Therapy and Counselling

HIV Scotland is now offering free therapy and counselling for people living with HIV in Scotland. 

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

In the UK, people living with HIV are twice as likely to experience problems with their mental health than the general population. Therapy and counselling have different benefits to help you understand your thoughts, feelings, relationships and behaviours.

Therapy and Counselling Available

Counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. Sometimes the term "counselling" is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a type of therapy in its own right. These sessions are currently offered by Shingirirai Musunhe and Mary Gray.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is based upon the theory that thoughts, feelings, what we do and how our body feels are all connected. If we change one of these we can alter the others. When people feel worried or distressed we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how we feel.  CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better. CBT mainly focuses on the 'here and now', rather than focusing on our early life or the past. These sessions are currently offered by Shingirirai Musunhe and Mary Gray.

Existential Therapy

A form of psychotherapy based on the model of human nature and experience developed by the existential tradition of European philosophy. It focuses on concepts that are universally applicable to human existence including death, freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life. These sessions are offered by Michael Hall.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) 

(No Spaces at this time)

CAT is an integrative therapy which draws on psychoanalytic theories to make sense of how we form relationships with ourselves and others, and draws on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to make sense of how resulting patterns of thinking, feeling and coping can develop and keep someone stuck. Therapy focuses firstly on understanding these patterns and 'mapping' (drawing) them out, and then focuses on identifying 'exits' - new, healthier ways of responding. These sessions are offered by Dr. Balls, but there are limited spaces available.  

Counselling Psychology

(No Spaces at this time)

Counselling Psychology is a branch of Applied Psychology that has humanistic underpinnings and also adheres to the science of psychology. Due to the training approach, we are able to draw upon a variety of theories, approaches, frameworks and therapeutic techniques. These sessions are offered by Dr. Vote, but there are limited spaces available. 

Our Therapists and Counsellors

Currently we have 3 practitioners available providing counselling sessions. You will be able to register your interest with your practitioner of choice, however all places are available on a first come first serve basis.