About Me
I support individuals, families, friends, and groups as they navigate trauma and addiction.
My background
My journey into therapy began through personal experience as a group facilitator in peace and reconciliation, where I witnessed the power of a supportive environment helping people share their stories and begin healing.
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Professional experience
After earning a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, I worked as an integrative trauma counsellor in the voluntary and charitable sector. Recognising the close link between trauma and addiction, I later expanded into addiction counselling across the public and private sectors, offering one-to-one sessions and group support tailored to individual needs.
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Experience and approach
With over 17 years of experience in private practice and across Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts, the Public Health Authority, and the Probation Board, I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Addictive Counselling. This allows me to provide compassionate, effective support not only in addictions but across a range of emotional difficulties.
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Professional membership
I am a registered accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Ongoing professional development is central to my practice, and my goal is to create a safe, professional space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make lasting change.
My Approach
What that means in practice is simple: I tailor therapy to suit you. There is no one size fits all model, just a safe, compassionate space where we explore your story, your struggles and your goals at your own pace.
My role is not to judge or diagnose, it’s to walk alongside you, helping you make sense of what is happening and discover new ways forward.
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When working with clients experiencing alcohol or drug addiction, sessions are collaborative - you set the pace and decide the goals. Every person’s journey and recovery is unique.​
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Together, we will:​​​
• Explore the triggers, patterns, and beliefs that contribute to your substance use.
• Develop practical coping strategies to manage cravings, stress, urges, and difficult emotions.
• Build self-worth and strengthen motivation for meaningful change.
• Support you in rebuilding relationships, routines, and areas of life that nourish your recovery.
• Create a realistic and sustainable recovery plan tailored to your needs.
I take an integrative approach to counselling, drawing on person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic work, and trauma-informed approaches.
Education
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
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Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
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Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Level 6 Certificate in Clinical Supervision - Belfast Metropolitan College
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CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Studies
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AQA Certificate in Counselling Skills
SPECIALIST CLINICAL TRAINING
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Advanced Diploma in Depression
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Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Psychological College of Ireland
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Certificate in Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (Adults & Adolescents) - EABCT
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Certificate in Working with Relational Trauma - Caroline Spring
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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Certificate in Gestalt Therapy
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Alcohol Related Brain Damage (Specialist Training)
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Disassociative Identity Disorder
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Cognitive Thearpy for Social Anxiety Disorder in Adults & Adolsecents (EABCT)
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Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (Specialist Training)
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Think Family Model (Adrian Falkov)