Atholl is passionate about creating a safe and supportive connection with clients as the basis for therapeutic work. His approach is warm and gentle and his goals in working with clients are to help them to understand their deeper needs and to facilitate growth toward the life they want to be living. Appreciating, celebrating, and encouraging diversity is an important part of this process (including LGBTIQ+ and neurodiversity).

Atholl views life as a journey of growth and self-discovery that leads not only to a meaningful life but also to a greater capacity to contribute to others’ lives in constructive and meaningful ways. Getting stuck somewhere along that journey can lead to difficult emotional experiences (such as depression, anxiety or anger) and to difficulty in finding satisfaction in relationships with others. He also enjoys supporting people in navigating life changes (relationship, family, work, health) and shifts in identity.

He is skilled in facilitating clients to feel heard and understood and comes to psychology with a diverse range of life experiences. He has worked in a range of contexts including government, not-for-profit and private practice organisations, providing education, leadership, crisis support and short- and longer-term therapeutic care. He has also undertaken extensive research exploring men’s experiences of intimacy.

Atholl grew up in a family with strong Christian faith resulting in intense internal and relationship conflict in coming to terms with his own sexual diversity. Resolving this conflict was a long process but one that has resulted in a rewarding outlook on life combining both diversity and spirituality.

Atholl is available for in-clinic, telephone, and online counselling. When not at work, he enjoys vegetable gardening, cooking, home renovation and knitting, and thinks about travelling more.