Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland

Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland

Empowering individuals to grow through life's challenges.

Schedule an Appointment

Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland

Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland Independent psychology services based in Ayrshire, Scotland

Empowering individuals to grow through life's challenges.

Schedule an Appointment

Chapters Psychology Services

Chapters Psychology Services is an independent psychological therapy service offering person-centred, evidence-based therapies to help individuals navigate life's challenges. 


Specialist support is also available for those in the perinatal stage (pregnancy and postnatal period - see 'Perinatal Support' section for more details).


We provide compassionate support to individuals seeking to gain insight to their psychology and improve their sense of well-being and move forward with a sense of empowerment. 

  

Dr Karen Mackenzie (b.a. hONS; M.Sc; d.clin.psy.)

Dr Karen Mackenzie is an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Chapters Psychology Services. She has nearly 20 years experience in NHS clinical settings and continues to work in the NHS alongside her independent practice.

She offers a down-to-earth and compassionate approach to those seeking support.

Chapters Psychology Services - perinatal support

Pregnancy and postnatal support

To help guide you to feel confident as you begin your parenting journey

Pregnancy and postnatal support

Dr Karen Mackenzie's specialist area is supporting individuals during pregnancy and the postnatal stage (also referred to the 'perinatal' stage). 


She has worked in NHS maternity and neonatal settings since 2021 and is passionate about supporting families during this always transformative, often joyous, and, sometimes, uncertain and vulner

Dr Karen Mackenzie's specialist area is supporting individuals during pregnancy and the postnatal stage (also referred to the 'perinatal' stage). 


She has worked in NHS maternity and neonatal settings since 2021 and is passionate about supporting families during this always transformative, often joyous, and, sometimes, uncertain and vulnerable time.


Common issues that individuals have sought support for include:

coping with a pregnancy after loss; managing medically complex pregnancies; overcoming fear of birth or medical procedures; wishing to process birth trauma; support to talk through common difficulties when adjusting to parenting.

Online to suit you

To help guide you to feel confident as you begin your parenting journey

Pregnancy and postnatal support

Online therapy has been shown to be as effective as in-person, and suits parents-to-be and new parents well. 


(You are encouraged to do whatever is needed to tend to baby during sessions - we understand the juggle very well, and you are welcome to bring baby if this feels easiest.)

To help guide you to feel confident as you begin your parenting journey

To help guide you to feel confident as you begin your parenting journey

To help guide you to feel confident as you begin your parenting journey

Often, unexpected twists and turns after that initial positive pregnancy test can throw an added emotional curveball at an already vulnerable time. 


The fantasy of pregnancy, childbirth or the 'newborn bubble' often doesn't transpire for many (through no one's fault or intention).  


The goal of our sessions is to simply be with you as you n

Often, unexpected twists and turns after that initial positive pregnancy test can throw an added emotional curveball at an already vulnerable time. 


The fantasy of pregnancy, childbirth or the 'newborn bubble' often doesn't transpire for many (through no one's fault or intention).  


The goal of our sessions is to simply be with you as you navigate this time, teach evidence-based psychological tools to help manage common worries, and gently put the pieces of your story together so you can move forward clearly and confidently to the next chapter as a family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Psychological therapy will be individualised to you and draws upon various psychological models and approaches, including: 

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
  • Eye Movement and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
  • Compassion Focussed Therapy


Dr Mackenzie is trained in all the above approaches and uses her expertise to sensitively listen to your current circumstances and goals, and draw from these psychological models in order to tailor sessions to meet your priorities at a pace that suits you.

Chapters Psychology Services are available for adults (18years+) for support for general psychological difficulties and specialist support for those in the perinatal stage (see Perinatal Support section for more details). 


Common issues that individuals seek general support for include:

  • Support following a traumatic event (e.g. a road accident, birth trauma) and treatment of post traumatic stress symptoms.
  • Relationship difficulties (with family, friends or partners).
  • Finding new ways to manage difficult emotions such as stress, anxiety, low mood, panic.
  • Obsessional Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
  • Managing the impact of physical health issues and adjustment to new diagnoses.
  • Adjustment through significant life stages e.g. becoming a parent, retirement, career transitions.

  

Therapy can involve a short course of input, or longer-term support . 


The initial appointment is an ‘assessment’ where you can share your situation and what you are seeking from therapy. Assessment can take 1-2 sessions and helps inform the best way forward to achieve your goals.  


Following the assessment process, we would arrange a session to review your 'formulation' (how we make sense of the difficulties you are experiencing) and agree on a treatment plan and approximate number of sessions. For some, the assessment and formulation process is all that is needed. For others, the number of sessions required can vary, depending on the complexity of the difficulties experienced.  Typically, you can expect to be offered between 6-12 sessions. This varies between individuals depending on their unique issues and goals for therapy. 


A short course of therapy could focus on learning specific practical tools and psychological techniques to help manage difficulties e.g. anxiety management techniques. 


Psychological therapy could also be used as a space to reflect on deeper issues that commonly transpire during various chapters in life. Therapy can offer a chance to re-evaluate your values, explore new insights or perspectives, and work towards making small (or big) changes so that this next chapter of life feels fulfilling and meaningful to you. It can also be a space to process particularly traumatic events or old issues from the past that may now be coming to the surface, using recommended trauma-focussed approaches such as CBT or EMDR. 


Accessing psychological support is not a judgment on your mental health or your ability to cope. Rather, it can be a valuable opportunity to give you the time and space you deserve as you navigate life's common challenges. 


Appointments can be arranged at regular, fixed slots, or be arranged more flexibly to suit you. 


For some who are ready to work towards very specific goals, weekly or fortnightly appointments may be recommended in order to keep momentum and receive personalised support in implementing new insights in day-to-day life. 


For others, a slower paced approach may suit and a longer period between appointments may feel more fitting. We recognise that timing is very important in therapy and it's sensible to consider any wider obligations you may have when embarking on therapy. At Chapters Psychology Services, we would seek to have an open conversation about this so we can work our appointments around what suits your life and your priorities. 

Appointments are available in-person or online (using Google Meet). 


In-person appointments take place in a warm and inviting clinic space in Ayr.  Sessions are priced at £120 per 50-55 minutes and payable in advance by BACS transfer.


Services are available to self-funding individuals and those registered with BUPA Healthcare. For those accessing appointments with private healthcare insurance, please check our Terms and Conditions and your insurance policy for information about arranging payments and any excess charges owed.
 

 

A Clinical Psychologist is trained to doctoral level. Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with children, young people, adults and older adults, and usually specialise with a specific client group post-qualification.  They are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication, however often work closely or alongside other health professionals, (e.g. psychiatry, GPs, mental health nurses) to consider suitable supports depending on the individual's needs.*


Clinical Psychologists are trained to assess and treat a range of psychological and emotional difficulties that can occur at any time in life, as well as neuropsychological assessment. They are trained in multiple therapeutic approaches which aim to reduce psychological distress and promote psychological well-being.


Clinical psychologists' role often also includes providing consultation, training and supervision to other professionals and other agencies in psychological therapies.


Conducting research is a key component of Clinical Psychology training and many clinical psychologists are involved in research and evaluation of services.


*Chapters Psychology Services offers psychological assessment and treatment only. However, if, following discussion, it seems that medication may be a helpful adjunct to therapy, you may be signposted to discuss this with your GP or other relevant healthcare professional.

We understand that life can get in the way of scheduled appointments. We ask that you provide us with at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment so that we can reallocate that appointment to another person. 


If you cancel less than 48 hours before your appointment, you will be charged a cancellation fee. Please ask to see the terms and conditions if you would like more details.

Contact Us

Chapters Psychology Services

Opening hours:

Today

Closed

Get in touch for a free 15 minute consultation to make sure we are the right service for you

Attach Files
Attachments (0)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Cancel

If you or someone you care about is in crisis:

Please note Chapters Psychology Services cannot provide an immediate response and is not a crisis service. 


Any client or prospective client whose needs require urgent or multidisciplinary mental health support should contact their GP in the first instance. 


In case of mental health emergency such as a risk of suicide, please call 999 (UK) or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency department. The following services may also be contacted:

  • NHS 24 – 111. This service is available to give help and advice if your GP surgery is closed and you cannot wait until it re-opens.
  • Samaritans – 116 123; jo@samaritans.org. This service provides twenty-four hour emotional support to individuals who are suicidal or in crisis.  

We work with the following insurance providers:

Copyright © 2026 Chapters Psychology Services - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept