Mature, LGBTQ+ Counsellor & Sex and Relationship Therapist
in Edinburgh & The Lothians
30 Years Alongside
Hi, I’m Alastair Dempster. I grew up in Ayr and East Lothian, with a passion for creative writing, watching sci-fi and listening to Motown records. My experience, in my formative years, of my mother’s lifelong struggle with Bipolar Disorder shaped my empathy and activated my skills in listening without judgment. Also gleaning an awareness of the courage it takes not just to manage one’s own ‘internal demons’ but also to seek support with them.
Today, with over 30 years of experience, I offer empathic,trauma-informed LGBTQ+ and Sex & Relationship Therapy. I’m COSRT-registered and welcome individuals and couples with warmth and respect.
My Practice
My approach is pluralistic, integrating person-centred and cognitive behavioural therapies with psychodynamic and systemic interventions. Driven by empathy and unconditional positive regard, I offer my ‘total availability’ during sessions. I strive to offer clarity, hope and genuine collaboration. Trust and connection guide every part of our therapeutic work together.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
- Diploma in Sex and Relationships Therapy (Relationships Scotland)
- Diploma in Relationship Counselling (Relationships Scotland)
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
- HNC in Integrative Counselling (Telford College)
- PG Certificate in Community Education (Edinburgh University)
- Registered with the COSRT (Member No: 3010) and currently on the PVG Scheme (No: 1412 1709 6490 0379), ensuring ethical and safeguarding standards.
Experience
Over three decades, I’ve offered counselling across diverse settings: prisons, medical practices, community centres, and voluntary organisations. I’ve supported individuals and couples (including sex therapy) in-person, via phone and online since 2000. I’ve also volunteered at LGBT-focused services and worked extensively with clients with concerns around alcohol and drugs.
My Specialisms & Areas of Expertise
- Sex & Relationship Therapy (COSRT-Registered)
- Alcohol & Drugs Counselling
- Couples & Individual Therapy
- LGBTQ+ Counselling & Support
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Anxiety, Depression, Self-esteem
- Attachment, Parenting, Sexual Problems
- Neurodiversity, Bereavement, Bullying
What to Expect
It starts with an Initial Session, which can be via phone, secure online video, or in-person. Sessions thereafter are 50 minutes, individually tailored and focussed on our ‘working alliance’.
Fees & Session Formats
- Initial Session: £40
- Individual (phone/video): £65 per session
- Couple counselling (phone/video): £70 per session
- Sex & Relationship Therapy (SRT): £75 per session
- In-person (ad-hoc): an additional £10 supplement applies
- Please note: attended sessions are non-refundable