Francis Higgins - Person-Centred Therapy

Person-centred counselling is based on the belief that we all have an innate capacity for healing and that when we are struggling with life’s challenges a skilled, caring and facilitative counselling relationship can support us in this. Working from the person-centred model means that I will support your own healing journey rather than advise or analyse you.

Your first session with me will be a chance for you to begin to talk about the issues that are bringing you to counselling. I send out my paperwork beforehand so there is minimal paperwork during your appointment. I will then begin the process of listening to your story, to understand your unique experiences and learn how I can best support you.

I do my best to make sure you feel safe and supported so you can feel comfortable to share your personal information. You don't have to talk about anything that you don't want to. Particularly in first sessions you may need to get used to me and find out whether you feel safe to share sensitive issues, and I respect this. I offer a combination of deep supportive listening and therapy, as well as giving you information that might support your wellbeing such as advice around mental health.

Finding the right therapist can be difficult, particularly for people with minority identities and is often about finding the right ‘fit’ of traits and personality in addition to qualifications. I understand how important this is so if my profile appeals then please get in touch. I am happy to answer any questions you may have either about person-centred counselling generally or what I can offer. I offer a free informal telephone/video consultation so you can find out more.

Since 2018 I have run my own private practice working initially with bereavement and a range of general mental health areas, but as my practice developed deepening into working at the intersections of neurodivergence, chronic health/disability and LGBTQ+ experience. I have done and continue to do extensive self-directed learning in the areas of social justice, queer theory, fat liberation, the neurodiversity movement, sex/gender/relationships polyamory CNM, kink/BDSM.

I have a history of working with disabled folk, community work, arts, bereavement counselling in a hospice setting, facilitating support groups for those bereaved by suicide and online grief support via chat.

Please note that I do not work with LGBTQ+ clients in the greater Edinburgh area, in order to maintain privacy in a small community.

Please make your initial enquiry by email or text message - due to my own access needs I cannot guarantee to answer phonecalls or voicemails.

Single Session Therapy (SST)
Single Session Therapy is a form of therapy that takes place in one session, usually focused on a specific issue where we both work together to figure out a way forward. It is possible to book future sessions also as stand alone sessions, but you may find that one is enough. This is different to open ended therapy where we would be expecting to see each other over a period of time. You may book more than one session of SST, but they would still be more like separate episodes of therapeutic work rather than an ongoing therapeutic process.

Why choose SST?
You may have a specific issue or problem that you want help with, it also may help with time and financial constraints, or you might be unsure about whether a longer term therapy process is right for you. I can also often offer a session of SST a lot quicker than other types, e.g. within 1-2 weeks.

SST originates from the CBT tradition of psychological therapies, however the way I practice it is a lot more person-centred, so while there may be a more focused feel to a SST session it is still you who chooses what is important, what you do and don't want to talk about and what you want to get out of the session. For more information about SST please drop me an enquiry and I can send out the full information pack.