How To Access Counsellors
Counselling is a gift, not a criticism.
You are doing a great job and we want to help you to keep doing it.
At TESSA we offer counselling to every parent referred to our service because we recognise that parenting a child with a trauma history can take its toll on us and our relationships. Our counselling service aims to validate your role as parent. It is a supportive space where you can be open about the challenges and the joys of family life. Look upon it as a form of self care because you are worth it!
Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger than to relatives or friends. A trained counsellor or therapist can listen without judgement and help you find your own answers to problems.
The therapist will give you time to talk, cry, shout or just think. It’s an opportunity to look at life in a different way with someone who will respect you and your opinions and it is time devoted entirely to you.
Our aim is to provide a counselling service accessible to adopters throughout Northern Ireland. We have a team throughout the province with their own specialisms and areas of interest, all of whom fit the TESSA criteria for standards of good practice.
“The counselling I received through TESSA has been life changing. Thank you so much”
We have a team of counsellors throughout NI with their own specialisms and areas of interest, all of whom have completed the Adoption UK Insights and Strategies training for professionals working in adoption. This training mirrors the content of the AUK Parenting Our Children course and ensures that TESSA counsellors are aware of the key issues affecting adoption today. Some counsellors also have personal experience of adoption and/or fostering.
Only you can choose the therapist who’s right for you. Most practitioners are happy for you to phone and ask questions to help with your decision making. After speaking to a counsellor ask yourself if you feel comfortable telling this person intimate details about yourself and your family. Do you feel safe with them? Do you like their manner? Could you be completely open with them? When you have made your choice (it may be worth having a second and third choice), please get in touch so we can arrange contact.
Good luck with the process.
Below is our counsellors register.
TESSA COUNSELLORS
| Name | John Campbell |
| Location | Banbridge, BT32 4LZ |
| I am registered/accredited with | BACP/IACP/BAOT (Occupational Therapy) |
| Code of Ethics observed | BACP/BAOT |
| My Qualifications | Dip.HE Counselling, Dip. CBT. Dip. Counselling Supervision, IPT, EMDR |
| Special interests/Experience in | Autism, Anxiety/Depression, Addiction, Sexual Problems, Abuse |
| Additional Information | I have 40 years’ experience as a mental health professional initially as an Occupational Therapist and then as a counsellor. I have obtained the Advanced Cert of Education (ACE) in Autism and an MBA in Management. I teach to degree standard in counselling through the UUJ. I also have a private practice where I also supervise counsellor and students. |
| My Theoretical Approach | Integrative |
| I see | I also offer Couples Therapy and Group Therapy |
| Any other information | Willing to travel |
| Name: | Lesley Delaney |
| Location | Belfast |
| I am registered/accredited with | BACP, Registered member |
| Code of ethics observed | BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling |
| My qualifications are: | FdSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy
Safeguarding Children & Young People – UU Suicide Awareness & Prevention –Assist |
| I have a special interest/experience in: | Adoption, Attachment issues Childhood Trauma, Grief & Loss, Infertility, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Relationship Counselling, Therapeutic Parenting |
| Additional information | As an adoptive parent, I have a particular interest in working with all people who have been affected by the experience of adoption. In my private practice, I provide therapeutic 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. I also work independently with a Health Trust providing training pre and post adoption on attachment, neuroscience, contact and life story work. |
| My theoretical approach is | 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 |
| Willing to travel? | Yes |
| Name: | Louise Faulkner |
| Location: | Belfast |
| I’m registered/accredited with: | Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)
British Association Social Workers (BASW) |
| Code of ethics observed | NISCC and BASW |
| My qualifications: | Currently undertaking the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Practicum to become a certified DDP therapist
2017 Non Violence Resistance Training 2015 DDP Masterclass 2015 Dr K. Golding, Foundations for Attachments Trainer Programme 2017 Group Theraplay 2014 Theraplay Level 1 and MIM’s Assessment Model 2014 PQ Specialist Social Work Award 1-3 obtained and ongoing 2010 / 2011 DDP Levels 1 & 2 Incredible Years BASIC, ADVANCED and DINA Programmes 2007 Foundation in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice 2006 Young Minds Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2003 Queen’s University Belfast 1995 Middlesex University BA Hons in Art Practice in the Community and Psychology 1992 Burnley College Foundation Studies in Art and Design |
| Special interest/experience in: | My particular area of interest is in providing therapeutic support to children, young people and their adoptive families to enhance therapeutic parenting knowledge and responses, create safety and security within relationships and enable families and professionals to have challenging conversations with young people. |
| Additional information: | I have been supporting families in NI for nearly 20 years and since 2012 I have been in the role of Senior Practitioner in a multi-disciplinary Therapeutic Team for Looked After and Adopted Children providing training, consultancy and direct therapeutic support to Looked After Children, children post adoption and their care giver network. I am also registered with BASW as an Independent Social Work Practitioner and Therapist.
Throughout my professional journey, as well as my own personal experiences of adoption, I have been fascinated by relationships, how we interact, how we influence each other, patterns of communication, our expectations, hopes and wishes as well as our commitments in relationships and attachments. Given their complexity, relationships can require support to think about how best to understand ourselves and others in helpful and safe ways and to develop a level of attachment security. |
| My theoretical approach: | My practice is therefore significantly influenced by the principles, knowledge and skills of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Family Therapy, Therapeutic Parenting Models and Theraplay as these interventions assess and promote resilience, attachment, self-regulation and mindful presence in times of difficulty and distress. |
| I see: | Parents and Children |
| Any other information: Work Area – Belfast | |
| Name: | Catherine Gilligan |
| Location: | Derry |
| I’m registered/accredited with: | IACP, IAHIP and Registered with ICP |
| Code of ethics observed | IACP and IAHIP codes of ethics for good practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy |
| My qualifications: | Post Graduate Dip. In Counselling/Psychotherapy
Certificate on Solution Focused Counselling Post Graduate Dip. In Special Education B. Ed Degree |
| Special interest/experience in: | Attachment issues, Adoption, Shock and Trauma, Relationship Counselling |
| Additional information: | I have a particular interest in all parties in the adoption triangle, adopted people, birth parents and adoptive parents. I aim to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with people and provide a private, confidential and safe place to begin working through the issues they bring to therapy. I have family experience of adoption. |
| My theoretical approach: | I use a variety of approaches, staying with people with whom I work, and using a method that offers a way of working with them and understanding the situation from their perspective |
| I see: | Individuals, Couples, Families. |
| Any other information: Work Area – Derry | |
| Name | Lynda Graham |
| Location | Carrickfergus & Donaghadee |
| I am registered/accredited with: | Registered with BACP & NISCC
Accredited member of National Counselling Society |
| Code of ethics observed | BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling |
| My qualifications are | MSc Counselling & Therapeutic Communication Dip Person Centred Counselling Certificate in Counselling BA (Hons) Social Work Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Brief Solution Focused Therapy Child Protection Training; Vulnerable Adults Training |
| I have a special interest/experience in | Adoption, Post Adoption depression, Relationship Counselling |
| Additional information | I aim to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with clients and provide a private, confidential and safe place to begin working through issues and difficulties you wish to bring into counselling. I specialise in working with people in the adoption triangle. This includes: counselling adoptive parents, birth parents and young people, working with Individuals/couples applying to adopt, post-adoption support, helping with contact issues as well as assessing prospective adopters. I have a particular interest in Post Adoption Depression (PAD) and have family experience of adoption. |
| My theoretical approach | Primarily Person Centred counselling, but I realise that a more integrated approach is often necessary so I use aspects of CBT and Solution Focused Counselling. |
| I see: | Individuals, couples, families |
| Name | Lynne Heber |
| Location | Newtownabbey |
| I am registered/accredited with: | Registered Member of BACP |
|
Code of ethics observed
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BACP and Association of Christian Counsellors. |
| My qualifications are | Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy Advanced Certificate in Counselling & Pastoral Care (Christian Guidelines) Certificate in Listening skills + Tutor training QUB Certificate in Social Welfare Studies |
| I have a special interest/experience in | Adoption, Relationship Counselling, Depression, Bereavement, Anxiety and low self- esteem issues |
| Additional information | Most of us at some time or another can feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, which can leave us feeling helpless and alone. I believe that counselling can offer a safe and confidential space, which gives us the opportunity to explore our thoughts and feelings. When we are given a sense of being listened to and deeply understood we can then begin to resolve the issues that prevent us from enjoying our lives. |
| 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 |
| Name | Natalia Hodgers |
| Location | Lisburn |
| I am registered/accredited with: | BACP (British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists, Registered Member)
NHS (National Hypnotherapy Society, Registered Member) |
| Code of ethics observed
|
I abide by BACP & NHS code of ethics. |
| My qualifications are | My counselling qualifications are:
My training areas are:
Cert in Managing Self-Harm |
| I have a special interest/experience in | Integrative Counselling Practice, Relationship Issues, Attachment Issues, Mindfulness & Hypnotherapy Practice. |
| Additional information | I have over 10 years’ experience in the voluntary and public sectors working with individuals, couples, and families.
I currently work as a self-employed counsellor, hypnotherapist, and mindfulness practitioner. |
| My theoretical approach | Integrative counselling (person-centred, CBT & psychodynamic) |
| I see: | Individuals, couples, families. |
| Willing to travel? | Yes |
| Name: | Heather Low |
| Location: | Greater Belfast |
| I’m registered/accredited with: | BACP Accredited |
| Code of ethics observed | BACP |
| My 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 in: | Anxiety and Stress Management, Communication in relationships, Trauma, family systems and Attachments, Grief and Loss, Stress and Anxiety, Self-care. |
| Additional information: | 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:
Willing to Travel: |
Individuals and Couples
Yes |
| Name | Sally McAleer |
| Location | Ballygawley |
| I am registered/accredited with: | Accredited member of National Counselling Society PGCE City & Guilds Adult and Further Education |
| Code of ethics observed
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Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling BA (Hons) Degree P.G.C.E. C & G Adult & Further Education |
| My qualifications are | Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 4 |
| I have a special interest/experience in | Anxiety, Addiction, Adoption, Bereavement, Grief, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, Wellbeing, Self-care |
| Additional information | Following a career in teaching, I trained as a counsellor. I have a lot of experience working with organisations providing counselling support and also in private practice. I have undertaken professional courses including those focusing on wellbeing and self-care which I incorporate in practice to provide a holistic approach. I also have life coaching experience and professional membership with BACP and BPS. |
| My theoretical approach | A client-centred integrative approach |
| I see: | Individuals, couples, families |
| Willing to travel? | Yes |
| Name | Gerry Mc Cluskey |
| Location | Belfast |
| I am registered/accredited with: | BACP (registered); BICA (accredited); NICSS (registered) |
| Code of ethics observed | BACP, BICA and NISCC |
| My qualifications are | BSSc (Hons), CQSW, MSW, Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Person Centred Counselling; Relate Certificate in Relationship Counselling.
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Level 1 (Dan Hughes model) |
| I have a special interest/experience in | Adoption, Fostering, Loss and Grieving, Fertility Issues, Relationship Counselling, Attachment and Trauma. |
| Additional information | My aim is to create a safe, comfortable environment and relationship in which the things that are troubling you can be explored fully. Through my social work experience in both Family and Child Care and Family Placement (Adoption and Fostering), and my counselling experience as a Fertility Counsellor, I have worked with people from all parts and stages of the adoption process. |
| My theoretical approach | Person-Centred Approach |
| I see: | Individuals, couples |
| Name | Christina Mc Dermott |
| Location | Newry |
| I am registered/accredited with: | BACP (accred) |
| Code of ethics observed | BACP |
| My qualifications are | BSC Hons Prof Development in Nursing
MSC Health Promotion PG Dip Specialist Practive Nursing & CBT |
| I have a special interest/experience in | General counselling, CBT, EMDR, Trauma, Depression,
Sleep difficulties |
| Additional information | I am a dedicated and motivated professional with academic and clinical experience specifically related to mental health and health promotion. I possess a knowledge of health promotion theory & practice and 26 years varied experience in health promotion & psychiatric nursing. I work as a clinical nurse specialist, provide clinical supervision for psychiatric nurses and I have lectured in health promotion. |
| My theoretical approach | Cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR, brief intervention model |
| I see: | Individuals, couples, families |
| Name | Sara Tibbs |
| Location | Holywood & Belfast |
| I am registered/accredited with: | BACP |
| Code of ethics observed
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BACP Ethical framework for Good Practice in Counselling |
| My qualifications are | Diploma in Counselling PhD English (Creative Writing) MA Sociology |
| I have a special interest/experience in | Adoption & Fostering; Family Support; Challenging Behaviour; Attachment & trauma; LGBT issues and Reflective/creative writing |
| Additional information | I am an adoptive parent. I worked in the area of parent support for 10 years, focussing particularly on challenging behaviour, communication and the parent/child relationship. I have experience of counselling with parents whose children were involved in substance abuse. I have also worked in the field of HIV and Aids. |
| My theoretical approach | My counselling qualification is in the person-centred approach. I have also undertaken training on attachment, developmental trauma, foetal alcohol syndrome, building resilience, parent – to-child violence, secondary trauma, suicide prevention and safeguarding. In recent years my approach has been influenced by research and therapeutic practice on the effects of neglect, abuse and other trauma on adopted children and their families. I bring to my counselling practice a professional and personal understanding of the challenges and difficulties of adoption, as well as its rewards. |
| I see: | Individuals, couples |
| Name | Selina Turkington |
| Location | Holywood Exchange, East Belfast |
| I am registered/accredited with: | BACP (Registered Accredited Member)
Reg. Member of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) |
| Code of ethics observed | I abide by BACP code of ethics. I also abide by NISCC code of ethics as a Social Worker. |
| My qualifications are | My counselling qualifications are…
Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Person-centred & Psychodynamic); Diploma in CBT Skills & Theory; PG Diploma in Practitioner Skills for Eating Disorders. My Social Work qualifications are… Publication… Turkington, S & Taylor, BJ |
| I have a special interest/experience in | Integrative Counselling Practice, Attachment issues, Childhood trauma/abuse, Relationship difficulties, Mindfulness Practice |
| Additional information | I have over 20 years’ experience working in the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors as a social worker specialising in fostering and adoption and more recently as a counsellor in private practice.
I currently work as a self-employed counsellor, part-time lecturer in counselling and I am a self-employed social worker speciaIising in adoption. |
| My theoretical approach | Integrative counselling (person-centred and psychodynamic) |
| I see: | Individuals, couples |
| Name: | Tania Watson |
| Location: | Dromara/ Dromore Co Down |
| I’m registered/accredited with: | The National Counselling Society |
| Code of ethics observed | NCS Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling |
| My qualifications: | Diploma in Trauma & Addictions Counselling Level 4 MNCS (Registered Accredited Member ) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certificate Level 6 Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator Child Protection Training |
| Special interest/experience in: | Fostering & Adoption (Parents & Children) Adults & Young People Attachment & Trauma |
| Additional information: | My main areas of work include: • Attachment focused work with parents and children using Theraplay and Filial Coaching • Enabling self and co regulation through Sensory Attachment Integration approach. • Therapeutic parenting support to families Direct therapeutic work with children |
| My theoretical approach: | Person-Centred, Integrative |
| I see: | Children and Adults |
| Any other information: I am registered as a Counsellor & Equine Therapist with the National Counselling Society (NCS) and have full professional membership with NCS. Equine Therapy is an innovative approach to counselling for social emotional & behavioural difficulties in individuals who find room based counselling all too much. EFP/EFL supports clients of all ages in addressing therapeutic goals, with horses as co-facilitators and teachers, in this process. Horses are non-judgemental and honest; these are invaluable qualities to have for people who have been through traumatic experiences. Equine Therapy offers an alternative way of communicating verbally & non-verbally, better understanding & building on relationships, develop self awareness and gain a better understanding how our behaviour impacts on others around us. Equine therapy also allows clients to express feelings & emotions in a non judgemental & safe environment while enjoying the outdoors. I have extensive experience working in the Fostering and Adoption sector, working with children and families. I also work as part of a team with other professionals from the Northern Health & Social Care Trust. I have 40 years horse experience, I have enjoyed riding horses out bush in Africa and the outback of Australia.What is the difference between EFP & EFL EFP uses equine-facilitated activities to explore the way a client sees and relates to themselves and others, their patterns of behaviour and survival as well as their gifts and strengths, and may include the exploration of past experiences and traumas. EFL uses equine-facilitated activities as a tool for self development and education, with a focus on the present moment. Skills include non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, relationship skills, confidence and resilience. |
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| Name: | Faye Wilson | |
| Location: | Cookstown | |
| I’m registered/accredited with: | BACP | |
| Code of ethics observed | BACP | |
| My qualifications: | · BSc Psychology
· Foundation Degree in Counselling · Certificate in Complex Trauma and Childhood Abuse
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| Special interest/experience in: | Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Bereavement, Loss, Eating Disorders, Mindfulness and Self Care.
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| Additional information: | I offer face to face counselling in a safe and private setting. My approach of counselling is always based on your needs. I have experience working with a wide range of issues including trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, bereavement, abuse, self-esteem to name a few.
I have also worked in two GP Surgeries over the past six years where I have gained wide ranging experience with a variety of different issues. I am very passionate about my work and enjoy being able to support people through difficult stages of their lives in a non-judgmental and empathic way. |
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| My theoretical approach: | Integrative Approach including CBT, Psychodynamic and Person Centred | |
| I see: | Individuals | |
| Willing to travel? | Yes | |
