Jill Paterson

I offer in-person counselling at WASPS Creative Academy in Inverness every Saturday, as well as online counselling by video call for those living further afield.

I have some flexibility with days and times for online sessions, so if Saturday doesn't suit you, please get in touch. I'll do my best to accommodate a time that works for you.

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, or you may sense that something isn't quite right without knowing why. Perhaps you have things you want to talk about but don't know where to begin. I'm Jill, a person-centred counsellor, and I offer a space where you can feel accepted, listened to and able to explore things at your own pace.

My journey into counselling began when a member of my family developed mental health difficulties. The frustration I felt around the lack of support available brought me to a point where I could either continue to feel frustrated or do something to make a difference to mental health support in Highland and beyond. I chose to try to make a difference. My counselling practice is shaped by both my professional learning and my own lived experience.

My experience and areas of interest

Grief and loss

Through my work supporting people bereaved by suicide, I have developed an understanding of loss and complex grief. Loss can take many forms, including bereavement, relationship breakdowns, changes in health, identity or circumstances, and losing a much-loved pet.

Neurodiversity

I have a particular interest in neurodiversity-affirming practice. As a late-diagnosed autistic adult myself, I bring personal understanding alongside professional learning. I welcome those with a diagnosis, those who self-identify as neurodivergent, and anyone questioning whether they might be. You don't need a diagnosis to explore your experiences.

Supporting carers and those affected by complex mental health difficulties

I have experience of supporting clients, who care for people living with complex mental and physical health difficulties, including eating disorders and self-harm. Supporting someone you care about can bring many emotions, and it can be difficult to make space for your own needs. I understand how important it is to have somewhere you can talk openly, feel heard and put yourself first.

Whatever your experience, you deserve space to explore what it means to you.

The thought of counselling can feel daunting. Opening up to someone you don't know can leave you feeling vulnerable, and I understand that building trust takes time.

My hope is to offer you a space where you feel safe, accepted and listened to, without fear of judgement. You don't need to have the right words or know where to begin. Some people find they have lots to say, while others struggle to put their feelings into words. You might cry, sit quietly or find yourself unsure of what to say next. All of this is okay. We will take things at your pace, and you will never be pushed to share anything before you're ready.

Together, we can gently explore what's going on for you and begin to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. Having someone alongside you who isn't caught up in your everyday life can offer a different perspective. Sometimes, simply acknowledging feelings you've been carrying for a long time can bring a sense of relief.

We can't always change the circumstances we find ourselves in, but we can explore how they affect us. Making space for the frustrations and emotions that build up in everyday life can help us understand them better and make them feel less overwhelming.

Counselling isn't always easy, and there are no quick fixes. But you don't have to work everything out on your own. I will be alongside you as you explore what matters to you, helping you develop a greater understanding of yourself and find your own way forward.

Perhaps you've had counselling before, or you know there are past experiences or traumas that you haven't yet had the space to explore. You might also have a sense that something isn't quite right, without being able to put your finger on what it is.

You may be feeling anxious, angry or sad, experiencing physical sensations you can't explain, or finding that your thoughts go round and round in your head. You might feel you have so much to say but don't know who to say it to.

You don't need to have all the answers, or even fully understand what you're feeling, to come to counselling. Sometimes, simply having the space to talk can be a starting point.

My approach is person-centred, which means I see you as the expert in your own life. My role isn't to tell you what to do or how to feel, but to listen with curiosity and compassion, and work alongside you to explore whatever feels important to you.

I know that reaching out for support can take courage, particularly when you're not sure what to expect. If you're wondering whether counselling might help, I'm happy to have a conversation with you. I offer a complimentary 20-minute telephone or video call. This gives us an opportunity to talk a little about what has brought you to counselling and for you to ask any questions you might have. No question is too silly, and you don't need to make any decisions before you're ready.

If you decide to go ahead with counselling, our sessions will last for 50 minutes. They can be in-person, online, by telephone of a combination.

If something you've read here resonates with you, or if you're simply curious about whether counselling might be right for you, I'd love to hear from you. You don't need to know exactly what you want to say or where to begin. We can start there, together.