Author: Tessa

Location
Holywood & Belfast

I am registered/accredited with
BACP

Code of ethics observed
BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling

Qualifications
Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling (QUB)
PhD English
MA Sociology

Special interest/experience
Adoption and Fostering
Family Support and Challenging behaviour
Attachment and developmental trauma in adoption
LGBTQIA+ issues
Neurodiversity (particularly ADHD and Autism)

Additional information
I am an adoptive parent. I have worked in the area of parent support for many years, focusing particularly on challenging behaviour and the parent/child relationship. I also work with university students, providing mentoring for students with Autism. My initial training was in person-centred counselling.

In recent years I have undertaken training in fostering and adoption, developmental trauma, attachment issues, suicide and self-harm, parent-to-child violence, secondary trauma, suicide prevention and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. I bring to my counselling practice a professional and personal understanding of the challenges of adoption, as well as its rewards.

I have experience of the Statementing process for children with additional support needs and of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Northern Ireland. I was commissioned by the TESSA Project to write the ‘Love and Rage’ support programme programme for adoptive parents of children with challenging behaviour.

In addition to my work at the TESSA Project I am a sessional counsellor for the Rainbow Project, working with LGBTQIA+ people and people who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. In addition to my sessional work with charities, I have a small private practice.

TESSA Counsellor

Location
Greater Belfast

I am registered/accredited with
BACP Accredited

Code of ethics observed
BACP

Qualifications
MSc in Counselling and Supervision
Certificate in Counselling Skills
Transactional Analysis Certificate
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Certificate
CPCPAG Level 5 Relationship Therapy (Relate trained)

Special interest/experience
Anxiety and Stress Management, Communication in relationships, Trauma, family systems and Attachments, Grief and Loss, Stress and Anxiety, Self-care.

Additional information
I have been practising as a counsellor and Supervisor for 18 years. I have worked for over 30 years in the community/voluntary sector with individuals, families and more recently couples. Working with issues such as Domestic violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse.

I also have 15 years’ experience working in the field of pregnancy, birth trauma, post-pregnancy related issues, bereavement, post-natal depression and anxiety.

In my current post I coordinate a counseling service and provide supervision and training for counsellors. I worked for five years with parents in community-based settings, supporting them to develop ways to communicate with their children and engage in difficult conversations. Part of this work was with foster parents.

I have also worked with birth and adoptive families at different stages of the adoption process. I have a good sense of how complex things can be and why it is so important that everyone involved receives the support they need when they need it.

I have my own practice room in North Belfast with availability daytime and evenings. My room is within a shared building, and is accessible on the ground floor. Free parking is available on site.

My theoretical approach
I work with clients in an integrative way. While I hold Rogerian principals my work is underpinned by systems and attachment theories.   I also use the Transactional Analysis model of communication.

I see: Individuals and Couples

Willing to travel: Yes

TESSA Counsellor

Location
Newtownabbey

I am registered/accredited with
Registered Member of BACP

Code of ethics observed
BACP and Association of Christian Counsellors

Qualifications
Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy
Advanced Certificate in Counselling & Pastoral Care
Certificate in Listening Skills + Tutor Training
QUB Certificate in Social Welfare Studies
(I am a Registered Member of BACP & observe their code of ethics)

Special interest/experience
Adoption, Relationship Counselling, Depression, Bereavement, Anxiety & low self esteem.

Additional information
I am a mother of three children & stepmother to a child with ADHD & learning difficulties. I work in private practice by way of Zoom and face to face. My journey into counselling has grown out of my own personal experience of therapy and the difference it has made to my life.

Most of us at some time or another can feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, which can leave us feeling helpless & alone. I believe that counselling can offer a safe & confidential space, which gives us the opportunity to explore our thoughts & feelings. When we are given a sense of being listened to & deeply understood we can then begin to resolve the issues that prevent us from moving forward. I work primarily from a Person-Centred base which is respectful & non-judgemental, drawing on a variety of therapeutic interventions as necessary.

My theoretical approach
I work primarily from a Person Centred base which is respectful and non-judgemental , and draw on a variety of therapeutic interventions as necessary.

I see: Individuals, Couples

Willing to travel? Yes

TESSA Counsellor

Location
Online

I am registered/accredited with:
IACP and IAHIP.

Code of ethics observed
IACP and IAHIP codes of ethics for good practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Qualifications
Post Graduate Diploma in Supervision
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Certificate in Solution Focused Counselling
Diploma in CBT
Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education
B. Ed Degree

Special interest/experience
Attachment Issues, Adoption, Shock and Trauma, Relationships.

Additional information
I have a particular interest in adoption. I aim to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with people and provide a private, confidential, and safe online therapeutic space in which we can work through the issues people bring to therapy. I have family experience of adoption, as adoptive mother to two grown up daughters.

I see: Individuals, couples, and families

TESSA Counsellor

Location
Belfast

I am registered/accredited with:
BACP, Registered member; BICA Registered Member.

Code of ethics observed
BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling.

Qualifications
Degree in Integrative Counselling (Person-Centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic approaches) UU.
Safeguarding Children & Young People – UU.
Suicide Awareness & Prevention – Assist NI.

Special interest/experience
Adoption, Attachment issues, Childhood Trauma, Grief & Loss, Infertility,
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Relationship Counselling, Therapeutic Parenting, Neurodiversity (Dyslexia).

Additional information
Lesley Delaney is an adoptive parent, she has more than twenty five years’ experience of working with people within diverse business, public and private sector environments. She is a registered BACP Integrative Counsellor/Psychotherapist and BICA registered Fertility Counsellor. In her practice she works with individuals, couples and families facing a wide range of mental health issues.

Lesley has a wealth of experience of working with adoption; an experienced trainer, she has delivered training through BHSCT, Adoption UK and TESSA to prospective/current adopters and professionals working in adoption. She facilitates therapeutic group and individual sessions to provide direct support to adoptive parents on therapeutic parenting, developmental trauma, attachment, challenging behaviours, identity and issues of belonging.

Through her personal and professional experience, Lesley is passionate about supporting adoptive parents. Her aim is to provide advice and support to help empower parents, increase their confidence, promote the development of healthy attachment relationships, understand past trauma and improve parent and child’s ability to regulate. Ultimately to support parents and children to survive and thrive.

My theoretical approach
As an integrative Counsellor, I use aspects of Person Centred, CBT and Psychodynamic therapies to suit each client’s individual needs.

I see: Individuals, Couples, Families.