Our Approach
Welcome to Enlightened Psychology & Counselling Service Ayr, where we offer specialist psychological assessment, counselling and therapy services.
Taking that first step and seeking help can be daunting, even if this is not your first therapy experience, there are still so many different therapies and therapists to choose from. I am passionate about helping others to feel heard and understood. Therefore it is my priority that I find the right therapist for you.
I have a team of skilled practitioners, including Psychologists, CBT and EMDR therapists and Counsellors, all with a vast range of experience. Please get in touch with me directly to discuss your needs, so that I can select the best therapist for you. Or, you can book directly online using our booking system.
Gemma Holmes
Practice Owner & Clinical Lead
HCPC Registered & Chartered Psychologist
Accredited CBT Psychotherapist & EMDR Therapist
BSc (Hons), PgC, DipCBT, MSc, QFP
(CPsychol) (MBABCP)
Our Philosophy
Here at Enlightened Psychology & Counselling Service our aim is to help you become the best version of yourself.
Enlightened Psychology & Counselling Service provides specialist counselling and psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Our team of Psychologists, CBT therapists and counsellors offer an integrative approach to therapy providing a tailored service for individuals, couples and employees, allowing us to meet the specific needs of each unique case.
We can offer a full range of services which include private counselling, psychological therapy, life coaching, specialist psychological assessments and employee assistance programmes. We treat a broad range of psychological, emotional and interpersonal difficulties such as depression, anxiety, phobias, relationship problems, confidence issues, low self esteem, weight management, trauma, abuse and more.
Individual Therapy Sessions
Everyone is different and will have their own unique circumstances, therefore we would work in with you to define what the issues are and how we will begin to address them.
We provide a safe space in which you can share your problems as you gain a greater understanding of them. We help you to find ways in which you can either resolve or manage these issues better.
We offer help for a very broad range of psychological, emotional and interpersonal difficulties such as:
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Depression
- Trauma/PTSD
- Eating disorders
- Body Image
- Weight loss/ management
- Identity issues
- Self Harm
- Low Confidence/Self Esteem
- Anger problems
- Obsessive behaviours
- Addictive behaviours
- Abuse
- Social/Interpersonal problems
- Loss/adjustment problems
Every session takes place in a safe, supportive environment.
Couples Therapy
We provide support for relationship difficulties through couples therapy. Normally both parties would attend sessions but sometimes individual therapy is required also.
Group Therapy
We can also provide group therapy and workshops across a wide range of issues, for those experiencing similar difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, weight loss, and for building new skills for improved wellbeing.
Family Therapy
Working with the whole family can help with all kinds of issues such as, drugs and alcohol abuse, changes to family life / relationships, separation / divorce, parenting, bereavement, post trauma, eating disorders, self-harming and child / adolescent mental health problems.
Our Remote Session Types
Online & Remote Therapy
Remote or online therapy comes in many forms, from video calls using various platforms such as Skype, Whats App, Zoom etc to phone and even text or Instant Messaging (IM). Remote therapy has actually been around for a lot longer than you might think. For years now therapists have been offering therapy via a variety of methods in addition to the more traditional face to face approach. However, in recent months, in light of the recent pandemic, we have all become far more accustomed to using online or digital methods to conduct almost all of our daily communications. A key advantage of Remote therapy is that it makes therapy far more accessible, and you can have your session wherever and whenever you want. Have a look at the options below to see which option best meets your needs.
Video
Video appointments can be carried out via Zoom, Skype etc. They are as close to face to face therapy as we can get, without actually being physically in the same room, and they are suitable for most issues. An assessment will be required in the first instance to fully assess your needs and the suitability of the therapy method.
From £60
Phone
Phone sessions are a great way of accessing therapy from your own home or place of your choice, as long as you have a quiet safe space to talk. Phone sessions are suitable for a number of issues. An assessment will be required in the first instance to fully assess your needs and the suitability of the therapy method.
From £60
Instant Messaging (IM)
IM messaging is also an effective method of therapy. Messages are sent in a conversational/chat form for a full session hour. This method offers even more freedom to have therapy when and wherever you want to. We use secure platforms, such as WIRE. Many issues can be treated via IM however an initial assessment will be required in the first instance to fully assess your needs and the suitability of the therapy method.
From £55
Email messaging is an alternative therapy method, differing slightly from IM in that a set number of emails are exchanged on a chosen day/time rather than a conversational exchange for a full session. This method again offers the freedom to have therapy at your convenience. Again, an initial assessment will be required to fully assess your needs and the suitability of the therapy method.
From £25
A Combined Approach
Like many people, you may prefer to opt for a combination of online approaches for different sessions to suit your needs. Typical combinations might be video one week and phone the next, or even with an IM session in between. Sometimes, phone or video sessions can be utilised in place of a face-to-face session for instance of you are unable to attend your clinic appointment for any reason. Please get in touch for an assessment in the first instance.
From £25
Online Self-Help Courses
Online self-help courses are an ideal way for you to access structured therapeutic support at a time and a place that suits you, which is purely online via our self-help portal or via download. These courses follow a CBT approach (unless otherwise stated) and will be practical in orientation, meaning that you would complete set therapy modules and task each session/week.
Courses and help for issues might include:
- CBT Skills for Anxiety
- CBT Skills for Depression
- CBT Skills for Social Anxiety
- CBT Skills for Managing OCD
- CBT For Weight-loss
- Improving Well-Being
- Managing Emotions
- Mindfulness Skills
- Improving Confidence & Self Esteem
These self-help courses can be purchased and worked through alone, or, for an additional cost, you can opt to have additional psychological support from one of our in-house therapists /Psychologist who will be able to coach you as you work through each week.
Our Therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT is often a relatively short treatment, which can bring about changes and positive results fairly quickly.
Schema Focused Therapy
This therapy focuses more on how past experiences and old patterns of behaving are affecting the here and now; which are not helpful any more.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a treatment that enables traumatic memories to be reprocessed so that they do not evoke such painful and distressing emotional reactions.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
DBT is used to tackle problems in regulating one's emotions and with interpersonal difficulties.
Person Centred Counselling
Explore your issues with a therapist who provides a safe, non-judgemental, client led, reflective space.
Online & Remote Therapy
A far more accessible solution, you can schedule a session wherever and whenever suits you. We have options to accommodate every need.