Alastair Dempster
Edinburgh Counsellor and Psychotherapist
AN ASSOCIATE of THE LIFE ACADEMY
About Me
Growing up in Ayr on the west coast and moving to East Lothian, age 12, I was born the third child of four to a career-driven father and an amazing mother who also happened to be bipolar. I was a child who loved creative writing, watching sci-fi and listening to Motown! I see 2 significant factors in my childhood that were to later drive my interest in counselling. Firstly, was bearing witness to my mother’s lifelong struggle with manic depression. As an adolescent, I tried to support her as best I could. What I learned about myself in trying to understand her better, was that I could be non-judgmental about her mental health situation and a good listener (later to be honed into a good ‘active listener’). The second aspect was my sexuality. I am from a generation where sex was more likely not talked about in families; that being my substantive experience. So I was alone with it and made my own counsel. Often we discover more about ourselves through adversity and insights gleaned from these personal difficulties continue to help me better connect to clients as regards their concerns. It takes courage to come to counselling and it is the client who is the hero! It is always a privilege to do this work.
Approach
The therapy I offer is a pluralistic approach. My practice background is an integration of person-centred and cognitive behavioural therapies to address both the client’s difficulties with alcohol and drugs along with the life issues that could be underpinning these concerns. Further practice and study in the areas of relationship and sex have enabled me to utilise psychodynamic and systemic interventions and to focus on the importance of attachment. I have built up diverse learning from a range of trainings over the years which inform how I work with clients. My role as a therapist is to convey empathy and unconditional positive regard and offer clarity and hope to the client as regards whatever they choose to bring to the appointment. Respect, warmth and my ‘total availability’ in session are guiding principles in my practice as a counsellor.
Education
My philosophical viewpoint on education and learning is that it never stops for any of us. This is particularly relevant to counselling; both in the practice and experience of it. There is intelligence and emotional intelligence. Both are important though research has shown that the latter can translate into a more ‘successful’ life for people. I also like the idea (a given, perhaps) that although theory informs practice, theory also comes from practice.
Diploma in Sex and Relationships Therapy (Relationships Scotland)
Diploma in Relationship Counselling (Relationships Scotland)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
HNC in Integrative Counselling (Telford College)
PG Certificate in Community Education (Edinburgh University)
Experience
II have 25 years’ experience of counselling individuals in a variety of settings; prison, medical practices, community centres and voluntary organisations. I have 5 years’ experience of therapeutic practice with couples and 3 years working with couples and individuals on sexual problems. I have been involved in telephone counselling since 2000 when on secondment to ParentLine Scotland (Children First) and have, since the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic, been engaging online with many clients using Zoom.
2019 ongoing Volunteer Counsellor at LGBT Centre
2019 ongoing Outreach Counsellor, ELCA
2018 ongoing SRT Therapist at Bright Light
2017 ongoing Relationship Counsellor at Bright Light
2015-2016 ELCA Alcohol & Drugs Counsellor, HMP Addiewell (F/T)
2010-2014 TAAP Therapist, Dr Bell’s Family Centre
2006-20015 Groupworker, City of Edinburgh Council (F/T)
2004 ongoing Practice Supervisor, ELCA
2003-2015 Outreach/Telephone Service/Sessional Counsellor, ELCA
2003-2006 ASIST Trainer
2000-2005 Sessional Counselling Supervisor, ParentLine Scotland
1995-2006 Community Education Worker, West Lothian Council (F/T)
Expertise
I have experience and familiarity with these issues
LGBTQ+
Loss
Parenting
Relationships
Self-esteem
Sexual problems
Stress
Alcohol & Drugs.
Anxiety
Asperger syndrome
Attachment
Bereavement
Bullying
Depression
Memberships
COSRT (College of Sex and Relationship Therapy) . I am currently registered on the PVG Scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme)
Fees
I offer 50-minute sessions at a cost of £50 for Individual Counselling and £55 for Couple Counselling. SRT Therapy sessions are priced at £60. Any initial session costs £40.
Location
I work from the Life Academy Wellbeing Centre at 3B Greenhill Park, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh EH10 4DW. The Centre is situated in a transport hub and is easily accessible by bus or car. Free, private parking is available on request.
Contact
To make an appointment or discuss whether I am the right therapist for you, please complete the form below. I will try to respond to you within three days.
I look forward to hearing from you.