Welcome to
Harper Psychology

A team of dedicated therapists working in Edinburgh

A note from Alison

Alison Harper, director at Harper Psychology in Edinburgh, has dedicated her career to mental health since beginning as an assistant psychologist in 1996. Her journey led her to establish one of the city’s most respected clinics, where she and her team offer specialised, compassionate care. Over 24 years, Alison’s experience has expanded to address the rising demand for mental health support, particularly among young adults. Today, Harper Psychology’s dedicated team of six full-time therapists work together to make lasting impacts in their clients’ lives.

Why choose us?

At the Harper Psychology, we pride ourselves on offering a unique and client-centered approach that sets us apart from others. Here’s why choosing us could be the best decision for your mental health journey:

We believe that mental health is best understood when seen as clearly and in as uncomplicated a way as possible. As with dental health or physical fitness, mental welbeing is optimised by employing consistent strategies and routines. This underpins our practice, where we provide clients with the tools needed to optimise mental health.
There is much evidence which suggests timely intervention can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of treatment and prevent more significant issues from developing. While many are left waiting for extended periods due to pressure on the NHS, we work hard to prioritise prompt access to our services. We strive to see clients within a month of their referral, and in many cases, we can accommodate even earlier appointments. We understand that when you’re ready to seek help, time is of the essence, and we're committed to ensuring you don’t have to wait.
We firmly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every individual we work with has their own unique experiences, needs, and goals. Our interventions are formulation-driven, meaning they are specifically tailored to the individual based on a thorough understanding of their specific situation. Our clinicians are not only highly trained but also dedicated to staying at the forefront of their field. Through continuous professional development (CPD), they are well-versed in the latest research, best practice guidelines, and advancements in the field. This guarantees that the care you receive is based on the latest and most effective approaches.
The therapeutic environment plays a crucial role in the success of treatment. Our practice spaces have been thoughtfully designed to create a serene and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you'll find a warm, safe, and cozy setting that encourages relaxation and peace of mind. Located centrally, near the Meadows, for ease of access, our practices are also discreetly situated to protect your privacy.
We know that many people find comfort in the presence of animals, we offer the option to include Paddy and Bee in your sessions. These usually well behaved puppies can provide additional emotional support and help create a soothing environment during your therapy.

Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and we’re here to make sure that from the very first interaction, you feel understood, and confident in the care you’ll receive. We are committed to supporting your journey to better mental health, with a focus on personalised, prompt, and compassionate care.

Our Team

“I have had sessions with Alison over a number of years and my mental health has significantly benefited. She has helped me work through many difficult situations and life events with compassion. I feel able to enjoy my life and equipped to face challenges with a positive outlook.”
“For the second time during a time of extreme difficulty wonderful Alison Harper has helped me beyond measure. She listens and understands and has useful workable solutions. Apart from relieving immediate distress she has helped my reframe my outlook and future planning. So apart from help I knew I needed I have had help that I was not aware I was in need of. Thank you thank you.”
“Sara is an exceptional therapist, and has been fundamental in enabling me to move towards an understanding of the trauma I have experienced, and a quality of life which I could never have envisaged without stumbling into her office some years ago. She is extremely kind, sensitive, professional, intelligent... a truly gifted therapist, and someone I owe a fulfilling life to... and to the wider clinical team with whom I have also had interaction... a deep and sincere thank you.”
“Emma is so kind and welcoming and always makes me feel completely at ease. She creates a comfortable environment that I always feel safe in and can speak to her about absolutely anything. Emma’s knowledge and professionalism is outstanding and her help and advice has been life changing due to her care and attention as well as the time she has taken to listen to me, get to know me and understand what’s going on.”
“Finding a therapist that I felt comfortable with was difficult until I met Alison. Alison has helped me in ways I can’t explain. Was so lucky to find a therapist that has worked with similar mental health conditions to mine to which has had a real positive impact on my therapy sessions with her. I’ve always felt heard, understood and comfortable going to Alison about anything that’s been troubling me. Thank you for being so supportive 🙏🏼”
“Dr Harper is a leading light when it comes to medicolegal instruction. Her reports are always thorough, clear and considered. She is very well respected within both her own profession, but also the legal profession and with good reason. Her reports are easily understood by both clients and solicitors alike and she gets to the heart of the issue quickly. It is a privilege to be able to call upon her opinion”.
“Therapy has impacted my life greatly - I have seen a vast improvement in my mental health and can navigate my emotions with confidence. I have felt seen and heard without judgement throughout my sessions, and couldn’t be more thankful for the support I have been given!”
I believe Emma really understood my issues and where I was wanting to improve. She was able to think about things before I was and provide a good range of solutions. She was very understanding and patient and I felt no problem or issue was too big or too small to discuss. I am super happy with the care I recieved!