Jill Atkinson, BACP

Jill Atkinson is a counsellor who uses an evidence-based therapeutic approach to help people manage stress, anxiety and low mood. She brings a practical outlook and a calm presence to sessions. Jill works to make conversations straightforward and focused on what matters most to each person.

Her pathway into counselling began after a degree in Psychology and a spell teaching English in South Korea. That experience shaped her interest in how culture and community influence values and meaning. On returning to Scotland she worked in NHS and mental health settings and completed the SCOTACS Diploma in Counselling and Group Work - a Cognitive Behavioural Approach. She now practices as a qualified counsellor and holds BACP registration.

Jill also facilitates group work on self-compassion, low self-esteem and anxiety management. She combines group experience with individual counselling to support learning and practice between sessions. Her training includes additional CPD in Compassion-Focused Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Mood and Food, Somatic Therapy and Outdoor Therapy, which she weaves into her work where helpful.

She places attention on the links between body, community and environment. Jill encourages noticing sensations, everyday surroundings and simple habits as part of healing and growth. This practical focus aims to help people build self-trust and clearer choices in daily life.

People who come to her can expect a collaborative process that looks at beliefs, emotions and behaviours. The aim is to find manageable steps toward more purpose and contentment. Getting started involves a short matching process and scheduling a first session.

How evidence-based methods translate to online counselling

Jill draws on cognitive-behavioural methods and compassion-focused ideas to structure work that feels practical and warm. Cognitive-behavioural approaches break problems into thoughts, feelings and behaviours and help people test small changes that reduce stress and anxiety. Compassion-focused ideas encourage gentleness toward oneself and can be useful for shame, guilt and self-worth issues.

Finding the right fit is part of the process. Jill will work collaboratively to choose approaches that match a person’s goals, history and preferences, adapting techniques as understanding grows. This means trying things out together and adjusting based on what helps.

The biography does not specify which online formats are used, so please check the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also makes it possible for people in different locations to work with a therapist who shares their therapeutic style. Registered or accredited professionals can offer online sessions that aim to support steady progress and practical change.