About Crystal Yuhua Lei
Crystal (she/her) is a trauma therapist based in Edinburgh.
My Approach
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh, and I work as a psychodynamic and humanistic counsellor and psychotherapist.
This means I pay attention to not only what’s happening for you now, but also the deeper layers beneath the surface, including how past relationships and experiences may be shaping your feelings, relationships and sense of self, enabling lasting and meaningful change.
My approach is deeply relational, which means I don't sit back as a distant observer. I show up as a real human being, warmly present, engaged, and responsive to you. The relationship we build together can become a space where patterns begin to emerge and be understood, and where new ways of relating to yourself and others can develop.
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At the heart of my approach is the belief that you deserve to feel truly seen, heard, and understood in a real and meaningful way. If this resonates with you, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Crystal Yuhua Lei
MBACP (Accredited)
Experienced Trauma Therapist
My passion for trauma began with my own personal therapy, and my work at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, supporting survivors of sexual trauma. Over time, I came to understand how trauma impacts both the body and mind, and learned how to offer empathy and a safe space for individuals to process the overwhelming emotions trauma brings, and reclaim their sense of self.
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I also worked at a University Student Counselling Service in Edinburgh, supporting clients with a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, and relationship difficulties.
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I have a deep interest in childhood development and the ways early experiences shape our identity, personality and relationships. Through Place2Be, I gained valuable experience working with children at an Edinburgh primary school.
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I’m an immigrant who has settled in Edinburgh. I have lived experience of what it feels like to be different, and to be an outsider, trying to fit in and belong. Living in different cultures and speaking multiple languages has shaped me into someone with openness, flexibility and a deep appreciation for every person's unique journey.
In addition to English, I also offer sessions in Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese.
Professional Membership
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, (BACP). This means my practice has met the BACP's higher standard as a competent, ethical and independent practitioner. My practice is underpinned by the BACP code of ethics.
Qualification & Training
What can you expect in therapy with me?
You can expect a warm, compassionate space that feels calm, safe, steady and supportive. You will be listened to with care, and your experiences will be taken seriously.
As my approach is trauma-informed, we will go at a pace that feels manageable for you. Talking about difficult feelings can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I will support you in slowing things down when needed, helping you stay grounded and within a sense of safety. You won’t have to face these experiences alone - we will work through them together.
You are welcome to bring whatever comes to mind in our sessions - whether that’s feelings, memories, thoughts, and dreams. There is no right or wrong place to start. I will listen to you with care, attention, and without judgement, as we begin to make sense of your experience together.
Through this process, you may feel relieved, know yourself more deeply, learn to relate to yourself and others differently, and gradually improve.
Sessions last 50 minutes. For therapeutic reasons, I recommend we meet weekly (read my blog about this here).
I work with people both long-term or short-term. We will regularly review our work together, and when the time feels right, we will discuss and work towards an ending collaboratively.
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If you think we may be a good fit, you are welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15-30 minute intro meeting.
