Clare Phillips Counselling
In-person and online counselling for adults and young people
Counselling, Life-Coaching and Supervision in East-Lothian, Edinburgh and Online
Re-discovering the Whole of You
I provide a space where you feel at ease and where you are at the centre. I can help you unpick where you are stuck, reduce anxiety and gain confidence. I offer more than a listening ear, I’m empathic, honest and I’m in your corner.
Counsellor, Supervisor and Coach in Musselburgh
About Me
I began my professional journey into counselling in 2014 and I have found it so rewarding. What led me to become a counsellor was how helpful it was to me personally, as a client. I was heading for burnout in my previous career as a teacher and knew I needed a change. I’d had counselling and tried other forms of therapy over the years, but the best kind of therapy for me was being able to say things out loud that, until then, had only been in my head. It had a profound effect on me and seeing this in my clients now is hugely gratifying. I am an older woman who has raised two children, as a single parent, and now a proud Grandmother. These life experiences have shaped who I am today.
If life feels overwhelming or unbalanced, I’ll have your back. We can be unaware - or in denial - of what’s really going on for us. We can explore what tops up your energy and feeds your soul.
If you live in East Lothian you may see me in the sea, on the coast path or walking through a woodland. Being in nature is central to my wellbeing. If you’ve ever ‘had to get out of the house’, go look at the sea or take a deep breath of fresh air, then you know this too. I offer walk and talk therapy as another option to being indoors.
My position on spirituality - sensing a connection to something deeper has become a central part of who I am today. I’ve practised Buddhism, psychic development and other spiritual paths, (so I have a variety of grounding techniques). I’ve met many different people from all walks of life and beliefs. As a counsellor I am open to exploring the bigger existential problems, if that is something you are struggling with. I also hold space for climate grief. I'm qualified, insured, a member of the ICO and hold a DBS and PVG.
My Approach to Counselling
I want you to feel at ease in the counselling space and as a naturally calm individual I invite you to relax and be comfortable in what you may want to share with me. We mostly use the space to talk, take the weight off and to begin processing what has brought you to seek counselling. I worked in a charity setting counselling survivors of sexual abuse and trauma, for several years and I currently work privately and for EAP companies. I am experienced in both long term, open-ended counselling and short-term solution focused brief therapy.
I love connecting with people and I work in a person centred way using integrative therapy techniques tailored to you. I utilize creative outlets (if this interests you, its not a requirement!). We can get crafts out or use objects to help represent what feels intangible. Often it’s what’s on the edge of our awareness that we can struggle to bring to the surface and this is where creative activities can really help.
In the counselling space I encourage self-reflection on the counselling itself - it’s important that you get what you need.
What I Offer
There is something intangible about being in the room for your therapy. It’s immediate and relational.
Sometimes it feels too overpowering to be sat still for up to an hour, or you may just prefer to be outdoors. Either way it’s as effective and can feel more relaxing.
I also deliver counselling by phone and video call. The beauty of this is you don’t have to leave home so it’s more convenient. I can speak to you wherever you are in the world.
If you travel a lot or can’t always make it to the counselling room, I am happy to offer an online option.
I’m a qualified Supervisor, please contact me to discuss how we can work together. I use the Seven-Eyed model of Supervision. Student counsellors are welcome to get in touch, I offer a concession to students.
This is a different to counselling in that it’s more practical. We can focus on the active help you want with an issue, create a plan together and break it down into achievable steps. (I’m a great problem-solver!)
I’ve been an Energy Healer since completing my Diploma in 2024. It’s a gentle relaxation, similar to reiki. Let me know if you would like a stand alone session or would like to incorporate this into how we work together.
Mind
We can literally feel stuck in our heads and have a build up of tension because of this. Thoughts going around in a loop? Unwanted thoughts popping in? Sound familiar? Do you have an unkind voice in your head? It might be affecting your sleep… Let’s take the pressure off and unpack some of that.
Emotion
You might find it hard to connect to your emotions - or the opposite - be overwhelmed by emotion. Even being aware of what we’re feeling can be confusing…I can help you explore this and have some techniques that could help.
Spirit
Sometimes we feel drained and that can lead to feelings of powerlessness, lack of motivation and sadness. I have different approaches to support you with this - we all need a full cup to be at our best - and sometimes half a cup will do. A disruption in your energy needs gently looking at.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. I work in a trauma informed way, having worked for several years with teens and adults in a charity supporting survivors of sexual abuse and trauma. I am experienced in working with clients with neuro-diversity and make adjustments to ensure effective help. We can discuss what this would look like.
Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Stress
Trauma
Neurodiversity
Depression
Relationship problems
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger
Anxiety
Impacts of menopause
Sexuality
Post-traumatic stress
Grief, loss or bereavement
Work or retirement
Abuse
Family or school life
Existential concerns
My Location
I currently work from Stuart House, Eskmills, in Musselburgh, East Lothian. I’m looking for additional premises elsewhere and will update my list when I can.
Walk and Talk is along the coastal path in Musselburgh.
Online - the world is the stage - wherever you have a phone signal or internet connection will work, and a private space where you can talk.
Sessions and Fees
I'll offer you an initial call, up to 20 minutes, to see if we are a good fit and as an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. I keep a flexible diary as people's work schedules can fluctuate, but I'm also happy to book in a regular appointment for you if this is your preference - it makes my calendar a bit easier too.
It's recommended to have 6 weekly appointments initially - but I understand not everyone can do that, so we can discuss it. You may want a limited number of sessions - this can be helpful if you have a specific goal for your counselling, OR you may not know, which is quite alright, because mostly how can we know?
So an open-ended approach is also fine. In these cases I will check in with you every so often to check you are getting what you need from the counselling.
Sessions last 50-60 minutes. My fee is £60 a session for counselling and coaching; £60 an hour for Supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is counselling?
It’s a safe and confidential space to sink into. There is no expectation from me that you will be anything but yourself. It involves talking - and that can feel scary at first. Where words are hard to find I can offer creative activities to support you (and you do NOT have to be artistic and it won’t be messy!)
What if I cry?
I have tissues, lots of tissues. Tears are welcome and it can be a relief to finally let them out.
Can you help me?
I certainly hope so! This is why I offer the free 20 minute consult - you can get a measure of me and vice versa. It’s important you have a therapist that you feel confident about. I have 9 years of qualified experience with clients, including adults and children aged 10 and upwards, from all backgrounds and walks of life and who all bring different things. I am especially, but not exclusively, interested in supporting women in menopause and beyond.
What does 'trauma-informed' mean?
I worked for several years with traumatised clients. Being trauma informed means I can support you if you suffer from trauma - panic attacks, fear and anxiety, being triggered and unable to live your life as you wish.
What is coaching?
Coaching is a similar space to counselling in that you have the floor. The difference is you may come with a specific issue you want support with. This could be something such as wanting to find a direction for your life.
How is coaching different to counselling?
In counselling my aim is not to influence you but to create the space for you to talk and be. In coaching it’s more of a two-way conversation - we could even create a program together with steps towards goals and strategies to get there.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in something I offer and would like to find out more, please get in touch. We can talk about what has brought you to consider counselling, what you’d like support with, and whether I might be the right therapist for you.
I usually respond to enquiries within 24 hours. All contact is treated as strictly confidential and takes place using secure phone and email services.