These terms are often used interchangeably, but Psychotherapy often refers to longer term work and seeks to help individuals understand themselves more deeply.  It attends more closely to early experiences and traumas and explores their current and past relationships. It assists in helping the individual to view their patterns of behaviour and make different choices to changes to their lives, should they wish to.

Counselling is generally considered shorter term and tends to focus on specific issues or events that you currently find difficult. It may pay attention to the different roles and expectations the individual has been part of and how these stand in the way of an individual’s ability to change.

Our focus is you; you’ll be encouraged to talk about your feelings and emotions in a judgment-free space. I help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes and how to move forward to overcome these.

You can self-refer to Maple tree counselling, using the contact email address Joanna@mapletreecounselling.uk. Here you need only express your interest in counselling and leave your name and contact telephone number. You will receive a call within one week.

I appreciate the wait can be really challenging when you have made the decision to access support and aim to start therapeutic sessions as swiftly as possible. Once you initiate contact , I will get back to you within one week. Usually I can book a room and arrange our first meeting within a week or two.

Your therapeutic journey begins with a free 30-minute telephone consultation. This is an opportunity for us both to get to know each other a little, for you to ask any questions, and for us to explore whether counselling might be helpful for you right now. There's no pressure - it's simply a chance to see if we feel like a good fit to work together.

Simply fill in the enquiry form here and I'll give you a call / email back to arrange our consultation at a time that works for you.

Your first session is a chance to get to know me and for me to get to know you too. I will talk to you about what you’d like to explore in therapy and what you might to like to change. There is no pressure to talk about anything that is uncomfortable for you. It is your time and will be directed by you and move forward at your pace. 

I work with an integrated approach that combines two powerful therapeutic perspectives:

Person-Centred: This means you are the expert on your own life. I provide a non-judgmental, empathic space where you can explore your feelings and experiences without direction from me. The focus is on your growth and self-discovery.

Psychodynamic: This approach helps us understand how your early life experiences have shaped who you are today. We explore patterns, unconscious motivations, and how past experiences might be influencing your present relationships and choices.

I work with adults experiencing a wide range of life challenges, including:

Depression and anxiety

Identity issues and life transitions

Bereavement, grief and loss

Trauma and abuse recovery

Low self-esteem and shame

Relationship difficulties

Mid-life crises or feeling "stuck"

Processing ASD, ADD or ADHD diagnoses

General feelings of disconnection or loss of meaning

Absolutely. I increasingly work with neurodiverse individuals. More people today are receiving a neurodiverse diagnosis or identifying as neurodiverse. For many this is occurring in later life, as knowledge becomes more available. Reflecting on life experiences through this new lens of understanding can be incredibly meaningful and liberating, opening up new ways forward.

I offer both online and in-person sessions:

Online sessions: Via Microsoft Teams from the comfort of your own home

In-person sessions: 1st Floor, Stuart House, Eskmills, Station Road, Musselburgh, EH21 7PB or at Naked Revive, 3 Paterson Place, Haddington, EH41 3DU.

I understand that life doesn't always fit into traditional working hours, so I offer flexible appointment times:

Tuesday evenings (online only) Wednesday (evening only)-perfect for working professionals

Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday- both daytime and evening availability

Sessions are £60 for one hour. Your initial 30-minute telephone consultation is completely free with no obligation.

Payment details will be discussed during your consultation, and I'll work with you to find a method that's convenient for you.

This varies greatly from person to person. Some people find short-term work helpful, while others benefit from longer-term exploration. We'll work together to determine what feels right for you and regularly review how you're finding the process.

We can arrange weekly or fortnightly sessions depending on what works best for you and your circumstances. We'll discuss this together and can adjust as we go along.

That's completely normal - many people feel uncertain at the beginning. The free consultation is designed to help you explore this without any commitment. Even if you decide counselling isn't right for you at this moment, that's perfectly okay.

Yes, everything you share is strictly confidential. I follow professional ethical guidelines, and what you tell me stays between us, except in very rare circumstances where there might be a risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

Online sessions are conducted via Microsoft Teams, which is secure and easy to use. You'll need a reliable internet connection, a private space where you won't be interrupted, and a device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or smartphone).

Many people find online therapy just as effective as in-person sessions. It can actually be more comfortable for some, as you're in your own familiar environment. The most important thing is the therapeutic relationship we build together, which can develop just as strongly online.

Don't worry - we can sort out any technical issues together. I'm experienced with online platforms and happy to help you feel comfortable with the technology.

My approach is collaborative rather than directive. I won't tell you what to do or offer quick fixes. Instead, I'll walk alongside you as you explore your own wisdom and find your authentic path forward. I believe you are the expert on your own life - my role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for that exploration.

That's completely normal and something we can explore together. Sometimes not knowing where to start is actually the perfect place to begin. I'll help create a space where whatever needs to emerge can do so naturally.

We'll discuss boundaries around contact during our work together. Generally, sessions are our dedicated time, but we can talk about what feels appropriate for your particular situation.

Please be aware that Maple tree counselling is not an emergency or crisis support service. If you have an urgent mental health need, please contact:

East Lothian mental health support line: 

Monday- Friday 9am-4pm 0300 790 6292