A warm welcome from our Clinical Director
My mission in setting up The Edinburgh Practice was to provide a safe, comfortable and professional place that people could count on to access the mental health services they need, with the assurance of privacy and clinical excellence. I have the privilege of leading a group of exceptional and dedicated healthcare professionals who are committed to providing the highest standard of quality mental healthcare. As a team we embody the practice values of courage, compassion, integrity, safety and personal growth. Now that you have found us, I hope that we can start your therapeutic journey together.
How can we help?
Our Team
Our compassionate team is composed of highly specialised psychologists, psychiatrists and allied health professionals. You will have the assurance that you will be working with leading experts in their specialist field. We have carefully recruited our clinical team to reflect our strong belief in the importance of delivering evidence-based care from highly qualified professionals.
Our Practice
Our purpose-built, 6,500 square foot practice at Waverley Square comprises 26 individually designed consultation rooms, carefully tailored to their therapeutic focus, providing a safe and nurturing environment. Our centrally located space is open 7 days per week, including evenings, to allow you to quickly access the help you need, fitting around your other life commitments.
May, 2023
I want to add my heart-felt thanks.
“…she is doing so much better now – better than I had dared to hope – and it is largely due to the help that you have given her. And it is not only mental health that has improved, but also her relationship with her Dad, and the whole family dynamic is drastically improved.”
March, 2023
My daughter is in such a better place now.
“…and I cannot tell you how much you have helped her….I know that it is the work you did with her which has helped her to that goal. I know there may be slips along the way, but at the moment, you have helped her to be a happier, healthier young woman. We are so very grateful to you.”
January, 2023
I cannot speak highly enough of The Edinburgh Practice.
“My experience with them has been truly exceptional. From the moment I walked through their doors, I felt welcomed and understood – the initial questionnaire provided was particularly useful in allowing me to know that the clinic fully understood the scope of my issues and what help I was looking for.”
January 2023
Psychiatrist was lovely as a person and helpful.
“My son wouldn’t have not been diagnosed without this service in Scotland. Really appreciated so my son can get proper assistance in school.”
October, 2022
I thank my lucky stars that we found you!
“It is easy to imagine how things could have gone very differently if we hadn’t been able to access help, or if we hadn’t found the right person to help our daughter.”
September, 2022
I can’t thank you enough for all the help you have given me
“…I feel much more positive and confident, and I’m definitely in a better place mentally to start uni next week. I will forever be grateful for your support!”
September, 2022
I can’t thank you enough for all the help you have given me.
“I feel much more positive and confident, and I’m definitely in a better place mentally to start uni next week. I will forever be grateful for your support!”
Our Latest
Stories, events and insights from The Edinburgh Practice.
💛 Struggling with fertility can be emotionally overwhelming and can raise a number of distressing thoughts and emotions. You don’t have to face it alone, at The Edinburgh Practice, we’re now offering fertility counselling to support anyone navigating the challenges of infertility. Whether you’re an individual, part of a couple, or a family member providing support, we’re here to help.
🌸 Fertility counselling covers a wide range of issues including; managing the emotional toll, the impact on relationships, and making informed choices about your next steps. From coping with unexplained infertility to exploring options like IVF, donors, or egg freezing, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
💻 To learn more about TEP’s Fertility Counselling Service or to submit a referral, visit our website (link in bio)
#FertilityCounselling #Infertility #FertilitySupport #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Monday! We’re back with another ‘M’ word - Memory. Our memory thrives when our brain is healthy! Regardless of age, we must keep our brains active through healthy habits and mental stimulation - this is the key to maintaining a sharp memory as we age!
🧠 We now know much more about what affects our brain health compared to a decade ago. For example, it is now widely known that dementia-related diseases often begin in midlife. The development of these conditions is influenced by many factors, some beyond our control, like genetics and family history, but many others, such as lifestyle, are within our power to change. Changes include:
🏃♂️🚴♀️ Taking regular exercise that gets our heart pumping - aim for at least 2-3 hours of moderate intensity exercise every week (this can be brisk walking, gardening, riding a bike, or dancing)
🥗🍎 Eat a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet - rich in olive oil and including lots of vegetables, fruit, beans, fish and whole grains. Not too much meat or sugary foods.
👫🎸 Enjoy time with other people and learn new skills throughout life - be creative, learn a language or musical instrument. Try out a new activity in a group or with a friend - this can keep us motivated while also getting a social benefit.
🚬🍷 Don’t smoke and don’t drink too much alcohol - stopping smoking even in later life can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
😴💤Manage stress, look after mental health and get plenty of sleep - aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night. Not getting enough sleep can affect our memory and ability to think in the short and long term.
@brainhealthscot have amazing resources on their website (https://www.brainhealth.scot) including ‘My Brain Health Quiz’ to build a personal brain health plan!
#BrainHealth #Memory #KeepingSharp #Dementia #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Friday everyone! We’re back with #fridaycheckin!
It’s our first full week back and TEP is the busiest it’s ever been! Luckily we managed to catch a few members of Team TEP for a quick check in. Paula, Rachael and Zara shared how they’re feeling about 2025 and the habits they’re working on this year. 🌟 From building healthier routines to prioritizing self-care, we’re all about making this year one of growth and balance.
What’s one habit or goal you’re excited to work on in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 💬
#MentalHealthMatters #FreshStart #NewYearGoals #TheEdinburghPractice
✨ Understanding the Role of a Health Visitor ✨
Join us for an insightful webinar with Lisa Fraser, an experienced Health Visitor at The Edinburgh Practice, as she delves into the invaluable role of Health Visitors and the guidance and support that she can offer to families. Whether you’re a new parent, expecting a baby or curious about the support Health Visitors can provide, including how Lisa can support you to navigate early parenthood then this webinar is for you!
In this session, Lisa will cover:
🌟 The role of a Health Visitor and the vital support they provide to parents and babies
🌟 Specialist Health Services available at The Edinburgh Practice
🌟Why you might consider a private Health Visitor to complement NHS services
This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, learn about a range of support options available, and gain a deeper understanding of how a Health Visitor can make a positive difference to you and your family.
Please register on our website, link in bio!
Happy New Year and welcome back to our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for Mind-Body connection. Our mind and body are inextricably connected and have a direct impact on each other. When we care for one, we nourish the other!
Stress can manifest physically, while movement and physical care can ease mental tension. Practices like mindfulness, exercise, proper nutrition, and quality sleep nurture this connection, creating a foundation for resilience and balance.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to prioritize the powerful connection between our mind and body ✨
#NewYearWellbeing #MindBodyConnection #SelfCare #TheEdinburghPractice
A Very Merry Christmas from Team TEP! 🎄
While this season is filled with joy for many, we recognise it can also be a difficult time for some. Whether you’re celebrating or navigating challenges, remember to prioritise your wellbeing and be kind to yourself 💛
We wish you all moments of peace, joy and healing this holiday season 🌟
#theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth #christmas
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! Here’s a look back at TEP’s 2024 - a year full of growth, challenges, and incredible moments! 🎥
As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect 💭 After the Christmas festivities, take a moment to ask yourself: What went well this year? What did I enjoy? What do I want to work on for the year ahead?
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for growth, and there’s no better time than now to check in with yourself. Let’s carry those insights into a strong start for 2025 💪
#fridaycheckin #yearinreview #2024recap
🌟 Exciting news! We are thrilled to welcome Fiona Cook to The Edinburgh Practice team starting January 2025!
🤰 Fiona is a highly experienced Fertility and Relationship Counsellor with over 22 years of clinical practice. With a unique integrative approach rooted in psychodynamic and systemic theories, mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy, Fiona supports individuals and couples navigating the complexities of fertility and relationships. She brings a wealth of expertise, including her work with the NHS, donor conception, and solo parenthood.
🙏 Her dedication to creating a compassionate, tailored space for clients is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait for her to bring her warmth and expertise to our practice.
💛 Join us in giving Fiona a warm welcome!
#FertilityCounsellor #RelationshipCounselling #TheEdinburghPractice #WelcomeToTheTeam
This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mental Clarity!
Mental clarity is essential for navigating life with focus, confidence and calm. It helps us make better decisions, manage stress and maintain emotional balance.
Mental clarity can feel like a challenge during menopause, with hormonal shifts often leading to brain fog, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. By prioritising self-care, managing stress, staying active and seeking support, including medical advice where appropriate, you can navigate this challenge with strength.
A clear mind is the foundation of a fulfilled and balanced life.
#theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth #mentalclarity
We’re back with another #fridaycheckin - and this week, it’s a Christmas Edition! 🎄✨
With just 12 days to go until Christmas, we wanted to share how we’ve sprinkled some festive cheer around The Edinburgh Practice. From twinkling lights to cozy decorations, our space is feeling extra warm and welcoming this season!
We hope our festive touches bring a smile to your face and a little extra joy to your day. Wishing you all a peaceful and cheerful lead-up to the holidays! ⭐
#TheEdinburghPractice #FestiveSeason #Christmas #MentalHealth
December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month ❄️
As the season shifts, it’s not uncommon for the darker days to affect our mood and energy. If you’re feeling off or struggling this winter, remember it’s okay to take things slow and prioritise your mental health.
Seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects one in twenty people in the UK, with men being more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women. The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days.
🧠The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the:
😴The production of the sleepy hormone, Melatonin.
😊The production of the happy hormone, Serotonin
🕑Our body’s internal clock called our circadian rhythm.
Seasonal changes can be tough, but you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out, take care of yourself and know that it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes.
#seasonaldepression #MentalHealthAwareness #theedinburghpractice
Happy Monday! This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mental Flourishing ✨
Mental flourishing isn’t the absence of mental illness—it’s a state of thriving, feeling fulfilled, and growing despite life’s challenges. While mental illness may involve difficulties that affect daily functioning, it doesn’t mean that flourishing is out of reach. It’s possible to live with a mental health condition while still experiencing moments of growth and well-being. It’s about balance and working toward a better, more resilient mindset every day.
To find out more, check out Keyes and Westerhof’s (2009) academic paper called ‘Mental Illness and Mental Health: The Two Continua Model across the Lifespan”.
#MentalFlourishing #mentalhealth #theedinburghpractice
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! This Friday, Dr Alex checks in with our boundaries over the Christmas Period 🎄
🌟Setting and communicating boundaries with your friends and families over the festive period can help reduce stress and ensure you spend your time in a way that doesn’t negatively impact your wellbeing.
Dr Alex reminds us that:
1. It’s okay not to go home for the holidays.
2. It’s okay to need a break if you’re hosting.
3. It’s okay to need alone time if you’re visiting.
4. It’s okay to disengage from controversial conversations.
We encourage you to practice setting boundaries this Christmas period to give yourself the gift of feeling joyful, peaceful and empowered 🎁
#boundaries #fridaycheckin #theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth
This week is National Grief Awareness Week.
🔦 We are supporting @thegoodgrieftrust campaign, with this year’s theme being ‘Shine a Light’.
🫶 It’s important to normalise grief and make those around us aware that it’s often not something that will ever completely go away. It’s often about finding ways of coping with the grief. This week is about encouraging empathy, compassion, and support for those who are grieving, emphasising that grief if universal and often a challenging part of the human experience.
🎄 Grief can feel especially heavy during the festive season, a time often filled with memories of those we’ve lost. Let’s acknowledge the pain that can come with Christmas and offer compassion to ourselves and others. It’s okay to miss them, to feel it all, and to take the season at your own pace and do it in your own way. You may want to think of meaningful ways to remember the person, or people, you have lost this festive season.
To participate in National Grief Awareness Week, we can:
💛 Support a grieving friend
💛 Practice self-care if you are grieving
💛 Educate others - The Good Grief Trust’s website have a lot of short video clips offering support as well as sharing stories of those that have lost a loved one (https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org). Another resource is The Good Grief Project, which offer a range of different workshops for bereaved parents and siblings (https://thegoodgriefproject.co.uk)
#ShineALight #GriefAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #TheEdinburghPractice
This Monday, ‘M’ is for Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs!
Abraham Maslow was an American Psychologist who suggested that our human needs can be organised into a clear hierarchy. His theory provides valuable insight into human motivation.
The key idea is that lower-level needs such as physiological needs and safety must be satisfied before higher-level needs can become motivators. For example, if someone is not able to buy food, they are unlikely to be able to be focused on doing well at work.
From bottom to top, the levels are:
😴Physiological needs
🔒Safety and Security needs
❤️Love and Belonging
🥰Self-esteem
⭐️Self-actualisation
It is important to remember:
1. The hierarchy isn’t rigid. People can be motivated by higher-level needs even when lower-level needs aren’t fully met.
2. The theory doesn’t account for individual differences. Some people may prioritise needs differently based on their own values and experiences.
3. The hierarchy reflects an individualistic view and may not capture motivation in collectivistic cultures.
Taking care of your mental health means addressing your needs at every level!
#mentalhealth #maslowshierachyofneeds #theedinburghpractice
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