A calm space to talk things through
An open door welcomes you step into a counselling space where calm begins to replace the upset or stress you may be carrying. A space where your voice is heard without judgement, where you are met with genuine understanding, and where healing can begin in safety and trust.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy in Elgin and online anywhere in the UK, with a warm, down-to-earth approach. Whether you are looking for support with trauma, anxiety, depression, low mood, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, or feeling stuck, you will be met exactly where you are - without pressure, without expectation.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, going through a difficult life change, or carrying something you have held inside for a long time. You may not have the words yet, and that is completely okay. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
In our sessions, you will have a confidential, supportive space to speak openly and be truly listened to. Together, we will gently explore what you are experiencing, make sense of patterns in your thoughts and feelings, and find practical, realistic ways forward - at a pace that feels right for you.
Counselling sessions are available face-to-face, as well as online or by telephone, offering flexibility and privacy to suit your needs.
You do not need the perfect words. You just need a place to start.
Hello, I’m Andrea Elder
People often reach out when life feels heavy, confusing, or harder than it should - and they want support that feels practical, human and easy to talk to.
I provide a warm, professional counselling service with a down-to-earth approach. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling, and I am registered with COSCA and a Member of BACP.
Alongside my counselling qualification, I bring many years of working experience supporting people through traumatic, difficult and sensitive situations. It has given me a real understanding of the pressures people carry - at work, at home, and in relationships - and also after traumatic experiences and how exhausting it can be to keep going when you are struggling inside.
My aim is simple: to offer a steady, supportive space where you feel heard, make sense of what’s happening, and find practical ways forward that feel right for you.
You are Welcome Here
You might be feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed. You may be going through a difficult change, carrying grief, struggling in a relationship, or simply feeling stuck and unsure why.
Sometimes it is not even clear what is wrong. You just know things do not feel quite right.
You do not need to arrive with the perfect explanation. You do not need to be in crisis. You only need to be willing to begin.
We can start with whatever feels most important to you, or even with not knowing where to start. Together, we can take the time to explore what is going on at a pace that feels manageable.
There is no pressure to have the right words. Just showing up is enough.
What is Person-Centred Counselling Like?
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, so it helps to know what to expect.
Person-centred counselling is a type of talking therapy that focuses on you as the expert on your own life. I will help you explore your own thoughts and feelings so you can understand yourself better and make your own decisions. I offer a calm, confidential space where you can speak openly about what is going on for you. My role is to listen carefully, without judgement, and help you explore whatever feels difficult right now.
There is no pressure to know exactly what to say. Some people arrive with a clear issue they want to talk about, while others simply know that something does not feel right. We work with whatever you bring and at a pace that feels right for you.
Counselling is not about being told what to do. It is about having the space to reflect, understand yourself more fully, and find a way forward.
Face-to-face sessions
Sessions take place at Elgin in a comfortable and confidential setting.
Online sessions
Online counselling can be just as effective as meeting in person and offers flexibility, including evening appointments. You can attend from the comfort of your own home or another private space.
Single session support
If you would like to talk through a specific issue without committing to ongoing sessions, single-session support is available, either in person or online. Sometimes, one focused conversation is exactly what is needed.
Schedule your appointment
People come to counselling for many reasons - feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, grieving, or struggling with relationships, trauma or illness. If it feels hard to put into words, you are not alone.
I offer a practical, gentle, compassionate, and confidential space where you can talk at your own pace, feel heard, and make sense of what’s going on, so you can find a way forward that feels right for you.
Book your personalised counselling session today. Sessions are available in person in Elgin, or online and by telephone.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering whether counselling is right for you, these FAQs may help. If you’d rather ask directly, you’re welcome to get in touch. And if you feel ready, you can book an introductory session to begin.
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Counselling can help if you are feeling:
Anxious, low, stressed or overwhelmed more often than you would like
Like you are coping on the outside but struggling on the inside
Stuck in the same patterns of thoughts, feelings or behaviours
Tearful, irritable, numb or on edge, and you are not sure why
Like you have lost confidence in yourself
Lonely, disconnected or not like yourself
Like everything feels like an effort
Struggling with relationships, boundaries or communication
Affected by grief, loss or a life change
Impacted by trauma, illness, caring responsibilities or burnout
Unsure what you feel - but you know something needs to change
You do not need to be in crisis. If something is weighing on you, it is valid.
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That is completely normal. Many people start with “I’m not sure where to begin.” We can take it slowly and gently work out what feels important.
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No. Counselling can be helpful at any stage - whether you are struggling day to day or simply want to understand yourself better and feel more steady.
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The first session is a chance to talk about what has brought you here and what you hope might change. There is no pressure to share everything at once. We will go at your pace.
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That is okay. Tears, silence, anger, confusion - it is all welcome. You do not need to hold it together in counselling. We will take things gently and safely.
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There is no set number. Some people come for a single session to talk something through. Others find ongoing sessions more helpful. We can review this together as we go.
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Yes. What you share is treated with respect and confidentiality. If there are any limits to confidentiality, these will be explained clearly at the start so you know where you stand.
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Yes. Sometimes it is about finding the right person and the right approach for you. We can talk about what did not help previously and what you would like to be different this time.