Psychodynamic Counselling Service

SIHR Counselling Service

Psychodynamic Counselling
Counselling is available for individuals and couples experiencing personal difficulties who wish to advance their personal growth and understanding. Counselling consultation for practising counsellors is also available. Consultation for practitioners in the fields of Social Work, Health and Education who are using counselling skills as part of their work can also be considered. Both services offer organisations brief employment related counselling for employees. The services are based on the psychodynamic orientation of the Institute. Requests for counselling or consultation should be made toThe Counselling Service Convenor at the Edinburgh Office or the Glasgow Office.

The Nature of Counselling
Counselling is a helping process involving a confidential talking relationship between a client (or clients) and the counsellor.
"The overall aim of counselling is to provide an opportunity for the client to work towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful way. The term ‘counselling’ includes work with individuals, pairs or groups of people. The objectives of particular counselling relationships will vary according to the client’s needs. Counselling may be concerned with developmental issues, addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insight and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others.
The counsellor’s role is to facilitate the client’s work in ways which respect the client’s values, personal resources and capacity for self-determination." (British Association of Counselling Code of Ethics and Practice)

Our Service
Here at the Scottish Institute of Human Relations a psychodynamic approach to the counselling process and relationship underpins our work. This approach recognises and values the connections, not always conscious, between a person’s inner and outer experiences; the significance of their past in relation to their present and the therapeutic potential of the relationship between the client and the counsellor as they work together. Counselling requires a commitment from both the client and the counsellor to engage in this process.
The service we offer provides the client with an opportunity, should this be appropriate, to engage in some depth in the therapeutic process, allowing time for trust and personal insight to develop over a lengthy period of counselling. We do also offer short term work on specific issues for those who feel it is more appropriate to their needs.

Who are the Counsellors?
We are trained, qualified practitioners with a considerable depth and breadth of professional experience. We are all approved by the Institute and some of us are additionally accredited by external professional bodies. In accordance with the requirements of these bodies as well as of the Institute, we are all committed to undertake regular professional supervision of our work.

How will your counselling begin?
The initial meeting is called an assessment appointment and is usually held with the Counselling Co-ordinator. This provides an opportunity to explore what it is that brings you for counselling and whether counselling here at the Institute seems right for you in your particular circumstances. If this is mutually agreed to be appropriate you will be given preliminary information about fees and practical arrangements. After this meeting your name and some details will be shared with a counsellor who will contact you. He or she will arrange with you a suitable day and time for your regular sessions. This will usually be at the Institute but some of our counsellors work from other premises.

How long will your sessions last?
Each counselling session lasts fifty minutes and usually takes place on a weekly basis, except for holiday periods. Sessions are arranged in such a way as to begin and end punctually, so you are kindly requested to attend your sessions on time. Further details connected with your counselling will be discussed and agreed between you and your personal counsellor during your first session.
Please try to give a minimum of twenty-four hours notice for cancellation if this is possible. If necessary you may phone and leave a message with the administrative staff between 9.00am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. The telephone is not normally serviced outwith these hours.

What are the Fees?
Fees are fixed at a rate that is reviewed annually. Please contact the office (see below) to enquire about the current rate. People working in helping occupations may be eligible for bursary assistance.

Comments and Suggestions
We very much hope that you will find your personal counselling through the Institute a helpful and rewarding experience. We welcome evaluative comments about the service, whether they are of a positive or negative kind.
The Scottish Institute of Human Relations has an established formal complaints procedure and a code of ethics and practice.

CONTACT by post or telephone or email to either office (click here for details).

Bursary/Funding possibilities - click here.