Marianna Sepe

Online sessions available on Thursday and Friday from 5 pm

In person session available only Friday from 6 pm and Saturday between 10 to 2 pm.

I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted as you are.

I know that deciding to begin therapy can feel daunting. You may be struggling with something specific, going through a significant life change, or simply feel that you are no longer coping in the way you used to. You do not need to have everything figured out before you come. We can begin exactly where you are.

My practice is grounded in the belief that therapy should feel personal and collaborative. I will not see you simply as a diagnosis, a problem to solve or a set of symptoms. I am interested in understanding your experiences, your relationships, your values and the things that matter to you. Together, we can explore what may be happening beneath the surface and work towards meaningful and lasting change.

I work with adults, couples and young people, with particular experience in anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationships, trauma, life transitions and fertility-related emotional difficulties. As a fertility counsellor I work for an established fertility clinic supporting people navigating infertility, fertility treatment, reproductive loss and the uncertainty that can accompany these experiences.

My work integrates CBT with other therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor sessions to your individual needs. Where it is important to you, I also welcome exploration of spirituality, faith and the mind-body connection.

Above all, I want therapy to be a place where you can be yourself without fear of judgement, and where difficult experiences can be explored with honesty, care and compassion.

Sessions are available in English or Italian, online and in person.

People come to therapy for many different reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted, struggling with confidence or relationships, going through a significant change, or finding yourself repeating patterns that you cannot seem to shift. For children and young people, difficulties may show up through emotions, behaviour, school, friendships, family relationships or changes in how they see themselves.

My practice is a space where you do not need to have everything worked out before you arrive. I take time to understand the person behind the difficulty and what is happening in their wider life. Sessions are adapted to your age, circumstances and needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

With younger clients, I work in an age-appropriate and engaging way, creating space for them to express themselves safely and helping them develop a better understanding of their emotions and experiences. With adults and couples, there is space to explore deeper patterns, relationships and the things that may be keeping you stuck.

I believe that therapy works best when there is genuine connection, trust and collaboration. My role is not to judge or tell you how you should live, but to help you make sense of what you are experiencing and find a way forward that feels meaningful to you.

Where relevant, I am also open to exploring faith, spirituality, values and the mind-body connection as part of the therapeutic process.

 The first session is an opportunity for us to meet properly and begin to understand what has brought you to therapy. You do not need to prepare anything in advance or have a clear idea of what you want to talk about. We can start wherever feels most comfortable for you.

I will invite you to tell me a little about what has been happening, what you would like support with and what you hope might be different through therapy. We may also explore some relevant background and how your current difficulties are affecting you, but we will go at a pace that feels manageable.

I will explain how I work, answer any questions you may have and discuss practical matters such as confidentiality, boundaries, session arrangements and what you can expect from our work together. Where appropriate, we may also agree some initial goals for therapy.

For children and young people, the first session will be adapted to their age and individual needs. Depending on the circumstances, I may also spend some time speaking with a parent or carer so that I can understand the wider context while keeping the young person’s therapeutic space protected.

There is no expectation that you will immediately feel completely comfortable or know exactly what you need. Building trust takes time, and the first session is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you feel I am the right therapist for you.

I offer a free 20–30 minute online introductory conversation before beginning therapy. This is not a therapy session, but a chance for us to briefly meet, discuss what you are looking for and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

The first full therapy session is charged at my usual session rate.

Online sessions available on Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm

In person session available only on Saturday between 10 am to 1 pm

I am a BACP-accredited counsellor and CBT therapist, offering a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where children and young people can feel heard, understood and accepted without fear of being judged or misunderstood.

I believe that every child and young person deserves to have their feelings taken seriously. Growing up can be challenging, and difficulties with anxiety, low mood, relationships, family changes, school pressures, identity or self-esteem can sometimes feel overwhelming. Young people may not always have the words to explain what they are experiencing, but they still need opportunities to express themselves and make sense of their feelings.

My approach is integrative, drawing on person-centred counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), adapted to each young person’s individual needs, age and stage of development. I work collaboratively, helping them explore their emotions, recognise unhelpful patterns, develop coping strategies and build confidence in their own abilities. I believe therapy should move at the young person’s pace, respecting their individuality and allowing trust to develop naturally.

I see the therapeutic relationship as central to meaningful change. My aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can express themselves in their own way, including when finding the right words feels difficult. I also recognise the importance of working sensitively with parents and carers, where appropriate, while respecting the young person’s privacy and needs.

I offer sessions in English and Italian, both online and in person in Edinburgh. Above all, I want young people to experience therapy as a space where they do not have to pretend to be okay, have everything figured out or face their difficulties alone.

I offer individual counselling tailored to each young person’s circumstances, personality and needs. Some may want to talk openly, while others may need more time to feel comfortable or find different ways to communicate. There is no expectation to share everything straight away. We work together to establish what feels helpful, at a pace that respects their readiness and boundaries.

My therapeutic work combines emotional exploration with practical support. Depending on the difficulties involved, this may include understanding emotions, managing anxious thoughts, navigating relationships, strengthening self-esteem and developing healthier ways of responding to challenges. My aim is not to tell young people who they should be, but to help them better understand themselves and recognise their own resources.

I also understand the importance of trust, choice and confidentiality when working with younger clients. These are discussed clearly from the beginning, including the circumstances in which information may need to be shared to safeguard a young person’s wellbeing.

At Bridge of Life Therapy, I want counselling to be a space where young people can explore what is happening in their lives without feeling that they must have all the answers. Sometimes, having someone alongside them can help them see their difficulties differently and begin to find a way forward.

The first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you or your child to counselling.

I understand that starting therapy can feel unfamiliar, and children and young people may feel nervous, uncertain or unsure what to expect. There is no pressure to talk about everything straight away. My priority is to help them feel comfortable, explain how counselling works and begin building a relationship based on trust and respect.

We will discuss the difficulties or concerns that have led you to seek support, what you hope might change and what would help make counselling feel useful. With younger clients, I adapt the conversation to their age, communication style and individual needs, ensuring they have an opportunity to express themselves in a way that feels natural to them.

Where appropriate, I may also arrange an initial conversation with a parent or carer to understand their concerns and gather relevant background information. We will discuss confidentiality, safeguarding and the respective roles of parents or carers and the young person before beginning the therapeutic work.

There is no expectation that everything must be resolved or understood in the first meeting. The aim is to establish whether we feel comfortable working together, identify initial goals and agree on how to proceed.

I offer a free 20–30-minute introductory online conversation so we can discuss your needs, answer any questions and decide whether my approach feels right for you and your family. This introductory conversation is separate from a full counselling session.