SMT Counselling
Empowering growth and wellbeing, gently and consistently, every single day
For those who are ready to embrace meaningful change—whether that means healing from past experiences, building emotional resilience, deepening self-awareness, or simply reconnecting with joy. Together, we explore pathways toward a healthier, more fulfilling life, guided by compassion, curiosity, and the belief that growth is always possible.
About Me
Sharon McAree Thomas MSc, MBACP, CPCAB
I am a BACP licensed psychotherapist with 25 years of experience working in restorative roles with adults, children and young people in a variety of settings from youth and community centres to schools and counselling agencies. My pluralistic therapy beliefs are that people can be helped in different ways, at different times in their lives and by different processes and activities. Through a collaborative counselling relationship, you will set goals and intentions for what you wish to achieve, whilst identifying areas that are causing you difficulty. My pluralistic approach provides an ethical framework to draw from different therapeutic approaches helping us choose together what we feel is best for you.
You are the expert of your life
Be the change you want to see
Counselling offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. It helps you identify and move beyond the obstacles that may have been holding you back—whether emotional, behavioural, or situational. Together, we’ll explore your personal values, strengths, and goals, empowering you to view your life through a fresh lens and take meaningful steps toward the future you want.
While none of us can predict what life will bring, we can learn to respond with intention, resilience, and self-compassion. In our sessions, you’ll gain tools to navigate life’s challenges, develop acceptance, and build the emotional flexibility needed to face whatever comes your way.
Counselling for Adults
Life can feel overwhelming—and sometimes, just getting through the day can feel like a struggle. The pressures of modern living have left many people feeling stretched thin—juggling too many responsibilities and watching them slip through the cracks. This constant strain can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and negative thought patterns that affect your wellbeing and your ability to cope.
But you don’t have to face it alone. In our sessions, we’ll create a space where you can pause, reflect, and begin to make sense of what’s been holding you back. By exploring your personal history, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, we can uncover the roots of your challenges and begin to build a path toward healing and growth. Sometimes, simply seeing things from a new perspective can be life-changing—and deeply empowering.
My approach is pluralistic and person-centred, grounded in empathy and collaboration. I also draw from a range of therapeutic models including Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Depending on your needs, we may use structured exercises, psychoeducation, coping strategies, or reflective dialogue—always tailored to what feels most helpful for you.
Counselling for Children and Young People
Despite your age, you often know what you need
With over 25 years of experience supporting children and young people, I’ve worked in roles including Youth Development Worker, Health & Wellbeing Practitioner, and Homeless Outreach Worker. Much of my energy has been devoted to helping younger clients navigate mental health challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn to self-soothe rather than self-medicate. Encouraging them to stay present and face emotional pain—rather than run from difficult memories—has been a vital part of their healing journey.
Counselling sessions for children and young people focus on:
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🌟 Building self-esteem and confidence
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🗣️ Strengthening communication skills
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🧠 Supporting healthy emotional development
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🎨 Expanding emotional expression and vocabulary
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📚 Offering psychoeducation when helpful
While child and youth counselling shares many of the same goals as adult therapy, it’s tailored to be age-appropriate, engaging, and accessible. We’ll explore what works best for you—whether that’s talking, playing games, doing creative activities, or using structured exercises. Together, we’ll create a space that feels safe, supportive, and suited to your unique needs.
My experience as a school counsellor in both primary and high school settings has further deepened my understanding of the challenges young people face and strengthened my ability to apply therapeutic techniques in everyday environments.
I welcome children aged 8 and up into a space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported.
✨ Ready to begin? Book a consultation for a child or young person today.
Begin your journey to self-discovery
I offer a 30 minute initial session, in-person or online to explain how I work and what you may expect from counselling, and of course to answer any questions you may have. This will give you the opportunity to share what has brought you or your child to counselling, explore what you would like to achieve from it as well as getting a sense of if we feel we could work well together.
Additional Info
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I offer in-person sessions which can be short or longer term dependent on need.
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I offer online remote counselling sessions via a secure platform.
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I am an LGBTQIA+ inclusive service.
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Experienced with working with neurodivergent clients
Qualifications and Memberships
MSc Pluralistic Counselling / University of Abertay 2021
Level 4 Counselling Children and Young People / Place2be 2021
Cosca Certificate in Counselling Skills / Edinburgh College 2018
BA (Hons) Community Education / University of Edinburgh 2001
BACP Registered Member: No 391156
CPCAB Membership: Counselling Children and Young People
Free Initial Consultation
Cost per Session: £60
Lower rate of £55 for self-financing students, low income or by agreement.
Pay By: Bank Transfer, Cash, Square
Contact Details
My practice is based in Shandon, EH11 Edinburgh
The building is accessible and convenient for car or public transport. I offer a quiet and discreet entrance for privacy and free, private parking.
More detailed instructions as to how to access will be sent at time of booking.
Sharon McAree Thomas MSc, MBACP, CPCAB
07708806095
FAQs
How does counselling work?
This is usually the first question asked and the hardest to answer as each client’s experience is their own. However, counselling will look at the ways you perceive yourself and you how your thoughts and feelings are influenced by your life to date. The pluralistic approach facilitates personal growth by allowing you to recognise, explore and utilise your strengths, how you view yourself in relation to others, and enabling you to have a better understanding of yourself without judgement or criticism through a variety of different methods.
Will I feel better straight away?
Often clients feel relieved after one session, in just accepting their difficulties and accessing help. Progress is individual and lots of “work” (new thoughts and understandings) happens outside each counselling session. I often forewarn new clients that due to the nature of the process, it isn’t unusual for things to get worse before they start to get better.
Can I book a consultation Session?
Yes. You can book a free 20 minute consultation session for us to meet in person or online, to talk about what you are hoping to get out of counselling. This session should also give us both an idea if we feel we can work together.
Is it confidential?
Yes, absolutely. The identity/concerns of clients will never be disclosed outside of the counselling/supervisory relationship. (With the exception of the boundaries to confidentiality as explained in the contract to be completed at the first session).
How long will we work together?
Each client’s needs are unique, sessions aren’t prescriptive and there are no time limitations. Assuming we agree to work together, we will meet for as many sessions as seem helpful to you which may be two or three, or may continue for a longer period. In the latter case, we will review the work periodically, to ensure it remains effective for you, and that you are getting what you need from counselling.
How long is a session?
Each session will be 50 minutes.
When can I come?
I currently have appointments available on Mondays and Wednesdays.
What happens if I miss or have to cancel a session?
Missed sessions happen from time to time. Sometimes you cannot attend due to appointment clashes or sometimes a situation occurs that makes attending impossible. If you simply do not show up or cancel less than 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full fee for the missed session. If you need to cancel, simply contact me to let me know. If we have an ongoing weekly agreement for counselling, your next session will be available for you the following week as usual.
What happens if I am late for a Sessions?
If you are going to be late for a session, please try and come anyway. When you arrive we’ll make use of what time is available, though cannot extend the session time due to the next person’s appointment.
It would be helpful if you leave me a voice or email message if you’re going to be late but are on your way (I check both services before sessions – and during a session time if an expected-client does not appear without prior notice).
My child is attending therapy. How much will I be told about what is said in sessions?
It is understandable that you will be anxious about your child or adolescent attending counselling but this will be their space to share their difficulties. I will only contact you if they disclose something that makes me worried that they are at risk of harming themselves or others.
Privacy Policy
I must collect and hold information of a personal nature about you, and I am committed to ensuring this is done in a way that protects your privacy. If you have any concerns or questions about this policy or anything contained within it, please get in touch.
As a private counsellor, in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act, all information that I hold must be collected and used fairly, stored safely and not disclosed unlawfully.
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Information must be obtained for specific lawful purposes.
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Information must be adequate, relevant, and not excessive.
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Information must be accurate and up to date.
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Information should not be held for longer than is necessary and should be processed according to individual’s rights under law and be protected in appropriate ways.
The information you share during therapy and on this website is confidential. Information will not be shared with anyone connected to you, and I will not inform anyone that you are seeing me except from the referring organisation (if applicable). The information I document can be shared with you at any time. You may request to see all data I have. Information may be shared with other organisations if I decide that not sharing that information may place you, or anyone else at risk of harm. For example, if you advise that you are a risk to yourself or others, you disclose a child or adult safeguarding concern, or a serious crime. Additionally, if requested by a court of law.
Information received via my website contact form will be collected, stored securely, and used to contact you in response to your enquiry. The website may collect your IP address, email address, computer, and connection information. The website may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times and length of visits.