Your Life

Lynda Middleton - Counselling and Psychotherapy

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Welcome

Lynda Middleton

Life can be overwhelming, we all experience times of distress, uncertainty or hopelessness - moments when we feel stuck or unsure of how to move forward. In such times it can be hardest to reach out for support from those closest to us.

Asking for help is not a weakness, it's a strength and that is why it's often easier to talk to someone who is impartial, where you don't need to worry about feeling judged while talking through how you have been affected by experiences, or saying what you really feel.

As a qualified pluralistic counsellor and psychotherapist, I offer a safe, confidential and compassionate space to explore whatever is troubling you. Whether you are experiencing subtle changes or significant upheaval, my role is to support you in a person-centred way in finding your own way forward - at your pace.

I believe every person is unique and so the work we do together should reflect that. My practice is rooted in respect, acceptance and a deep belief in your capacity for growth and healing.

I Offer

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Confidential Space

A safe environment without judgement where you can speak freely

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Active Listening

Collaborative exploration of how you are feeling and what matters to you

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Building Resilience

Support in developing clarity and self-compassion for lasting change

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Self-Care Focus

Encouragement to prioritise emotional wellbeing and personal growth

Some clients like to work with me shorter term to address specific individual challenges, while others choose to engage longer term for more in depth psychotherapy. By exploring feelings and experiences from further back in the formative years, we can start to see how patterns of coping with life became embedded. But these ways of coping may not be working so well now, so we can work together to help you find different and more effective ways to approach challenges.

By working through experiences and feelings you can build new skills and resilience to cope better with life's adversities and be more prepared for when the next ones arise. I work in a way that feels right for you, and we will regularly review the way we work, to make sure you are benefitting from it. Working towards the ending of your therapeutic journey together is also very important, recognising the resilience you have developed, and drawing upon your new strengths and skills, gives you confidence and self-reliance.

I work with adults age 16+ and have a PVG membership. My therapy room is suitable for wheelchair users and is a comfortable, calm space in a quiet area of town with unrestricted parking. Kirkcudbright is also a lovely place to visit where you can take some time to reset and process your feelings over a cuppa in one of several lovely cafes, or in the small shops or galleries before returning to the rest of your day.

Therapy Space

Areas I Support

Please note: I do not diagnose conditions

Abortion
Bereavement
Bullying, Discrimination
Childless not by choice
Miscarriage, Infertility
Death of a baby or child
Adoption counselling for adults
Coping with your child's separation anxiety
Disabilities
Children's learning difficulties
Learning difficulties & disabilities
Carer support
Domestic abuse
Emotional abuse
Jealousy, Anger management
Sexual abuse, Sexual assault
Family issues
Blended family
Relationship problems
Affairs and betrayals
Separation and divorce
Depression, Anxiety
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Feeling sad
Health anxiety
Mental health, Stress
Chronic illness
Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME/fibromyalgia
Menopause
Insomnia
Loneliness, Social anxiety
Low self-confidence
Low self-esteem
Attachment disorder in adults
Counselling for older adults
High sensitivity
Perfectionism
Hoarding
LGBTQ+ counselling
Money, Redundancy
Work-related stress
Burnout
Neurodiversity
Autism, ADHD
Understanding attachment disorder in children
Behaviour problems
Trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Complex PTSD
Spirituality
Suicidal thoughts

If You Are In Crisis

⚠️ This is not a crisis service

This service is not open 24/7 and is not suitable for immediate crisis support.

If yours or someone's life is in immediate danger:

📞 Call 999 immediately

🏥 Go to A&E if someone has taken an overdose or seriously injured themselves

If you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, seek emergency help immediately.

Helplines Available 24/7

Samaritans 116 123
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
Papyrus (under 35's) 0800 068 4142
Shout Crisis Text TEXT: 85258
NHS 111
Calm 0800 585 858
Combat Stress (Veterans) 0800 138 1619
MIND (office hours) 0300 123 3393

Training & Qualifications

Formal Qualifications

  • SCQF Level 10 Diploma in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • BA Degree in Childhood Practice
  • Two decades of experience working with children and families from all walks of life

Professional Experience

I have a strong understanding of relational attachment, Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma, and a lot of experience with, and compassion for, people who have neurodiversity. During my career, on a field trip, I visited educational and mental health institutes in Helsinki to observe ground-breaking initiatives being pioneered in Finland which inspired me further to train as a counsellor.

Alongside my work as a manager in a children's nursery, I trained over several years to become a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. Today I combine my experience in education, my pluralistic training, my person-centred ethos and acceptance of peoples' differences and individuality. Bringing that to therapy sessions allows me to work together with you with genuine empathy and understanding of your lived experiences.

Continuing Professional Development

  • Pregnancy and baby loss (SANDS)
  • Disclosure of Abuse – Origins Lifestyle
  • PTSD and Trauma - Chrysalis
  • Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Mindbody Breakthrough
  • Dealing with Distress: Working with Suicide and Self-harm – Carolyn Spring
  • NHS Population Screening Awareness (including for Transgender individuals)
  • Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences, brain development, rupture and repair in relationships and the polyvagal system with Dr Suzanne Zeedyk
  • When the body says no: Mind/Body Unity and the Stress-Disease Connection with Gabor Mate
  • Compassion fatigue: Caring for Ourselves while Caring for Others with Gabor Mate
NCPS Accreditation
Accredited Registrant with NCPS
Membership Number: NCP24-06140

Fees

Initial Consultation

Free

Telephone call (around 20 minutes)

Standard Session

£50

60 minute session
Face to face or online

Extended Session

£70

90 minute session
Face to face or online

Free introductory calls available by arrangement - please email, text or leave a voicemail

Get In Touch

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Phone

07511 778529
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Location

Kirkcudbright, Scotland

About the Location

My therapy room is located in a quiet area of Kirkcudbright with unrestricted parking and wheelchair access.

The therapy space is designed to be a comfortable, calm environment where you can feel at ease.

Kirkcudbright is a lovely place to visit - before or after your session, you might enjoy taking time to reset in one of several lovely cafes, small shops or galleries in this beautiful Scottish town.