Where Feeling Heard
Will Help You Heal
Counselling and Psychotherapy
for Adults and Young People
Hello, my name is Colin and thank you for visiting my website.
I am a compassionate Person-Centred Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Supervisor based in East Kilbride (near Glasgow) and in my Counselling practice I work with adults and young people (in-person and online).
The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my counselling practice, and in that relationship I offer empathy and kindness to let you be your true self.
In our time together I will provide a safe and respectful space to allow our relationship to develop naturally and flourish.
As a mature counsellor, it was an overwhelming and life changing event that took me on the path to enter the counselling profession later in life.
My life experience has given me a very personal insight into how difficult it can be to cope with distress and uncertainty, and informs my practice on a daily basis.
I believe that positive change begins with small steps, and we will work at your pace taking time to make change something achievable.
As an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I am guided and follow their Code of Ethics and Good Practice.
Having spent many years working in private practice and as a school counsellor, I appreciate that it can be a challenge to find a therapist who really connects with the reality of being a young person today.
I offer a kind, quiet place where you can step away from the pressures of school or life in general and just be yourself.
My approach is simply to walk alongside you with a warm heart, making sure you feel seen and truly understood.
It is a gentle, safe space where there is no need to perform or pretend, giving you the room to find your own way at a pace that feels right for you.
Growing up in the West of Scotland, mental health was rarely talked about.
My own experience of loss and trauma gave me a real understanding of the challenges life can bring, and shifted my path toward becoming a counsellor and psychotherapist,
Alongside my training, I bring years of experience from both the corporate world and the charitable sector.
I know that life is rarely straightforward, and many find it helpful to work with a mature counsellor who draws on a wealth of life experience.
My aim is to provide a relatable, down-to-earth space where you can feel truly heard and supported.
As your Clinical Supervisor I offer a supportive space to help you reflect and grow.
My approach to supervision is gentle and collaborative, rooted in equality and respect for your perspective.
I want our time together to feel grounded and natural, a place where you can be yourself without judgement, and I do not see supervision as a test.
My extensive experience in private practice and a school setting gives me a thorough understanding of risk and safety when working with adults and young people.
We will navigate challenges at your pace, always keeping a gentle focus on your own well-being.
Through my many years as a counsellor and psychotherapist in different settings, I have seen how heavy and overwhelming life can feel. Taking that first step is a brave move, and I truly believe that finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is the most important part of finding your way forward."
The Person-Centred Counselling Approach is rooted in the belief that you hold the inner strength to find your own way. My role is to provide a warm, accepting space where you feel safe enough to explore your feelings at your own pace, knowing you are truly heard and respected.
Through active listening, gentle reflection and self-exploration, I will support you in developing your own insight, improve your self esteem and move towards meaningful, positive change in your life.
You bring your own unique story, and I will meet whatever you are carrying with kindness. Life can feel overwhelming, but I offer a gentle, supportive space where you truly matter.
While my focus areas are listed below, your individual experience is what matters most. If your specific concern is not mentioned, I would be happy to explore how I can best support you.
Abuse
ADHD
Anger
Anxiety
Bereavement
Bullying
Depression
Family Issues
Grief
Loneliness
Low Self-Esteem
Older People's Counselling
Personal Growth
Relationships
School Issues
Self-Harm
Suicidal Thoughts
Young Peoples Counselling
From my counselling room in East Kilbride Old Village, I offer in-person counselling and supervision sessions.
There is ample car parking space in the area and easy access to train station and bus services.
The room is two floors up with no lift or disabled access at the present time.
Individual counselling (1 hour): £50
One-Off Counselling (90 minutes): £75
Counselling supervision (1 hour): £50
Reduced rate available for trainees.
Sessions are open-ended and can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on your needs.
I offer a 30-minute courtesy call to answer your questions. It is a gentle, no-pressure way for us to connect and see if I am the right fit to support you.
Qualifications
If you would like to arrange your first session or have an initial courtesy chat then please get in touch.
You can contact me through the website or send a text message to 07984 309972
and I will respond within 24 hours.
Counselling is often considered a short-term process and a good way to provide immediate support and guidance to manage current situations or life changes, with the aim to feel progress after a limited number of sessions.
Psychotherapy can be a longer-term process aimed at uncovering the root causes of emotional difficulties and trauma that may be having an impact on your life, with the number of sessions being open-ended.
As an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, I am comfortable working with clients who require either short or long-term counselling, and what is suitable would depend on the requirements of the client and what challenges they are facing at the time.
Once an agreement is reached to attend counselling I will ask you to complete my counselling agreement.
Part of this agreement covers confidentiality in a counselling session and the limits of confidentiality.
Counselling can work partly because it is confidential and although breaking confidentiality is rare, if I believed that you were a risk to yourself or others then this is something I may have to consider.
If I had to make the decision to break confidentiality then this would be done in discussion with you in the first instance.
In certain circumstances (particularly regarding counselling young people) I may permit a friend, parent or guardian to sit in for an initial five minutes if this helps ease any anxiety for you.
The number of sessions required can vary from person to person and will depend on what concerns you bring to our sessions together.
I do not ask you to commit to attending a particular number of sessions, and at an initial appointment I will ask you to take time to think about what you would like to gain from counselling and begin to build a meaningful and therapeutic relationship with you.
The number of sessions you will attend is flexible and reviewed regularly,
Counselling can be carried out on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis subject to agreement.
Subject to availability I would look to arrange an initial appointment within two weeks of you agreeing to attend counselling, and after an initial appointment I would wish to agree to future sessions with you.
With agreement, counselling sessions would generally take place on the same day and time to allow you to plan your diary, although I will be flexible as I can be to accommodate you.
© Colin Thomson Counselling
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