Our Therapists

Corinna Tebbutt trained as a counsellor at Strathclyde University

Accredited with BACP as a psychotherapist and counsellor

Supervisor- Strathclyde University

Somatic Trauma Therapy- Babette Rothschild

Working with traumatised parts Janina Fischer

Online working – Counselling Tutor

I have worked with adults and children for over thirty years, as a parent, teacher and then counsellor/and psychotherapist. I now focus on working with adults either face to face or online, who have encountered a range of experiences including life changes; relationships; trauma; abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence; neurodiversity; questions around gender and/or sexuality, bereavement; work issues; anxiety and suicidal ideation. This list is not exhaustive.

I have a particular interest in working with trauma and different parts - see Gabriel Mate and Janina Fischer, in particular, because of their emphasis on working with compassion.

I work in an eclectic way using different ‘tools from my box’, tailoring them to best suit how the client works best. This may be through using creative methods, talking, and/or working with the memory of the trauma left in the body.

In addition, I am a certified supervisor and work with supervisees working with children, as well as adults.

Although I have explored the idea of becoming a counsellor and psychotherapist in her 20s, it was the separation from my then husband, that was the catalyst for her to pursue her vocation- counselling and psychotherapy, in her mid 40’s. It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. A career that I love and I am always learning from, both from clients, colleagues and the wealth of training, knowledge etc out with.

I first worked in Simpsons House working with clients who had primarily issues around drugs, but also alcohol. Later this service took me into Saughton Prison.

I then joined the PF, a generic counselling service providing subsidised counselling, first as a trainee, then a volunteer and later as an assessment counsellor.

Having left my role as a teacher, I ran a counselling project in four schools in areas of economic deprivation, in Edinburgh.

Later I worked as a counsellor and psychotherapist at Pilton Health Community Project, and finally at Wellspring, initially as a self-employed therapist, then a supervisor and laterally as Co Clinical Manager.

Title: Counsellor and Therapist

Qualifications:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Music Therapy
• MSc in Counselling
• Certificate in Counselling Supervision
• Fellow in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)
• Certificate in Music Breathing
• Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

Description:

• Individual work in counselling/psychotherapy
• Additional specialities: music-based therapies (Music Breathing, Guided Imagery and Music). Please see general website (under ‘types of therapy’) for more information about these therapies or go to: musicandimagery.org

April’s approach is mainly psychodynamic, which means that she is interested in the things that may lie below the surface, and are a less familiar but important part of our inner lives. Her approach is explorative and non-directive. She is interested in the ways that our identity and relationships have been shaped by our early relationships with other people, and in the ways that we have been affected by our experiences. By gaining understanding of our patterns, relationships, and areas of vulnerability we can become more understanding and accepting of ourselves.

April’s initial training was as a music therapist, and for many years she worked within a wide variety of settings, including special education and NHS mental health. As a counsellor and psychotherapist, she has experience within voluntary agencies as well as in private practice. She has taught at postgraduate level in Music Therapy as well as in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and she continues to supervise trainees and practitioners in both disciplines.

Title: Art Psychotherapist

Qualifications:

• BA Hons in Fine Art Printmaking
• PG Dip. in Art Psychotherapy
• Professional Development Award in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia, and/or Specific Learning Difficulties in the Workplace

Clients:

• Adults, children or young people
• training therapists, counsellors, art therapists
• individuals

Issues:

• LGBTQIA friendly/allied.
• If someone is stuck in flight/fight/freeze/fawn they might need the support of a therapist to release themselves.
• Support through the grieving process.
• For someone who has experienced sexual trauma/abuse and needs somewhere safe to process that.
• For those who are struggling in relationships after experiencing childhood trauma.
• When someone is experiencing low self esteem due to relationship difficulties/early trauma.
• Supporting clients to let go of trauma and feel safe in their own body.
• For those who are neurodivergent, or suspect they may be.
• For those who want to explore their unconscious.
• Reconnect intuition.
• Panic attacks
• Dissociation
• Developmental trauma
• Loss/bereavement
• Attachment issues
• Identity issues
• Sexuality issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger

Modality:

Having used artwork as a therapeutic tool to tap into the unconscious, enabling others to use this wonderful resource is so important. Using the imagination to retell stories, reshaping the narrative can be so healing. It can be liberating, improve self-esteem, calming and a good way to express strong feelings in a safe way. Art Therapy can be cathartic and visceral or soothing and connecting.

Those who do not make artwork can bring dreams or images created through language or poetry.

Life balance is so important for mental health and wellbeing. The things that bring joy can be used to create feelings of safety, of being seen and appreciated. To connect with the self. With the inner child.

Career to date:

• qualified in 2003
• volunteer at Place2Be
• volunteer at Number 21 Counselling and Art Therapy Service
• Centre for the Vulnerable Child (NHS)
• Place2Be school project management
• Crossreach
• Private Practic
• schools- learning support
• 6 years at Wellspring

Title: Psychotherapist

• PhD in Counselling Studies (University of Edinburgh)
• MScR In Counselling Studies (University of Edinburgh)
• Master’s in Clinical Psychology (UAI Chile)
• Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (ICPSI)
• Psychologist (PUC, Chile)
• Certificate: Child and Adolescent psychotherapy (ICPSI, Chile)
• Certificate: Phone and Online Psychotherapy (Counselling Tutor, UK)

Individuals:

• Neurodivergence
• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Man issues

Gabriel works from an integrative position and from a place of understanding the situation from different angles to then find a path of work. Gabriel uses meditation, body practices, and playful objects as part of his work, but most of the time we are reflecting, feeling and narrating present and past situations.

Gabriel studied psychology in Chile, where he achieved a professional degree (Psychologist) which allowed him to practice. Then specialising in Integrative psychotherapy, at a diploma and then master’s degree in clinical psychology. Gabriel worked in a centre for lower resources clients as clinical psychologist doing firs assessments, working with long and short-term clients, and with family tribunal cases.

Gabriel then moved to Edinburgh to study a master’s and PhD in Counselling Studies, developing his own approach to therapy, from the work of Donald Winnicott, and Deleuze and Guattari. Gabriel has published about development, mindfulness and creative practices.

Title:  Psychotherapist  and Counsellor

• Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy
  (Edinburgh Gestalt Institute of Psychotherapy)
• Advanced Diploma in Psychodrama  Psychotherapy
  (The Northern School of Psychodrama)
• Diploma in Supervision
  (Relationship Scotland)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Community Theatre
  (Queen Margaret University College)

Gary has been practicing therapist for over 20 years, and a member of the Wellspring therapist’s team for 15years.
He works with adults, children and young people, couples, families and groups.
He runs regular Weekly Therapy Groups at Wellspring as well as occasional weekend workshops.
Gary is also a Supervisor for Trainees on placement at Wellspring.

Gary is a psychotherapist, supervisor and experienced group facilitator with over 30 year’s involvement in personal development work with both individuals and groups, including working with people with learning disabilities, adults on the autistic spectrum, an arts worker in mental health projects, teaching in further education and as a freelance community artist.

Gary Smith works within a humanistic and integrative approach that acknowledges the unity of mind, body, emotions and spirit and the natural tendency of individuals towards growth and development.

He places great emphasis on giving space for clients to bring issues at their own pace and explore what is nourishing and what is less satisfying in their lives.

Working within the therapeutic relationship, and through exploring personal history, Gary supports clients to achieve a greater awareness of how they relate and interact in the world to foster a sense of personal responsibility and autonomy. He offers a range of creative approaches, drawing on his experience of working as an artist and community artist.

Gary brings the depth and breadth of his life experience, and he is committed to his own creative and personal development, has practised meditation for many years, has an artistic practice, and is a founder member of a Playback Theatre company.

Gary abides by the code of ethics of UKCP, BPA, and BACP.

• Somatic Trauma Therapist
•  Counsellor
• Holistic Massage Therapist
• Myofascial Release

Jennifer Pickens is a native of the United States but is currently based in Edinburgh. She is trained in Counselling and body work modalities such as Somatic Trauma Therapy, Holistic Massage, and Myofascial Release.

Jennifer’s main way of working is with the body through a therapy called Somatic Trauma Therapy.  She works with physical and emotional distress including trauma with symptoms such as the following:

• Deep Grief
• Numbness
• Emotional outbursts
• Rage
• Feelings of panic
• Being on high alert
• Anxiety
• Poor digestion
• Sleep disturbances
• Despair
• Inability to relax

Jennifer works from a relational perspective, believing that safety and trust are of utmost importance within the therapeutic relationship. She works from a relational approach similar to Gestalt Therapy, incorporating aspects of a Person-Centred approach as well as parts work. Jennifer’s main way of working is working with the body in what is called Somatic Trauma Therapy. In session, you learn how to observe and track physical sensations in your body that are often accompanied by strong emotions.  With the help of tools such as simple exercises you learn to observe, tolerate and/or reduce these physical sensations.  This helps to support the nervous system to regulate differently promoting optimal emotional and physical health.

Jennifer also uses Myofascial Release to help support the body to become “unstuck.”   Fascia is a web of connective tissue (a good example would be to visualize cling film) that runs throughout the body. When the body becomes stressed or has been through traumatic events, the fascia tightens and may cause pain or rigidity. By incorporating myofascial release into the therapy process it helps to support the physical body and regulation of the nervous system. By doing so this supports your emotional health and physical wellbeing.

This therapy is empowering and supports you to build a new relationship with yourself and your body as well as develop skills to support yourself.

Title: Counsellor (she/her)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue)
• Master of Counselling
• Studying Post Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People
• BACP Registered Member

Clients:

• Adults, Children, and Young People

Issues:

• Anxiety
• Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts
• Bereavement
• Eating Disorders
• Childhood Trauma
• Sexual Trauma
• Neurodiversity
• LGBTQ+ Friendly
• Sex Worker Friendly

Lizzie offers an integrative approach to counselling, having been trained in the dialogue between the psychodynamic and person-centred approaches at the University of Edinburgh. This means she will always endeavour to offer you a therapeutic relationship characterised by the empathy, non-judgement and “realness” required to feel truly heard. She hopes to support you to speak about even challenging things in a comfortable way through working together collaboratively, compassionately, and creatively. Reviewing your work together often to help understand where you are in your story, and where you wish to go. Ultimately empowering you to feel like you.

During her counselling training, Lizzie gained experience of offering short-term and long-term therapy at Hope Park Counselling Centre and with NHS Lothian. She then joined Wellspring in 2021 and acquired further experience of working with children and young people through volunteering with Place2Be. Alongside Wellspring, she works as a school counsellor in Edinburgh, and is learning more about the relationship between physical and emotional wellbeing through studying Holistic Massage.

Title: Psychotherapist

• BA (Hons) Degree, Integrative Counselling
• Foundation Degree, Integrative Counselling
• Diploma Level 3 in Integrative Counselling

Do you feel overwhelmed by life? Does it feel like all your thoughts and feelings are like a ball of tangled spaghetti? Anxiety, Depression and lots of other issues could be entwined. Counselling can help you to un-tangle that ball, help you to understand your thoughts and feelings. I work with individuals and couples to help find a way to work through issues. I specialise in working with Domestic abuse issues, alongside many other issues.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bereavement
• Eating Disorders
• Attachment issues
• Relationships
• Low self-esteem

My approach to counselling is based on the belief that healthy emotional well-being is created within a safe, nurturing and caring relationships. Often, difficulties within relationships arise from past traumas, ones that have been insufficiently dealt with. These traumas can often present in the form of destructive and unhelpful coping strategies such as addictions, eating disorders, habitual behaviours and intrusive thoughts processes. This can appear very frightening at times which leads to feelings of anxiety and an overwhelming sense of stress, pressure and sadness. Exploring these issues can help a client find understanding and acceptance, leading to a more healthier and peaceful future.

Psychotherapist at Wellspring

HTS Scotland Mental Health Support worker

Private Practice

Counsellor for Woman’s Aid

Course Director Access to Counselling level 3 Diploma

Title: Art Therapist

Thank you for reading about me. I work with everyone:

• Children and Young People
• Families
• Adults for Supervision

I am always learning and developing my knowledge. I know from my many years of post
qualifying experience that the clients in front of me know so much and that I will always learn
from them. My training in ‘therapeutic skills “ at the then Scottish Institute of Human relations
and further recent training at the Anna Freud Centre on Family based Mentalization have
enabled my psychodynamic and systemic thinking to grow. Dyadic work through level one
and level two of the Dan Hughes PACE (Playful Accepting Curious and Empathic) approach
has been enhanced by my many years working with families. The child protection certificate
in Dundee has been central to my safeguarding thinking and safe keeping practice.

I am accredited by the British Association of Art Therapist’s (BAAT) and the Health Care and
Professions Council and I am an approved BAAT Supervisor and Private Practitioner. I have
trained in supervision with BAAT, Shelter Scotland and NHS Lothian. I have been able to
supervise in many organisations and continue to do so. I will preserve their confidentiality
here.

I have worked within the context of homeless families in the community and clinic setting and
I work currently in a thriving Primary school, the Paediatric Psychology Service in NHS
Lothian based at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and I work in Wellspring
both in the private service but also their BBC Children in Need project. I continue to offer a
small service to Shakti Women’s Aid. Anxiety, non school attendance, self harm, suicidal
ideation and functional neurological disoder are common areas. Neurodiversity and LGBTQ+
are integral to the people I support.

I have worked in foster care, alcohol and drug services and in different educational settings. I
was an adult nurse prior to my therapy training and therefore bereavement and trauma
experience are embedded in my practice.

I am part of supervision groups and have my own supervision and it is important that I
evaluate my practice and offer the best service. I am very happy to have an initial
conversation to think about your hopes around supervision or therapy.

Dr Shari - Cohn-Simmen is an integrative therapist, working from person-centred, psychodynamic and transpersonal perspectives.

Central to her way of working is building a trusting relationship with each person and providing a safe environment with clear boundaries. Shari’s experience is that by working in the here-and-now with a client, on listening to what is said and not said, and working in symbolic ways, such as through dreams. Clients get more in touch with feelings, and often childhood issues which may have remained unvoiced and/or unresolved, but still affect them in the present. She places great value on allowing each individual to be heard, in helping them make insights, and fostering enhanced self-awareness and personal growth. Shari has experience working with adults with a wide range of issues.

Shari studied in the United States before completing her PhD in psychology from the University of Edinburgh. She is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and on the BPS Register of Psychologists specialising in Psychotherapy. She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (University of Edinburgh); is a registered member of BACP, a practitioner member of COSCA, and a member of AHPP (UKCP). Shari is also a qualified supervisor (Diploma in Casework Supervision, Relationships Scotland).

Wellspring Supervisor

Shari is an integrative therapist, working from person-centred, psychodynamic and transpersonal perspectives. Shari trained as a supervisor with Relationships Scotland. She has supported trainee counsellors through their journey to becoming qualified counsellors/psychotherapists and has also supervised experienced therapists. At the heart of the way Shari works as a supervisor is providing a safe and trusting place for therapists to reflect upon and explore issues that arise from working with their clients, and to bring greater awareness to good ethical practice and the importance of self-care. Shari views supervision as a collaborative endeavour in which she tries to be fair, non-judgmental but also challenging, supporting therapists in their on-going development and growth as practitioners. Shari offers both individual and group supervision.

Shari qualified as a supervisor with Relationships Scotland (Diploma in Casework Supervision) and is on the Register of Supervisors for the University of Edinburgh and for Relationships Scotland. She also brings an interdisciplinary research background to being a supervisor, having studied in the United States before completing her PhD in psychology (University of Edinburgh). Shari is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and on the BPS Register of Psychologists specialising in Psychotherapy, has a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (University of Edinburgh), is a registered member of BACP, a practitioner member of COSCA, and a member of AHPP (UKCP).

Adrian Christie has been with Wellspring for over 30 years and has qualifications in both hypnotherapy and counselling. He has trained in numerous other disciplines including NLP, Process-Oriented Psychology, meditation, dreamwork, trauma therapy, Autogenic Training, bereavement and couple counselling.

I am primarily concerned with behavioural change and the best way to bring this about for a particular individual. To this end, I am interested in the ways we think about ourselves and our relationships with the world and others. I rarely use any kind of formal trancework, preferring to let the answers surface for themselves when clearly invited to do so. I am a passionate advocate of the value and sanctity of the therapeutic relationship that makes it safe to have conversations about our inner lives and, most importantly, feelings. I trust feelings above thought, and the silent space of awareness itself above feelings.

We will explore your situation together and agree a way forward to help you. It may be that things have been bothering you for some time or it may be a sudden crisis that has occurred. Often talking things through provides a sense of relief and a greater feeling of well-being and happiness. By talking about some of the concerns that have been troubling you we can locate and understand the underlying issues in order to resolve the difficulties you are experiencing.

We will talk together about the things that matter most to you whatever they may be. Over time we will find words to make the unseen seen, the unheard heard. We will explore what your memories, hopes and fears mean to you and what they feel like. We will reflect on being you. On being you with others. We will work towards something changing.

Our first session together will usually be arranged for the specific session time that we will meet for the length of your therapy. This session will include time to check out any details and answer any initial questions you may have. We will also discuss the fee you wish to pay depending on your earnings.

About me

I trained in the 'dialogue' at the University of Edinburgh – this post-graduate qualification is an intense study of both the person-centred and the psychodynamic approaches to therapy. As my training progressed a closer affinity with contemporary psychodynamic theory unfolded and this continues to be my main guide.

I have 'grown up' with Wellspring, warmly welcomed here for my student placement and then as an intern and delighted to have joined the Wellspring community as a qualified therapist. I aim to provide a similar warm welcome to all my clients.

I have a diverse range of work experience including NHS management in London and willow-weaving in Scotland. My first degree was in Psychology followed by an MA in Health and Social Policy. I currently also work part-time as a lecturer in further and higher education in Psychology and Counselling.

I have additional training in couples counselling and further experience in the specialist area of student counselling.

Leoni McRobert is an English Cypriot therapist.

As a bilingual, I am aware of the role language and culture play in shaping who we are. I can also offer counselling in Greek, as well as English.

I have a Masters in Counselling from the University of Edinburgh where I trained in the dialogue between person-centred and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I also have a Postgraduate certificate in Systemic Practice from the Institute of Family Therapy and have experience working with families and couples at The Wimbledon Guild Family Therapy Service. I am currently a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their ethical framework.

In my experience, the counselling relationship is a collaborative relationship mutually shaped by both client and therapist. It is a space where healing can take place by exploring aspects of your past which continue to affect your present. Therapy can help facilitate you to understand how you can relate to your internal experience, not only giving you a deeper understanding of what is happening inside but also in your relationships with others.

I believe the unconscious, our inner world and our early life experiences strongly shape our outer realities and influence how we relate to others and ourselves. We all have defences protecting us against painful experiences, which are often unconscious but through the counselling relationship, they can be brought into consciousness to facilitate a greater awareness of self. I have witnessed how therapy brings clients into deeper contact with their authentic self, which often encourages them to make changes that better suit their current needs.

Adam offers clients an Integrative approach.

I work in a way which utilises both the Psychodynamic and Person-centred approaches to therapy. For me, this means providing a space in which individuals can bring issues or personal problems which are affecting their daily lives and be heard. I work relationally and know that there is much more to being heard than having someone simply listen.

Always staying with you and your experiences, I reflect, wonder, question, and explore what your experiences mean to you personally. My belief from my experience is that through this relational process one can find new ways of approaching life’s problems, potentially alleviating symptoms and ultimately shaping a more fulfilling life experience.

My experience is mainly in relation to adults working with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, attachment issues, and relationship issues. Although this list can feel exhaustive and quite specific, I believe that therapy can be helpful if you feel fear, guilt, anger, or feeling overwhelmed or upset regularly. Not being able to understand why these emotions do not change can make daily life feel unrelenting and painful; like it has lost meaning or purpose. Sharing these issues in a relationship with an individual who empathises with you, does not judge you, and is genuine throughout can catalyse a healing process.

I completed the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Counselling at the University of Edinburgh and I am currently a member of BACP, abiding by their ethical framework.

Title: Counsellor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Counselling – 2009

I work individually with clients experiencing a range of different issues including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, loss, self-esteem, eating disorders and self-harm.

I have a particular interest in and does a lot of training around trauma.

I describe myself as an Integrative counsellor, with a solid base in Client Centred Practice and then also using a number of other modalities in line with what is useful for a client

Prior to working at Wellspring, I worked in a centre specialising in eating disorders and has done a lot of work, both counselling and support work with those experiencing homelessness.  I also work in both a women’s service and with young refugees and asylum seekers, alongside their work at Wellspring

Title: Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Qualifications:

• MSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy from University of Strathclyde
• COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skill from Stirling University
• BSc in Speech & Language Therapy from Queen Margaret’s College
• Qualifications in Mind-Body work

Registered member of BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)

Clients:

• Individual adults
• Young people

I Work with whatever the client brings: anxiety, depression, loss & bereavement, trauma, stuckness, relationship issues, dilemma of life, specific issues or generalised feelings of dis-ease.

Special interest in the connection between emotions and physical symptoms.

I provide a warm and safe space to explore any issues the client wishes to bring

I trained in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, a modality that aims to provide a space imbued with acceptance, warmth, presence and openness for you to explore whatever issue or problem you may bring. The client is at the centre of this approach where they are held to be the experts in their own lives.  I have also trained in a mind-body reconnect approach; how we notice, acknowledge and respond to what our body intelligence is saying.  My approach is also influenced by the work of Dr Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems which works with the “family of parts” that exists in all of us, Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal theory which gives us insight into what our nervous systems are doing and Peter Levines, Somatic Experiencing theory which helps us make the connection between our emotions and our physical responses.

I have previously worked as a Speech & Language Therapist. In 2007, following a period of illness, I trained in a mind-body approach working with people suffering from ME and Fibromyalgia. Having benefitted from my own interaction with various therapeutic modalities, I went on to train as a psychotherapist. The choice of person-centred therapy was decided upon after careful consideration of what approach best fitted with her on-going mind-body work. A key aspect of the person-centred approach is authenticity, exploring what is actually going on for someone, what their underlying emotions are, and this is a good fit with the mind-body work.

Originally a biologist (with a keen interest in human development - biological, cultural and psychological)), I have been involved in personal growth and support work, including body work (Chi Gong) and meditation, for over 20 years.

I began formal counselling training in 2007, studying for the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills, and progressed from this to COSCA's Further Steps in Counselling Skills, and then to the Post Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling at Glasgow Strathclyde University, from which I graduated in 2011.

I have been in practice for over 10 years, and am a registered member (MBACP) of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and follow their code of ethics.