Business Details
28 Years
experience
Expert Holistic Psychotherapy & Neurofeedback Services
The Life Academy is a holistic psychotherapy practice founded by Harris Papachristopoulos, a psychologist, psychotherapist, and philosophical coach with over 20 years of experience. We integrate evidence-based psychotherapy, neuroscience, technology, philosophy, and spirituality to create individualised approaches for healing and personal growth. Our services include in-person sessions in Edinburgh and London, online consultations, and ecotherapy in natural settings. We specialise in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and neurodiversity, while offering neurofeedback and philosophical coaching. Our approach prioritises non-pathologising, compassionate care, focusing on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. We maintain memberships with the British Psychological Society, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and American Philosophical Practitioners Association, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and professional development.
Services
Holistic Psychotherapy
Online Neurofeedback
Couples Counselling
Philosophical Coaching
Ecotherapy Sessions
Trauma Therapy
Neurodiversity Support
Spiritual Counselling
Served areas
- Edinburgh
Details
- Year established: 1998
- Employees: 1
Highlights and features
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Asperger Syndrome
- Bereavement
- Depression
- General Counselling
- Health Related Issues
- Men-Specific Issues
- Relationship Counselling or Marriage Counselling
- Self Esteem
- Stress
- Trauma
Associations and certifications
- British Psychological Society (BPS)
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA)
Payment methods
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Mobile payments
Services
Holistic Psychotherapy
Combining evidence-based psychotherapy, neuroscience, and spirituality to address anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our approach focuses on mind-body-spirit integration through techniques like Internal Family Systems and mindfulness. Clients benefit from non-pathologising treatment plans tailored to individual needs while working in a safe, non-judgmental environment that promotes long-term healing and personal growth.
Online Neurofeedback
Scientifically evidenced brain training for ADHD, trauma, and performance enhancement. Remote sessions include equipment rental and bi-weekly consultations. This non-invasive treatment improves focus and emotional regulation through 4-month programmes with unlimited home sessions. Particularly beneficial for executives, artists, and individuals with chronic conditions seeking cognitive optimisation without medication.
Philosophical Coaching
Mentoring based on practical philosophy and positive neuroplasticity. Through Socratic questioning and mindfulness practices, clients develop self-awareness and character strengths. The process involves deep inquiry into personal values followed by actionable plans for growth. Particularly effective for life transitions, career decisions, and aligning spiritual beliefs with daily practice while fostering resilience and ethical decision-making capabilities.
Ecotherapy Sessions
Outdoor psychotherapy conducted in forests and coastal environments. These sessions utilise natural settings to enhance mindfulness and emotional processing. Available as short sessions or multi-day retreats, they help develop presence and environmental connection. Particularly effective for stress reduction, creative blocks, and eco-anxiety while promoting sustainable lifestyle changes through nature-based healing practices.
Trauma Therapy
Specialised treatment for PTSD, complex trauma, and developmental trauma using CRM and somatic approaches. Combines body-based interventions with cognitive restructuring to process traumatic memories safely. Includes techniques for emotional regulation and nervous system stabilisation. Particularly suited for individuals with chronic stress, dissociation, or trauma-related physical symptoms seeking comprehensive healing through integrated mind-body approaches.
People
Harris Papachristopoulos
Founder & Lead Psychotherapist
Greece-born psychotherapist with 20+ years experience integrating psychology, philosophy, and nature-based healing. Holds BSc in Psychology, MA in Counselling, and pursuing PhD research. Specialises in trauma, neurodiversity, and existential concerns while advocating for ecotherapy and holistic approaches to mental health.
Alastair
Associate Therapist
Experienced Edinburgh-based therapist specialising in cognitive-behavioural approaches and mindfulness practices. Works with anxiety disorders, stress management, and workplace mental health. Combines academic training with practical experience in both public and private sector mental health services.
Maria
Counselling Psychologist
Greece-trained psychologist offering cross-cultural perspectives in therapy. Specialises in relationship counselling and grief processing. Utilises person-centred approach with emphasis on emotional intelligence and interpersonal dynamics while maintaining strong commitment to client confidentiality and ethical practice.
Questions
What happens during the first psychotherapy session?
The initial session focuses on building rapport and discussing your concerns. We'll explore your background, establish therapy goals, and discuss our working agreement. You'll receive a copy of our therapy contract outlining confidentiality boundaries and session structure.
How does philosophical coaching differ from traditional therapy?
Philosophical coaching uses Socratic questioning and mindfulness to explore life purpose and ethical decisions. Unlike traditional therapy, it focuses on existential questions and practical wisdom development rather than mental health diagnosis, helping clients create meaningful life strategies through critical thinking.
Are online neurofeedback sessions effective?
Remote neurofeedback achieves comparable results to in-person sessions through home equipment rental. The 4-month programme includes bi-weekly consultations and unlimited training sessions, effectively improving focus for ADHD, trauma recovery, and performance enhancement across professional and creative fields.
What makes ecotherapy sessions unique?
Nature-based sessions utilise outdoor environments to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Conducted in forests or coastal areas, these sessions improve mindfulness and emotional regulation while addressing eco-anxiety. Available as single sessions or multi-day retreats, they promote environmental connection and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Do you offer concessionary rates?
We don't offer standard concessions but provide weekly pro bono psychotherapy sessions for unemployed individuals, low-income students, and refugees. Neurofeedback services remain chargeable, with payment options available through secure online invoicing using major credit/debit cards.