Elspeth Johnston

I currently have availablity on Mondays between 9am and 4pm.

Tuesdays between 9-12pm. 

Wednesdays between 9-11am 

Hi and welcome to my page, my name is Elspeth and I am a qualified Child and Young People’s Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, working with children, teenagers and young adults. I have over 10 years experience of working with children in a music teaching role and 5 years experience in a counselling role.

As a therapist, my approach is that each person is individual and has unique reasons for accessing therapy therefore I always provide an environment that is individual to the person, and take time to tailor work to each client’s needs. I would describe my practice as person-centred and psychodynamic, underpinning my practice is my knowledge of Transactional Analysis theory. I also draw on my knowledge of attachment, trauma and child development to inform my practice.

Qualifications and certificates held:

Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Child and Young People Counselling.

BSc (hons) degree in Social Sciences.

Safeguarding Awareness, Level 3 (2024)

FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (2025)

I offer a non-judgemental and safe space in which clients can explore the issues and problems that have brought them to therapy. I understand that coming to therapy can be daunting and a very brave step, therefore I offer a space in which client's can explore and personally grow, and remain safe. I understand that therapy is not a fix all solution but a tool in self growth. 

I have experience with a range of presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, school related anxiety, family breakdown, bereavement, OCD, self harm and associated behaviours, suicidal ideation, eating distress and attachment issues. I also have worked extensively with young people who are either awaiting neurodiverse assessments, or have received diagnoses of ADHD, autism or AuDHD, ensuring that my practice is informed by any present neurodiversity. 

I often use creative methods such as sand tray, puppets, paints, clay and many more and integrate play where needed. This means I can work in a specific way with a client, particular to their needs whether that be talking therapy/ creative, or a mix of both.

I like to regularly review the therapy process, either with just the client or where appropriate also with the parents/carers. I believe this means I can offer best practice to clients.

The first session is usually with parents/carers, and involves an assessment of the issues and the life history of the child, sometimes children/teenagers can attend this session if appropriate. During this session, I will give parents/carers my business and therapy contracts to read. The second session is then attended by the child/teenager and we discuss how we might work together and what goals are hoped for from the therapy.

For young adults, the first session will be an assessment of issues and history and then contracts will be discussed.

Therapy sessions are always 50 minutes in length and I work in person and if necessary I can offer online sessions also. I ask for young children and young teens, that the parent/carer stays in the building in case of any safeguarding issues.

I ask for a review after the initial 6 sessions, to see if as your therapist I am the best fit and whether therapy is still currently the best option for you.

I offer parental reviews where appropriate and with the client’s consent - every 6-8 sessions. This means we can review goals, and assess the process in general.