Therapy, also known as counselling or psychotherapy, is a confidential space where you can talk with a trained professional about what’s going on in your life. It’s a supportive, non-judgemental process that helps you explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and relationships.

We take a person-centred, integrative approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s unique needs and preferences. This may include integrating other evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, or elements of coaching, depending on what feels most appropriate and helpful for you.

Our services are open to anyone aged 16 or over. Whether you're a teenager, adult, or parent looking for support for your child, we provide a safe and confidential space to explore what you're going through.

Yes, we offer flexible therapy options. You can choose to attend sessions in person at our Inverness-based practice, or opt for online counselling via secure video call – ideal for those living in rural areas or with mobility/access needs.

Booking is simple – just use our contact form or give us a call to arrange a free, 15-minute telephone consultation. We'll match you with the therapist best suited to your needs and availability, whether for online or in-person therapy.

A therapy session costs £70

Sessions last 50-minutes.

Our therapists are trained to support a wide range of issues, such as:

anxiety and panic attacks, depression and low mood, trauma, grief and bereavement, relationship/family difficulties, self-esteem and confidence, stress, burnout. Obsessive compulsive disorder and numerous other issues.  

Yes. Research shows online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions. Many of our clients appreciate the flexibility and comfort of accessing support from their own home, especially in remote parts of the Highlands.

It varies. Some people benefit from just a few sessions, while others engage in longer-term therapy. Your therapist will work with you to regularly review your progress and tailor the length of therapy to your goals and needs.

Once you decide to begin therapy with us at Highland Psychological Services, we typically ask you to commit to an initial block of six sessions. At the outset, you and your therapist will agree on a working ‘contract’ — this is not legally binding, but it acts as a helpful framework for your time together. It allows us to clarify your goals for therapy and outline the most appropriate therapeutic approach for your needs.

For example, if your difficulties are focused and specific, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may be most effective. For broader or more complex issues, you may prefer a more open-ended, exploratory approach such as integrative psychotherapy or counselling. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to ensure the process feels right for you and aligned with your personal goals.

It’s completely natural to feel nervous about opening up in therapy — many people worry they won’t know what to say or might “clam up” in the first session. In reality, this is extremely rare. Your therapist will guide the process at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Everyone is different, and there’s no right or wrong way to begin. We’ll work together to find an approach that feels safe, supportive, and suited to your needs.

Absolutely. We maintain strict confidentiality in line with professional and ethical standards. Everything you discuss stays between you and your therapist and will not be recorded in your medical records.

The very rare exception to this confidentiality would be when your practitioner becomes aware of a risk of harm.  This situation will be fully explained during your initial session.

No referral is required. You can self-refer by getting in touch with us directly. We aim to make the process of starting therapy as straightforward and supportive as possible.

Your first session is all about getting to know you. Your therapist will ask about what’s brought you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns you have. It’s a relaxed and judgement-free space where you’re in control of how much you share. Some clients find it useful to bring some notes however no particular preparation is necessary.

We’re located at View place, Inverness, right in the heart of the Highlands of Scotland. We also offer online sessions, meaning you can access support wherever you are in the Highlands and Islands — or even further afield.

Yes. All therapists working with Highland Psychological Services are fully qualified and experienced practitioners, registered with relevant professional bodies. Each therapist brings unique specialisms and a compassionate, client-centred approach.

Absolutely. We work with young people aged 16 and over, supporting them with issues like anxiety, exam stress, self-esteem, friendships, and more. Therapy for teens provides a space to talk, reflect, and build resilience.

We aim to respond to all enquiries within, and most clients are offered an initial 15-minute consultation within a week. We understand that seeking support can be a big step — and we won’t keep you waiting.

Janey is fluent in French and is happy to work with clients in this language. 

In the UK, there is often a significant overlap between counselling and psychotherapy, and the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. At Highland Psychological Services, both approaches are used to support clients in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours — the key difference tends to lie in the depth and duration of the work.

Counselling is often shorter-term and focused on helping clients navigate specific issues or life challenges, such as stress, bereavement, or relationship difficulties. It provides a safe, non-judgemental space to talk things through and develop healthier coping strategies.

Psychotherapy typically involves longer-term work and offers a deeper exploration of patterns, beliefs, and experiences — often rooted in early life — that may be affecting your emotional wellbeing today. It can help you gain greater insight into yourself and support lasting personal growth and change.

We offer a range of approaches tailored to your needs, including person-centred therapy, which focuses on creating a compassionate and accepting space, and psychodynamic therapy, which explores how unconscious patterns may influence your current behaviour. Other methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches may also be integrated where appropriate.

Ultimately, your therapist will work with you to find the right approach — whether counselling, psychotherapy, or a blend of both — based on what feels most helpful for you.

The key difference lies in the structure and focus of the therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is typically more structured and goal-oriented. It focuses on the here and now — helping you to understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are connected, and how changing unhelpful patterns can improve how you feel. CBT often involves learning practical tools and strategies to manage specific issues such as anxiety, low mood, or panic.

Counselling and psychotherapy, on the other hand, tend to be more open-ended and exploratory. These approaches offer space to reflect on your experiences, relationships, and underlying emotional patterns — often at a deeper level and over a longer period of time. The focus is less on specific techniques and more on gaining insight, healing, and personal growth.

At Highland Psychological Services, we recognise that everyone is different. Your therapist will work with you to find the most suitable approach — whether that’s CBT, counselling, psychotherapy, or a blend of techniques tailored to your needs.