Person-Centred Counselling · East Ayrshire
A space to slow down and find yourself again
Compassionate, non-directive counselling for teens and adults. Online, face-to-face, or out in the fresh air on a walk-and-talk session – whatever works for you.
Face-to-Face
In a warm, calm counselling room set in the rural East Ayrshire countryside, about 30 mins from Glasgow.
Walk & Talk
Step outside for a session on the local loop – starting right from my doorstep. Nature helps.
Online
Flexible sessions from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are in the world.
Founded by Emily Joy McLaren
Hi there, my name is Emily Joy McLaren, a person centred counsellor. The way I work is messy, vulnerable and freeing. As a type B person, I find that my messiness allows others to feel safe bringing their suitcase full of emotional experiences.
My aim would be to build a safe space where we can open the case and unpack it together in whichever way you see fit.
My personal values are focused on autonomy, empowering others and providing a space full of support and devoid of judgement.
The person centred approach allows me to work on the same level of power, it’s a collaborative process where the client can explore and become the expert.
I work in person and online.
Private Therapy in Ayrshire
I offer face-to-face sessions in my private therapy clinic in East Ayrshire (KA3 4EE), an easy 30-minute drive from Glasgow.
I also provide online therapy sessions via Zoom or telephone appointments. This means that no matter where you are located, you can easily access my services. While I am based in Scotland, I work with clients across the UK and worldwide, regularly supporting individuals in locations such as Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Liverpool, London, Portsmouth, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Wales.
“I am happy to say that my time attending counselling with you a very positive experience. I found you helped me to be less anxious to my visits which allowed me to open up and chat of what was I was coping with. Since I last saw you I have managed to cope with my husband’s death from cancer and have not required to go back to counselling.”
“Emily counselled me at the start of 2026 for about 6-8 weeks. Emily’s counselling helped me so much and helped me understand some of the trauma and other stuff I’m going through. The counselling sessions Emily provided, gave me so much relief after years and years of struggling. I would highly recommend Emily to anyone that needs counselling.”
“I found Emily able to listen and show understanding and kindness in her feedback. Emily’s observations on my issues and different pathways she has shown me all helped me to be able to reflect on how best to move forward in awareness of who I am and where I am and all my choices which are all up to me. I was able to open up my thoughts and speak freely about all my issues and feelings and where I was in my life. I had many complications but gradually through our talks I was able to see these more clearly and look at ways forward. I found Emily very kind and understanding with a wealth of knowledge all of which helped me to move forward and for that I am very grateful to her.”
“Working with Emily has been life changing for me. She provided a non judgemental and safe space for me to open up. I really struggled with anxieties in everyday life and Emily helped me manage these is effective ways and gave me techniques in order to manage my anxiety. Emily is a very warm and empathetic person and I loved working with her. She’s really helped me get control back over my life and I cannot thank Emily enough.”
FAQs
How much does a session cost?
Sessions are £50 for 50 minutes. Walk-and-talk double sessions are also available at £100 for 100 minutes.
Where are you based and is there parking?
I’m based in East Ayrshire in a quiet rural setting = roughly 30 minutes from Glasgow, Saltcoats, and Kilmarnock. There is free on-site parking, so no need to worry about that on your way to a session.
Do you work with young people / teenagers?
Yes – working with teens is something I’m particularly passionate about. There is a significant gap in accessible support for young people, and I am trained and experienced in working with this age group.
What is walk and talk counselling?
Walk and talk is counselling conducted outdoors during a gentle walk on the local loop, starting from my doorstep. Some people find it easier to open up when moving through nature. Sessions are either a standard 50 minutes or a longer double session covering the full loop.
Will I ever see the cats?
Quite possibly – I have cats and they do occasionally make an appearance at the practice. If you have allergies, just let me know and I’ll make sure they stay out of the counselling space for your visit.
Are you BACP registered?
Yes. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework. My membership number is displayed at the bottom of every page.