Polly Thelwall

I am an experienced Professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist in central Edinburgh.

I work from EH1 Therapies at 4b Randolph Place. I also work online.

I believe that healing and change are possible, and that counselling or psychotherapy can offer a meaningful place to begin.

I work with you as a whole person, recognising that your experiences, relationships, emotions and personal history all contribute to who you are.

You are the expert on your own life. My role is to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions and help you explore aspects of yourself that may be difficult to recognise or understand.

I know how important it is to feel genuinely heard and understood by another person. I aim to offer a supportive relationship where we can explore whatever is making life difficult, without expecting you to have everything worked out before we begin.

Therapy isn’t only about processing painful experiences. It can also be about rediscovering strengths, possibilities and parts of yourself that may have become lost or overlooked along the way.

Together, we can explore what may be getting in the way of living as you would like, identify the resources available to you and work towards finding a balance that feels right for you.

Throughout my working life, I have gained experience in both mental health and creative fields.

These experiences inform my holistic approach and my interest in the different ways people understand, express and make sense of themselves.

I have particular experience supporting people with trauma, relationship difficulties, emotional distress and personal development.

My work combines psychodynamic understanding with relational, somatic and transpersonal perspectives, allowing me to tailor therapy to each person’s needs.

Psychodynamic, Integrative, Holistic and Relational Psychotherapy

My training is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which explores how our earlier experiences and relationships can shape the way we feel, think and relate to ourselves and others today.

Sometimes patterns that developed earlier in life continue to influence us, even when they no longer serve us well. Therapy can help us understand these patterns and discover different ways of responding.

I work integratively, drawing on a range of therapeutic perspectives to find an approach that suits you as an individual.

These include:

Psychodynamic therapy

Exploring how past experiences, relationships and less conscious patterns may be influencing your present life.

Relational therapy

Paying attention to the importance of relationships, including the therapeutic relationship we develop together, as a way of understanding your experiences and supporting change.

Holistic and somatic perspectives

Recognising the connections between emotional experiences, thoughts and bodily sensations, and considering your wellbeing as a whole.

Transpersonal perspectives

Making space for questions about meaning, identity, purpose and the wider experience of being human, where these are relevant to you.

Parts-based work

Exploring the different feelings, needs and aspects of yourself that may sometimes seem to be in conflict.

I work in a trauma-informed way, recognising the importance of emotional safety, trust and respecting your individual pace.

For me, every part of you matters and deserves to be listened to and understood.

My aim is to help you reconnect with yourself, understand what may be holding you back and create space for meaningful change.

Initial consultation: £30 per 50 minute session

The initial consultation is a standalone appointment, giving us an opportunity to meet, talk about what brings you to therapy and explore whether I am the right therapist for you.

The fee is £30. My regular session fee is £70. I can offer a rate of £60 for those between 16 and 22.