A pluralistic practice
First Psychology was established in 2009 following the success of the Edinburgh Psychology Centre, which was founded by Ewan Gillon in 2004 from his own clinical practice in Edinburgh. First psychology is based on the principle that different types of therapy and approaches work for different clients at different times, and accordingly that a successful therapy practice needs to encompass a range of professionals from counselling/psychotherapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT)/psychological therapy and applied psychology professions.
First Psychology is therefore a pluralistic practice, offering a range of evidence-based and effective therapies to provide choice and professional diversity for clients.
We're a psychology-led team of professionals
However we are psychology-led, meaning that all professionals working with us are regarded by us as 'mental health-care practitioners' with appropriate professional qualifications and registrations, mental health-care aligned clinical supervision, completed safeguarding checks (PVG in Scotland, DBS in England) and undertaking continuous professional development.
We run our own internal ‘approved practitioner’ scheme in relation to these requirements which provides security and reassurance to all clients.
Since 2009, First Psychology has grown to be one of the UK’s largest independent therapy practices with multiple clinical venues throughout Scotland and increasingly northern England. We work with around 150 clinical practitioners and see self-referred clients who are children/families, couples, and adults. We also work with a number of businesses and organisations via our First Psychology Assistance service.