Jill Atkinson, BACP

Jill Atkinson trained in psychology and broadened her perspective by teaching English in South Korea, an experience that sparked a lasting interest in how culture and society shape personal values and meaning. After returning to Scotland, she gained practical therapeutic experience working in a range of NHS and mental health settings, which reinforced her commitment to a holistic approach to wellbeing and led her to complete a SCOTACS Diploma in Counselling and Group Work - a diploma grounded in cognitive behavioural methods that qualified her as a counsellor. Jill also holds BACP accreditation, which links her to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Alongside one-to-one work, she practices part time as a group work therapist, leading groups focused on self-compassion, low self-esteem and anxiety management. Her continued professional development includes additional training in Compassion-Focused Therapy, Transactional Analysis, mood and food relationships, somatic approaches and outdoor therapy, and she integrates these perspectives where appropriate into her counselling. Jill is particularly interested in the ways people connect with their bodies, their communities and the natural world, and she often encourages practices that tune into the senses and bodily experience.

Jill approaches counselling with genuine passion and a sense of privilege in working alongside others. She views therapy as a route to deeper self-awareness - noticing often subconscious beliefs and emotions, exploring new ways of responding, and rebuilding trust in one’s own judgement. Her aim is to support people to make more intentional choices, live with greater authenticity and purpose, and cultivate a steadier sense of contentment. Jill sees counselling as an empowering investment that can free people to live more fully.