The Story Behind ElderA
Hi there, I’m Andrea Elder, and I started ElderA Counselling & Psychotherapy to help people who are struggling and make counselling feel easier - without fuss or unnecessary barriers. Many people feel nervous about reaching out or worry they will not know what to say. I want that first step to feel simpler and more comfortable.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy in a warm, down-to-earth way. Wherever you are starting from, we can work through things at a pace that feels right for you.
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor. I studied at the University of Aberdeen and gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Person- Centred Counselling.
I am a registered Member of COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) and a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). I work within their professional and ethical standards, so you can expect support that is safe, respectful and professional.
My Experience
Before qualifying as a counsellor, I spent many years in roles supporting people through difficult and sensitive work situations. This gave me a strong understanding of the pressures people carry in everyday life - at work, at home, and in relationships - and how exhausting it can be to keep going when you are struggling inside. I wanted to help people on a more personal one-to-one basis rather than within a corporate environment, building therapeutic relationships, understanding people’s experiences and supporting them directly with their challenges.
I currently support survivors of all forms of sexual violence such as rape, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Other forms of sexual violence include stalking, sexual exploitations, image based abuse and also have experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control. Survivors frequently experience shame, guilt and self-blame. This work has deepened my understanding of how difficult it can feel to break the silence and how important it is to have a steady, safe space where you can talk when the time is right for you. For many people, being heard without judgement can be the beginning of feeling more in control again and starting to heal.
I also have experience counselling people with:
Depression, Low mood, Anxiety, Stress, Anger difficulties
Addictions
Bereavement and grief
Past trauma or abuse, PTSD
Low self esteem, difficulties setting and maintaining healthy personal boundaries
Difficult relationships and conflict, social issues and family conflict
Chronic health conditions, and those with caring responsibilities
Emotional distress, Suicidal thoughts (with appropriate safeguarding and referrals)
Difficulties relating to gender identity, sexual orientation, gender roles and expectations, identity confusion
Supporting neurodiverse individuals
My professional training includes trauma-informed practice, suicide prevention, safeguarding and ethical practice, and adult protection. This underpins the way I work - with care, sensitivity, and a strong focus on your wellbeing, safety, and pace.
This means I work carefully and sensitively, with your well-being and safety at the center of everything I do.
Nature-Based and Outdoor Sessions
I take a thoughtful, whole-person view of wellbeing, recognising the close connection between emotional and physical experience. At times, stress, anxiety, and overwhelm can show up not only in thoughts and feelings, but in the body too. Creating space to slow down, reflect, and feel more grounded can be an important part of the therapeutic process.
I also value the calming and restorative effect that the natural environment can have on wellbeing. For many people, a sense of connection, comfort, and steadiness can support emotional work in meaningful ways.
Where appropriate, sessions may be shaped with this in mind and tailored to individual needs, always with care, suitability, and therapeutic safety.
I am also qualified in reflexology, massage and Indian head massage. I value a whole-person view of wellbeing - mind and body together. For some people, it helps to understand how stress can show up physically, and how gentle support can help them feel steadier over time.
Referrals and Working Alongside Others
I collaboratively work with other counsellors and welcome referrals, because the priority is simple - getting the right support to the right person at the right time.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready to talk things through, you will find a calm, respectful space here where you can feel heard, understood, and supported to move forward.
Get in touch
If you would like to ask a question or arrange a free 15 min introductory online session, you are welcome to get in touch.