Counselling for Carers
Free counselling for unpaid carers supported by Borders Carers Centre
Choose the therapist who feels right for you
In partnership with Borders Carers Centre
How counselling can help
Counselling can be helpful at any stage of your caring journey, whether you are new to caring, have been caring for many years, or are adjusting to changes in the needs of the person you support.
It offers a confidential space to pause, talk openly and explore how caring is affecting you. This might include stress, anxiety, guilt, exhaustion, changes in relationships, grief or simply having somewhere that is focused on you.
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Free counselling for eligible unpaid carers
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Up to 8 funded sessions
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Choice of participating therapist
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In-person, online & phone options
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Funded through Borders Carers Centre
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Confidential support focused on your wellbeing
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Available at any stage of your caring journey
How it works
Borders Carers Centre will confirm your access to counselling and direct you to this page to choose a therapist from those taking part in the pathway.
1. Choose a therapist
Browse the therapists below and use the 'Find out more' link to read about their experience, approach and availability. Decide upon the therapist who feels like the best fit for you.
2. Make contact
Use the contact details on the therapist’s website or profile page to get in touch with them directly and let them know you are accessing counselling through the Borders Carers Centre pathway.
3. Begin counselling
Your therapist will arrange your sessions directly with you. Payment for the agreed sessions will be handled directly by Borders Carers Centre, so you do not need to arrange this yourself.
Choose your therapist
All therapists listed below are independent practitioners taking part in the Borders Carers Centre counselling pathway. You can browse their experience, areas of work and session options, then use the ‘Find out more’ link on their card to read more about them.
There is no single “right” choice — the important thing is finding someone whose approach or background feels like a good fit for you.
Susan Ferguson
MBACP
Counselling Therapist
I offer warm, compassionate and flexible counselling, working with you to understand what is happening, explore your thoughts and feelings, and develop helpful ways of coping.
Areas of particular experience
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Depression
- Emotional regulation
- Self-esteem
- Self-harm
- Sleep issues
- Stress
Who I work with
- Children (8+)
- Teens
- Adults
Sessions available
- In person (Galashiels, Kelso, Hawick)
- Online
John Muirhead
MBACP
Counsellor
Being listened to and accepted for where we are in life can be an important part of change. I offer compassionate, non-judgemental counselling, drawing on over 10 years of experience.
Areas of particular experience
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Life transitions
- Low mood
- Relationships
- Self-esteem
- Stress
- Trauma
Who I work with
- Adults (18+)
Sessions available
- In person (Galashiels, Kelso)
- Online
Sonam Singh
MBACP
Counselling Therapist
I offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), providing a warm and collaborative space for young adults and adults facing challenges and difficulties.
Areas of particular experience
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Emotional regulation
- Low Mood
- Low self-esteem
- Relationships
- Stress and Burnout
- Trauma
Who I work with
- Teens (16+)
- Adults
Sessions available
- In person (Galashiels)
- Online
Clare Tyler
MBACP
Counselling Therapist
I offer person-centred therapy supporting growth and self-development. Caring can feel isolating; counselling offers space to reflect and reconnect. I am also a lived experience practitioner.
Areas of particular experience
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Pain
- Emotional support
- Grief and loss
- Meaning and purpose
- Self-esteem
- Trauma-informed
Who I work with
- Teens (16+)
- Adults
Sessions available
- In person (Kelso)
- Online
Eunice Capaldi
MBACP
Counselling Therapist
I offer warm, compassionate and person-centred counselling offering a non-judgemental space to talk openly and explore things at your own pace.
Areas of particular experience
- Addictions
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Depression
- Neurodivergence
- Relationships
- Stress
- Trauma
Who I work with
- Children (10+)
- Teens
- Adults
Sessions available
- In person (Galashiels, Kelso, Hawick)
- Online
Dr Martha Pollard
MBACP
Counselling Therapist
I offer warm, person-centred counselling with a compassionate approach, helping you explore difficult experiences, reduce stress and develop practical ways to support yourself in everyday life.
Areas of particular experience
- Anxiety
- Anticipatory grief
- Bereavement
- Burnout
- Dementia
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Stress
Who I work with
- Adults (18+)
Sessions available
- In person (Galashiels, Kelso, Hawick)
- Online
Dr Jennifer Leeder
MBACP Snr Accred
Counsellor & Psychotherapist
I am a senior accredited counsellor with over 25 years of experience. I offer respectful, sensitive and compassionate support, adapting my approach to meet your individual needs.
Areas of particular experience
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Family difficulties
- Low mood & depression
- Relationships
- Self-esteem
- Stress
- Work & career difficulties
Who I work with
- Adults (18+)
Sessions available
- Online
- Telephone
About the therapists
All therapists listed on this page are independent practitioners taking part in the Borders Carers Centre counselling pathway. They are responsible for their own clinical work, professional registration, insurance, supervision and ethical practice.
Borders Therapy Hub provides the directory and helps connect carers with participating therapists, while each therapist retains full professional responsibility for the counselling they provide.
Other sources of help
Borders Therapy Hub is not a full directory of every counselling or wellbeing service in the Scottish Borders.
You can also find support through NHS Borders, your GP, or national helplines such as:
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Childline – 0800 1111
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Samaritans – 116 123
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Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.