the Team
Meet
Meet the Jireh Wellbeing team and get to know more about us, our training and experiences. Sessions can be offered in person and online.
About
Ellie Bryden
Qualified Counsellor
I am a qualified children, young person and adults counsellor.
Qualifications & Experiences
I have worked with children and young people for over 10 years in various different capacities which I am currently doing as a counsellor within high schools and private practice.
My training and qualification includes:
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COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
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HNC Counselling
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HND Counselling
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PDA in Online and Telephone Counselling
Accredited Register Membership
I am a member of the BACP and I undertake regular supervision to maintain my professional practice.
Other Notes
I am a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Registered with Disclosure Scotland.
About
Alex Kavanagh
Qualified Adult Counsellor
I am a qualified children, young person and adults counsellor.
Qualifications & Experiences
I have a background in the court service of over 25 years and have supported children and young people for over 10 years in various capacities. I currently work as a counsellor in private practice and as a volunteer counsellor within charities while
completing a PDA in Counselling Children and Young People.
My training and qualification includes:
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PDA Counselling Children and Young People (in progress)
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ASIST Suicide Prevention
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Self-Harm Awareness Training
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First Aid in the workplace
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HND Counselling
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PDA in Online & Telephone Counselling
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HNC Counselling
Accredited Register Membership
I am a member of the BACP and I undertake regular supervision to maintain my professional practice.
Other Notes
I am a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Registered with Disclosure Scotland.
Linda
About
Qualified Therapy Dog
Qualifications & Experiences
Linda is our qualified therapy dog and a much-loved part of the practice. She greets clients at the door, usually with a toy in her mouth, and has a special talent for helping people feel at ease.
Linda loves to sit alongside clients, gently hold hands (paws), and fully believes she’s human. Her calm, affectionate presence can offer comfort, grounding, and a sense of connection during sessions, always at the client’s choice.
About
Margot
Qualifications & Experiences
Trainee Therapy Dog
Margot is the newest (and smallest!) member of the Jireh Wellbeing team.
She is a young cocker spaniel at the very beginning of her journey to becoming a qualified therapy dog.
Curious, gentle, and full of personality, Margot is currently in the early stages of her training. Over the next couple of years, she will be gradually introduced to the therapy environment, learning how to provide calm, comfort, and emotional support within sessions.
Margot will occasionally be present in some sessions as part of her early socialisation and training, always with careful consideration for clients’ comfort and preferences.
About
Laura McClelland
Trainee Adult and Couple Counsellor
Qualifications & Experiences
I have worked with adults with mental health and learning differences for over six years now. I am currently completing a diploma in relational counselling, while volunteering for a local charity.
My training and qualification includes:
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Diploma in Relational Counselling, specialising in Couples Therapy (in progress)
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ASIST Suicide Prevention
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Self-Harm Awareness Training
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BA (Hons) in Philosophy
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COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
Accredited Register Membership
I am a student member of COSCA and I undertake regular supervision to maintain my professional practice.
Other Notes
I am a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Registered with Disclosure Scotland.
About
Charlene McCallum
Trainee Adult and Couple Counsellor
Qualifications & Experiences
I have 19 years of teaching experience, including 10 in leadership, and currently oversee mental health and wellbeing in a secondary setting. I am passionate on offering support that is right for the individual. My work is dedicated to fostering resilience and emotional support, building trust-based relationships grounded in empathy, care, and innovation. I am proud to have co-delivered a community model of trauma-informed practice and remain deeply committed to creating a safe, compassionate space for therapeutic growth.
My training and qualification includes:
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Diploma in Relational Counselling at The Spark (in progress), and have previously gained COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills.
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Advanced and foundation Courses in the Drawing and Talking Approach
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ASSIST (Prevention against Suicide Training)
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trained
Accredited Register Membership
I am student member of COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland).
Other Notes
I am a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Registered with Disclosure Scotland.
About
Ria Iyer
Trainee Adult and Couple Counsellor
Qualifications & Experiences
I hold a BA (Honours) degree in Psychology, with minors in Anthropology and English Literature, and an MSc in Counselling Studies, with training in both person-centred and psychodynamic modalities. I am currently undertaking a Diploma in Relational Counselling at The Spark, with a focus on integrative and pluralistic practice.
My professional experience includes working within a counselling centre as part of the Client Communications and Hotline Responder team from August 2022 to December 2023. Since February 2025, I have been working as a Mental Health Support Worker within supported accommodation services. In addition to my professional roles, I volunteer as a Befriender with Rowan Alba, supporting adults affected by Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD).
My training and qualification includes:
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Undergoing Trauma informed practice training
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Naloxone trained
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First aid trained
Accredited Register Membership
Accredited Register Membership (COSCA, BACP); applied for a COSCA student membership in process; a member of the SSSC
Other Notes
I am a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Registered with Disclosure Scotland.