About Me
Across Northern Ireland, I support individuals, families, friends, and groups as they navigate trauma, addiction, and other life’s emotional hallenges. Together, we take steps toward recovery, growth, and lasting wellbeing.
​My journey into therapy began through personal experience as a group facilitator in peace and reconciliation, where I witnessed the power of how a supportive environment helped and supported people share their stories and begin healing.
After earning a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, I started working as an integrative Trauma Counsellor in the voluntary/charitable sector. Recognising the correlation between trauma and addiction I crossed over to addiction counselling , expanding my practice into the public and private sectors and later as a private practitioner, offering one-to-one sessions and group support tailored to the individual needs of each client.​
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With over 17 years of experience working in private practice and diverse sectors across Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts, Public Health Authority, Probation Board - I draw on my training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Addictive Counselling to provide compassionate, effective support not only in my area of addictions, but also provide psychotherapy for a range of emotional disorders.​
I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and ongoing professional development is central to my practice. My goal is to create a safe, professional space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make positive, 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.​
Together, we will:​​
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• 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 techniques from person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) psychodynamic work and trauma-informed therapy.
Education
2015-2017
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
2011-2014
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
2007-2010
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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Certificate in Gestalt Therapy - Northern Regional College
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Alcohol Related Brain Damage (Specialist Training)