Counselling in St Andrews, online and by phone

Compassionate, non-judgemental support, working alongside you towards the life you deserve.

I am a qualified Pluralistic Counsellor and Psychotherapist providing in-person counselling in St. Andrews, Scotland on Thursdays and Fridays. Outwith this, I provide telephone and online counselling wherever you are.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I look forward to working alongside you, moving you towards the life you deserve.

Julie Seymour

MBACP
MSc Pluralistic Counselling
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work
MA Hons (Edin.)

My Pluralistic Counselling Story

Compassionate. Non-judgemental. Supportive.

My name is Julie Seymour and I am a fully qualified and BACP registered therapeutic counsellor. I follow a Pluralistic Counselling approach, working alongside a wide range of client groups and presenting problems.

I hold a Master of Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling from Abertay University, Dundee, as well as an MA Hons in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh and a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.

Scotland, and St. Andrews, Fife in particular, is my home; it is where I grew up. However, I have spent a number of years living overseas in Western Africa, Northern Europe and the Middle East, giving me a wider perspective on different cultural aspects to life. And so I welcome enquiries from clients all over the world as well as expats living in Scotland.

Modern life is difficult and we can all easily find ourselves in situations where we are struggling. Perhaps with addiction, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, mood disorders or behavioural difficulties. Our mental health can be negatively affected.

Research highlights that receiving counselling from a counsellor or psychotherapist, in a safe, non-judgemental, confidential space can help us heal and grow. Drawing on a range of therapeutic tasks, with you in control, we can move towards your goals on your path to wellness and good mental health.

Schedule a Session

Please do not hesitate to contact me and we can see if you and I will be a good fit. I know reaching out for counselling and psychotherapy can be daunting and stressful, and I want to reassure you that whatever you bring will be met with empathy and compassion in a supportive environment.

07704 277214 julie@pluralisticcounselling.co.uk

Contact

Areas of Counselling

I have experience working with clients who have a wide range of individual situations, areas of difficulty and issues. I will never assume I know exactly what is going on for you, but together we can collaborate to gain a shared understanding of where you are and where you want to be.

I am an evidence-based practitioner drawing on research when relevant, but I also realise the benefit of cultural resources and that sometimes a task or method may just work for you, for no obvious reason. I am not an expert in all these areas and it may be necessary to refer you on to a specialist if you and I feel it is needed. We can look at areas including (but not exclusively):

Abortion
Abuse
Addiction
ADHD
Anger management
Anxiety
Asperger’s syndrome and autism
Attachment difficulties
Avoidance
Bereavement
Bipolar disorder
Borderline and other personality disorders
Bullying
Cancer
Chronic fatigue/ME
Dementia
Depression
Disabilities
Discrimination
Domestic abuse
Emotional abuse
Family issues
Gender-related issues
Generalised anxiety disorder
Health anxiety
HIV/AIDS
Infertility
LGBTQ+
Loneliness
Low self-confidence
Low self-esteem
Miscarriage
Neurodiversity
Panic attacks
Personality disorders
Phobias
Physical abuse
Post-natal depression
Pregnancy and birth
PTSD
Racism
Redundancy
Relationship problems
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Separation and divorce
Social anxiety
Spirituality
Stress
Suicidal thoughts
Work-related stress

Therapies Offered

As a Pluralistic Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I have trained in CPD in several different therapies, but not all. Pluralistic Practitioners will always be guided by the individual client as to what feels natural for them. I may suggest therapeutic tasks and methods from different therapies and modalities, but you can always say no, if this does not work for you.

Behavioural Therapies

Behavioural therapies look at unwanted or maladaptive behaviours and seek to eradicate or alter them. The theory is that behaviours can be learned and therefore can be unlearned.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapies

CBT, similar to behavioural therapies, seeks to examine and alter or eradicate unwanted behaviours and ways of thinking (cognitions). We can all fall into unhelpful thinking patterns and sometimes it is difficult for us to realise we are doing it, as our thoughts can often seem believable.

CBT tends to deal with client issues in the here and now and is influenced by the belief that thoughts lead to feelings lead to behaviours. I find CBT useful with clients who have a secure attachment.

Psychoanalysis

Although not a Psychoanalytic expert, I do draw on some of the concepts from Psychoanalysts such as Freud, for example, the id, ego and superego. I think everyone has multiple ego states and our emotions and thoughts can be influenced from different ego states. This is why clients come to me and are sometimes distressed that their behaviour does not match their values.

We can use psychoanalysis to make sense of why this happened. Although psychoanalysis talks about the “unconscious mind”, we can work together to work out what is influencing your thoughts and behaviour, either from the past or present.

Psychodynamics

Similar to Psychoanalysis, I use Psychodynamic theory to understand your attachment patterns. Our attachment styles influence how we relate and interact with other people. Having our attachment needs met is a basic need for us humans, like eating and drinking.

Our significant relationships and enjoyment of life can be influenced by our attachment patterns and styles. Again, this is often unconscious. It is likely we will discuss your attachment experiences (with parental figures and/or romantic relationships) if you wish.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

I have used ACT with clients successfully. ACT teaches us principles of acceptance of our situation, through a mindfulness-based practice, that helps us to accept what is, reframed without negative associations to our thoughts and feelings.

By bringing self-compassion to ourselves, we can alter how psychologically flexible we are, using concepts such as the “workability” of our thinking styles, and being open to unpleasant feelings we can all experience, but not overreacting to them.

Creative Therapies

I am open to your creativity, and you do not have to be an artistic genius to benefit from expressing yourself outwardly through guided art projects. Or perhaps you may prefer Narrative Therapy, where we externalise the problem and perhaps alter the meaning we give it in our lives.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

DBT is the therapy associated with personality disorders and, similar to CBT, works to alter our ways of thinking and alleviate the intense pain associated with personality disorders. I have also utilised elements of DBT with clients seeking to communicate more effectively with significant people in their lives.

Emotion Focussed Therapy (EFT)

For individuals, EFT can help us identify our emotions, including our felt bodily sense, to explore and understand and eventually manage them. I find EFT useful for clients who do not respond well to CBT, perhaps because of difficult attachment patterns.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

I utilise IFS as I believe in multiple ego states within each individual client that interact and influence our moods and behaviours. I believe we have protective ego states that can be divided into two sub-groups.

Our “managers” (carry on holding everything together, even when our internal world is falling apart); and our “firefighters” (who seek to minimise our pain at any cost, even if not in keeping with our values, potentially leading to addictive or maladaptive behaviours).

These protectors are in place to support our “exiles”, the parts of us that hold on to difficult emotions such as shame and vulnerability, and are often buried deep so that the “Self” is not always aware of them.

References and Further Reading

Videos/Training

NICABM (2013) “Transforming the Brain Through Good Experiences: A Webinar Session” with Ruth Buczynski, PhD and Rick Hanson, PhD, National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM series on ‘current brain research’, 2013).
NICABM (2019) How to Work with a Client’s Perfectionism
NICABM (2021) How to Work With Clients Who Struggle with an Inner Critic
NICABM, How to Target the Limbic System to Address Trauma’s Physiological Imprint, Bonus video 3, date unknown.
Kate Williams Training, 07 March 2022: Work with the Inner Critic & Depression with Creative & Embodiment Practices, Online Events.

Websites

www.bacp.co.uk
www.getselfhelp.co.uk
getselfhelp.co.uk/parrot-metaphor
www.pluralisticpractice.com
Cooper (2019) pluralisticpractice.com/2019/07/15/what-is-the-pluralistic-approach-and-how-is-it-different-from-integrative-and-eclectic-practices
app.mural.co
www.psychologytools.com
societyforpsychotherapy.org/the-implications-of-attachment-theory-in-counseling-and-psychotherapy
www.therapistaid.com
urbanbalance.com/the-story-of-two-wolves
CNIP Client Feedback Form: roehampton.ac.uk/globalassets/documents/research-centres/crest/c-nip2015-11-03measure.pdf
Powell, T. (2019, Feb 14) Quieting the Inner Critic in Complex PTSD, healthyplace.com/blogs/traumaptsdblog/2019/2/quieting-the-inner-critic-in-complex-ptsd

Books and Academic Papers

Ainsworth, M. D., Blehar, M., Waters, E. & Wall, S. (1978) Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. p. 282. ISBN 978-0-89859-461-4.
Batten, S. V. (2011) Essentials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Sage Publications.
Bowlby, J. (1971) [1969] Attachment and Loss (Vol. 1: Attachment) (1st ed.). London: Penguin Books. ISBN 9780140212761.
Bowlby, J. (1999) [1982] Attachment. Attachment and Loss Vol. I (2nd ed.). New York: Basic Books. ISBN 0465005438.
Brach, T. (2003) Radical Acceptance: Awakening the Love that Heals Fear and Shame. Rider Books, Penguin.
Chang, E. C. (2002) “Examining the Link Between Perfectionism and Psychological Maladjustment: Social Problem Solving as a Buffer” in Cognitive Therapy and Research 26, 581–595, October 2002.
Claes, L., Soenens, B., Vansteenkiste, M. & Vandereycken, W. (13 Sep 2011) “The Scars of the Inner Critic: Perfectionism and Non-Suicidal Self-injury in Eating Disorders” in https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy.abertay.ac.uk/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/erv.1158
Cooper, M. & Dryden, W. (eds.) (2016) The Handbook of Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. Sage Publications.
Cooper, M. & McLeod, J. (2010) Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. Sage Publishing.
Cozolino, L. (2004) The Making of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey. W. W. Norton & Co.
Didonna, F. (ed.) (2009) The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness. Springer Publishing.
Dryden, W. (ed.) (2012) Cognitive Behaviour Therapies. Sage Publications. https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781446288368
Elliott, R., Bohart, A. C., Watson, J. C. & Greenberg, L. S. (2011) “Empathy”. In Norcross, J. C. (ed.) Psychotherapy Relationships That Work: Evidence-Based Responsiveness (2nd ed.). Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 132–152.
Fennell, M. (2006) Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: Self-Help Course Parts 1–3. London: Robinson.
Fisher, J. (2017) Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation. Routledge Press.
Flett, Hewitt, Oliver & MacDonald (2002) “Perfectionism in Children and their Parents: A Developmental Analysis” in Perfectionism: Theory, Research and Treatment 89–132. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-02485-004
Freud, S. (1910) “The Origin and Development of Psychoanalysis” in American Journal of Psychology 21 (2) 181–218.
Freud, S. (1923) Das Ich und das Es. Internationaler Psychoanalytischer Verlag, Leipzig, Vienna and Zurich. Translated by Joan Riviere, The Ego and the Id. Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-analysis, London, UK, 1927.
Gilbert, P. (2009) “Introducing Compassion-Focused Therapy” in Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15 (3), 199–208.
Gilbert, P. (2010) The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges. New Harbinger Publications.
Gilbert, P. (2010) Compassion Focussed Therapy: Distinctive Features. Sage Publishing.
Gilbert, P. (2014) “The Origins and Nature of Compassion Focussed Therapy” in British Journal of Clinical Psychology 53, 6–41.
Glassman, L., Weierich, M., Hooley, J., Deliberto, T. & Nock, M. (2007) “Child Maltreatment, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, and the Mediating Role of Self-Criticism” in Behaviour Research and Therapy Vol. 45, Issue 10, October 2007. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796707000824
Goldman, R. N., Greenberg, L. S. & Pos, A. E. (July 2005) “Depth of Emotional Experience and Outcome” in Psychotherapy Research 15 (3), 248–260.
Hanson, R. (2013) Hardwiring Happiness. Harmony Publishing.
Hayes, S. (2016) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change. Guilford Press.
Hewitt, P. & Flett, G. (1991) “Dimensions of Perfectionism in Unipolar Depression” in Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 100 (1), 98–101. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1991-18565-001
Higdon, J. (2012) Psychodynamic Theory for Therapeutic Practice. Palgrave Macmillan.
Jackman, R. (2020) Healing Your Lost Inner Child Companion Workbook. Practical Wisdom Press.
Johnson, S. M. & Greenberg, L. S. (1992) “Emotionally Focused Therapy: Restructuring Attachment”. In Budman, S. H., Hoyt, M. F. & Friedman, S. (eds.) The First Session in Brief Therapy. New York: Guilford Press. pp. 204–224.
Johnson, S. M. (2008) “Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy”. In Gurman, A. S. (ed.) Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy (4th ed.). New York: Guilford Press. pp. 107–137.
Johnson, S. M. (2009a) “Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals and Couples: Perfect Partners”. In Obegi, J. H. & Berant, E. (eds.) Attachment Theory and Research in Clinical Work with Adults. New York: Guilford Press. pp. 410–433.
Johnson, S. M. (2009b) “Extravagant Emotion: Understanding and Transforming Love Relationships in Emotionally Focused Therapy”. In Fosha, D., Siegel, D. J. & Solomon, M. F. (eds.) The Healing Power of Emotion: Affective Neuroscience, Development, and Clinical Practice. Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. pp. 257–279.
Johnson, S. & Campbell, T. L. (2022) A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT): Cultivating Fitness and Growth in Every Client. Routledge Publishing.
Klein, M. (1921) Development of Conscience in the Child. Love, Guilt and Reparation, 252.
Klein, M. (1932) The Psychoanalysis of Children. (The International Psycho-analytical Library, No. 22.)
Leahy, R. L. (2001) Overcoming Resistance in Cognitive Therapy. New York: Guilford Press.
Main & Kaplan (1984) Adult Attachment Interview. University of California. http://www.cmap.polytechnique.fr/~jingrebeccali/research/nlp_files/AAI_Scoring.pdf
McLeod, J. (2018) Pluralistic Therapy: Distinctive Features. Routledge Press.
McLeod, J. (2019) An Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy (6th ed.). Open University Press.
Meichenbaum, D. (2012) Roadmap to Resilience: A Guide for Military, Trauma Victims and Their Families. Clearwater, FL: Institute Press.
Mueser, K. T., Rosenberg, S. D. & Rosenberg, H. J. (2009) Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Special Populations: A Cognitive Restructuring Program. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/11889-000
Neff, K. D. (2003a) “Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualisation of a Healthy Attitude Towards Oneself” in Self and Identity 2, 85–102.
Payne, M. (2006) Narrative Therapy (2nd ed.). Sage Publications. ISBN 9781412920131
Powell, T. (2019, Feb 14) Quieting the Inner Critic in Complex PTSD, www.healthyplace.com/blogs/traumaptsdblog/2019/2/quieting-the-inner-critic-in-complex-ptsd
Schore, A. N. (1994) Affect Regulation and the Origin of the Self: The Neurobiology of Emotional Development. Hillsdale, NJ: L. Erlbaum Associates. ISBN 978-1-1356-9392-3.
Smith, J. (2022) Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Penguin Books, Michael Joseph.
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Stott, R. (2007) “When the Head and Heart Do Not Agree: A Theoretical and Clinical Analysis of Rational-Emotional Dissociation (RED) in Cognitive Therapy” in Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy: An International Quarterly, 21, 37–45.
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2015) The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books. p. 286. ISBN 978-0-14-312774-1. OCLC 861478952.
Wei, Hepner, Russell & Young (2006) “Maladaptive Perfectionism and Ineffective Coping as Mediators between Attachment and Future Depression: A Prospective Analysis” in Journal of Counselling Psychology 53 (1), 67–79. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-00626-007
Wei, Mallinckrodt, Russell & Abraham (2004) “Maladaptive Perfectionism as a Mediator and Moderator Between Adult Attachment and Depressive Mood” in Journal of Counselling Psychology, 51 (2), 201–212. https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-0167.51.2.201
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Yong Kang Chan (2017) The Disbelief Habit: How to Use Doubt to Make Peace with Your Inner Critic. https://www.nerdycreator.com/books/

Schedule a Session

Want to hear more about how we can transform your life in a safe space? Contact me today to schedule a session.

Address: Slotline House
7 Largo Rd
St Andrews KY16 8NJ, UK
Email: julie@pluralisticcounselling.co.uk
Phone: 07704 277214