COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

Sometimes life gets knotted. We can untangle it together.

Most of us reach a point where things feel tangled. It might be one clear problem, or a sense that something isn't quite right and you can't say what. It can be hard to talk about with the people closest to you.

Book a free initial chat Why counselling?

Why Counselling?

Good therapy is a collaboration

Counselling offers a private, unhurried space to talk. Together we can follow the threads, notice where they pull tight, and slowly find a bit more room to breathe. You don't need to know where to start. Starting somewhere is enough. I work online, and from locations around the central belt of Scotland, so you can meet with me from wherever you feel most comfortable, in fact anywhere (online) in the UK. Please get in touch to check.

More about my approach →

Two people in conversation during a therapy session

The thread of my story

I'm Philip, a trained counsellor working online and in-person from Scotland. Before counselling, I spent over twenty years working in theatre. That work taught me a great deal about stories: how we tell them, how they shape us, and what often sits unspoken between the lines. It also taught me to listen closely and to take people as they are. I trained at the University of Edinburgh, where I [completed / am completing] my Masters in Counselling, having previously gained a Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma also in Counselling. Previously to this I also completed the COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate.

How I work

People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. You might be dealing with anxiety or low mood, a loss, a relationship that feels stuck, a big change in your life, or questions about who you are and where you're heading. Sometimes there isn't a clear reason at all, just a feeling that it's time to talk. Whatever brings you, you're welcome. My way of working draws on two traditions. 1) From person-centred counselling, I bring a belief that you are the expert on your own life, and that being truly heard, without judgement, can make real change possible. 2)From psychodynamic thinking, I bring curiosity about how earlier experiences may still be shaping how we feel and relate to others today. I'm also interested in the stories we tell about ourselves, and in creative ways of exploring them. If words feel hard to find, we might sometimes use images, writing or other simple creative approaches. This is always an invitation, never a requirement.

Common questions

How much does a session cost?+

Individual sessions are £70 for 50 minutes (the therapeutic hour). I keep a small number of lower-cost places for people on low incomes, students and those facing financial hardship. Please ask if this would help.

Do you offer online sessions?+

Yes — I work with clients online across the UK as well as in person, whichever suits you best. For online sessions, you'll need a private space where you won't be overheard or interrupted, and a reasonably steady internet connection.

How long will I need therapy?+

It varies. Some people come for a handful of sessions; others stay longer. We'll review regularly and you're always in control.

Is everything confidential?+

Yes. What you share stays between us, within the standard ethical and legal limits we'll discuss in our first session. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I have regular clinical supervision, which supports the quality and safety of my work. I hold professional indemnity insurance with [TBC].

What to expect+

We'll start with a free [20-minute] conversation by video call. You can tell me a little about what's bringing you, ask any questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels right. There's no pressure to commit. If we go ahead, we'll meet weekly for 50-minute sessions at a regular time. We'll review how things are going together along the way, and you are free to stop at any point.

Ready to take the first step?

Book a free 20-minute call to see if we're a good fit. No pressure, no commitment.

Book a free consultation

From the journal

Occasional notes and reflections on therapy, anxiety, and looking after yourself.

16 October 2026

Who to call when in crisis

If you’re reading this because things feel unbearable right now...

16 October 2026

Three small ways to steady yourself when anxiety spikes

When anxiety takes hold, a few small, practical steps can help you find your footing again. Here are three I come back to often.

Get in touch

Fill in the form and I'll reply within two working days. Everything you send is private.

Contact

welcome@philipandersondyerpsychotherapy.co.uk

07738839295

Mon - Friday (daytime and evenings)