Going Private

People seeking treatment for mental health issues in Scotland can wait upwards of 58 weeks to see a therapist, according to a BBC report today. Given that some of the clients who come to me are at the edge of their ability to cope with the feelings and emotions they are experiencing, I can only wonder [...]

The Rise (and Rise) of Counselling

Two stories caught my eye this week, both regarding the provision of counselling support in communities. In one, a local story about young people in the Edinburgh and Lothians area, it was reported that alcohol and drug addiction counselling is being offered to children from 12 years old. Specific figures were sketchy -  ‘a handful’ of [...]

Children and Criminals

The age of ‘criminal responsibility’ in Scotland (where I am) is to be raised to 12 years old, bringing it in line with other countries in Europe. I can’t decide if this concerns me more or less than the fact that the age at which children can currently be brought before a criminal court in [...]