About Me
Hello
I'm Gavin, and thank you for visiting my About Me page. Here, I want to offer you a little insight into who I am—both as a person and a practitioner.
I hope that by sharing some of my personal and professional values & interests, it will help you to decide if we could be a good fit to work together.
As a Person
I live in the West of Scotland with my border collie, Freya. We both love spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains.
I have personal experience of accessing therapy, and I know firsthand how daunting it can be to take the step of reaching out for help. I also deeply understand the profound value it can bring to a person’s life.
I endeavour to live an authentic life: If we work together, I will be me, and you will be you.
I believe in the potential of people, and with the right support, their ability to make lasting, positive change, to lead fulfilling lives.
As a Therapist
I am able to work with a wide range of people and issues and as such, do not 'specialise' in any one area. My depth of experience in sport gives me an additional insight into the unique world of an athlete.
I will meet you where you are, with curiosity and compassion. My intention is to understand you and your experience on a deep level.
My training was as an integrative practitioner, and I work in a person-centred way. Our work will always be collaborative, with you at the centre.
I'm a member of Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy; COSCA and follow their code of practice.
As an Athlete
Sports have always been a significant part of my life, and for over a decade, I’ve immersed myself in running, developing a particular passion for mountain ultramarathons.
Through this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons—like resilience in the face of challenge, the importance of balance, the rewards of consistency, and the grace to handle disappointment.
As an athlete myself, I bring a deep understanding of the unique mindset and struggles we encounter, allowing me to offer tailored support to help you navigate your own challenges and thrive.
Working Outdoors
The outdoors holds unique meaning for everyone—maybe it’s the wide-open feel of nature that appeals rather than staying inside, or perhaps you’re just curious to explore something new. No matter what brings you to outdoor counselling, I’m here to meet you where you’re at and make it work for you.
Embracing the elements can be a stimulating experience. I also understand that it can be a challenge! If needed, I can supply a waterproof jacket and umbrella, and ff the weather is particularly Scottish, I have a warm camper van with plenty of hot drinks.
My aim is to remove as many barriers to access as I can, and my outdoor work is in flexible locations to suit clients ability to travel.