About Me
My Approach
At the heart of my work is the belief that it's the relationship that heals. Rather than give quick fixes or tools (that can be reassuring at times), I offer a relationship based in compassion, respect, and openness where we can explore you with more depth. We might look at how your relationships, life experiences, and the ways you've learned to protect yourself continue to shape how you move through the world today.
My approach is relational and psychodynamic, grounded in person-centred values. All that means is I'll pay close attention to what unfolds between us in the present while gently exploring the deeper patterns, memories, and stories that may still be influencing your life. I won't decide the direction for you but I'll follow your pace and your curiosity, offering reflections that invite deeper insights. If it feels helpful, I like to draw on creative approaches such as storytelling, art, phototherapy, and humour!
Some of the work closest to my heart is alongside people struggling with grief, navigating complex family relationships, moving through life transitions, or asking difficult questions about their identity and who they are becoming.
My hope is that, through understanding your story more deeply, you begin to meet yourself with greater compassion, trust your inner knowing, and feel more free to make choices that reflect who you are, rather than who you've had to be.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to lighten what you've been carrying, make sense of your experiences, or discover a different way of relating to yourself and others, I'll meet you where you are.
Training
Qualifications:
I hold a Doctorate in Counselling & Psychotherapy from the University of Edinburgh and a Postgraduate Diploma (COSCA accredited).
Additionally, I earned a BA (Hons) in Psychology with a specialisation in Psychoanalysis from the University of Paris, Diderot.
Experiences:
I began in the helping profession through crisis intervention in the US, and then at a psychoanalytic organisation working with young people with behavioural issues in Paris.
Since moving to Edinburgh in 2021, I've volunteered as a counsellor with various charities including Hope Park, Cruse Bereavement and The Junction. These offered invaluable teachings on working with young people, grief, and staying open to different issues.
Alongside my counselling work, I completed a research project on family estrangement for my doctoral thesis.
Membership:
I'm a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).
"Solenn is an incredibly warm, compassionate therapist who has a strong background in traditional therapy but also seamlessly weaves in spirituality and alternative practices into her client work. Her unique holistic approach makes her an amazing therapist."
- Dr. Camilla Akoo, Integrative Psychotherapist
Kind Words
"What strikes me most about Solenn is how naturally her warmth and curiosity come together. She has a genuine ability to put others at ease, creating a sense of safety and trust that is so fundamental to effective therapy."
- Cecile Sami, Integrative Psychotherapist
"I have personally known Solenn for years and can confidently say she is a thoughtful, caring and dedicated practitioner. I have deep respect for and trust in her work, and I would recommend her without hesitation."
- Camila Arango, Relational Psychotherapist
A bit more about me...
My work is deeply influenced by living and being from different cultures. I grew up in the Washington DC area where my experiences as a client and encounters with insight meditation made me go from wanting to be a marine biologist to knowing I needed to work with people.
I then moved to Paris. Here, my identity was profoundly challenged in learning how to live 'in-between' worlds. The poet Maya Angelou writes this tension beautifully:
"You only are free when you realize you belong no place- you belong every place- no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great.”
Now, I live in Edinburgh where I practice, and enjoy spending time with my loved ones and enjoying the outdoors with my camera on my days off.
