapasi
Hello, I am Ian and the founder of Connections. I am a neurodivergent professional supporting mental health. I decided to set up a practice to help with mental health development in Edinburgh in person and Scotland, UK and Europe online. I have known times when I have needed the very help that I am now here to provide. I offer a supportive and confidential relationship, stepping into your frame of reference and walking beside you in your experiences.
I work with both the Person-Centered approach and Psychodynamic modalities. I am a counsellor on COSCA’s Register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. This is recognition of my commitment to high standards. Being on an accredited register demonstrates my commitment to high professional standards, enhancing safety and delivering a better service.
Perhaps you are feeling a little stuck, or wrestling with a sense of overwhelm, despair or even shame that you just can’t shake. This is normal and while you might feel isolated and lonely, you are not alone in this. Maybe you are seeking change in life or personal growth in specific areas. No one is perfect and while many of us aim to be, we all have areas where we can develop for the better.
Together we can discuss where you are and where you want to get to. By understanding your thoughts, focusing on your feelings and exploring your past, the work we will do together will help shine lights in areas that might seem out of reach or hidden. This can help to illuminate your pathways, which we will walk side by side. My door is open to you and, should you choose to walk through it, I will be here to help you help yourself.
Monday: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm
Friday: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:00pm
£1-50/hr - please see our tiered fee structure
Emily Stokes - (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.
Tuesday - Sunday
Appointment times: 9:30, 10:45am, 12pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm, 5:10pm, 6:30pm, 7:50pm
£1 to £50. Please see Connections Tiered system
Affiliated Counsellors
Please note; all affiliated counsellors work with their own values and systems. For example, they might not offer a no-fee cancellation policy and it is important you understand any differences between them and Connections Core Values
David Morris Counselling
My name is David and I am a counsellor, based in central Edinburgh.
I practise person-centred and psychodynamic counselling and offer
indoor, online and outdoor therapy options. I have experience working with a diverse range of clients, on issues including anxiety, depression, loneliness, abuse, bereavement, eating disorder, self-harm, trauma and more.
The focus of my work is the therapeutic relationship and in developing a trusting connection by being empathic, authentic, supportive and non-judgemental. Being a counsellor is more than a job to me, it is a passion. To be in the presence of someone discovering and accepting who they are, finding a sense of healing and feeling empowered to achieve their full potential, is also a privilege.
I am based in a new, purpose built, counselling space for in person sessions (available on Monday and Tuesday).
This is a private room with separate waiting area, set within the creative, inclusive hub of the Out of the Blue Drill Hall. I also have online and outdoor availability on Friday and Saturday (full details below).
Out of the Blue Drill Hall
36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG (about halfway down Leith Walk)
Monday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (online or walking therapy only)
Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (online or walking therapy only)