Adoption Counselling in Belfast

Dr Liam Reilly
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Belfast BT9
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and former British Psychology Society NI representative for the Children, Young People, and Families faculty. I have over ten years of experience providing psychological support and care to clients. The therapy sessions I offer are both person-centred and collaborative to encourage your self-expression and self-development. I use various psychotherapy treatment techniques and provide effective strategies to help you to cope with many of life’s various obstacles. The core of my therapeutic work is non-judgemental acceptance, understanding, and support for all experiences and difficulties.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and former British Psychology Society NI representative for the Children, Young People, and Families faculty. I have over ten years of experience providing psychological support and care to clients. The therapy sessions I offer are both person-centred and collaborative to encourage your self-expression and self-development. I use various psychotherapy treatment techniques and provide effective strategies to help you to cope with many of life’s various obstacles. The core of my therapeutic work is non-judgemental acceptance, understanding, and support for all experiences and difficulties.
028 2003 2166 View 028 2003 2166
Lisa McKeown
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you feel overwhelmed, weighed down by feelings of low mood and anxiety? Come talk to me, and together we will work on strategies and tools that will allow you to address the root causes of the difficulties you are experiencing. My favorite thing about counselling is having the privilege to go along with a client on their journey and see them grow and develop as the weeks go on, witness them making the changes they need in order to improve what initially brought them to counselling.
Do you feel overwhelmed, weighed down by feelings of low mood and anxiety? Come talk to me, and together we will work on strategies and tools that will allow you to address the root causes of the difficulties you are experiencing. My favorite thing about counselling is having the privilege to go along with a client on their journey and see them grow and develop as the weeks go on, witness them making the changes they need in order to improve what initially brought them to counselling.
028 9694 3273 View 028 9694 3273
Aisling Sherry
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT14
Hi, I’m Aisling, a registered Creative Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor, with postgraduate training in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy. I use creative materials and play to support clients in expressing feelings, emotions, and experiences that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. You do not need to be “good” at art, the focus is on the creative process rather than the finished product. I offer a safe, confidential, supportive space where you can explore challenges at your own pace. My approach is grounded in care, understanding, and an awareness of the connections that shape our lives.
Hi, I’m Aisling, a registered Creative Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor, with postgraduate training in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy. I use creative materials and play to support clients in expressing feelings, emotions, and experiences that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. You do not need to be “good” at art, the focus is on the creative process rather than the finished product. I offer a safe, confidential, supportive space where you can explore challenges at your own pace. My approach is grounded in care, understanding, and an awareness of the connections that shape our lives.
028 9694 3575 View 028 9694 3575
Rachel Skeffington
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read a little about me. I’m an experienced therapist with over 13 years working with adults, teens and younger people, both in private practice and within school settings. I provide online therapy that offers a safe, compassionate and creative space to explore what’s happening for you. Whether it’s anxiety, low mood, relationship conflict, self-esteem issues or identity struggles. My approach is person-centred, integrating therapeutic techniques to meet your needs in a bespoke and supportive way.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read a little about me. I’m an experienced therapist with over 13 years working with adults, teens and younger people, both in private practice and within school settings. I provide online therapy that offers a safe, compassionate and creative space to explore what’s happening for you. Whether it’s anxiety, low mood, relationship conflict, self-esteem issues or identity struggles. My approach is person-centred, integrating therapeutic techniques to meet your needs in a bespoke and supportive way.
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Isobel McGill
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT7
I am a qualified registered counsellor working in the Belfast and Bangor areas. I provide a comfortable and supportive safe space for you to explore any unresolved issues past or present. Whilst we cannot change difficult events from the past, we can work together to better understand and work through the challenges that you are experiencing in your life. Together we can develop an awareness of patterns of negative behavior and perceptions that may be leaving you feeling anxious or depressed. The symptoms of your distress can show in a physical and psychological way.
I am a qualified registered counsellor working in the Belfast and Bangor areas. I provide a comfortable and supportive safe space for you to explore any unresolved issues past or present. Whilst we cannot change difficult events from the past, we can work together to better understand and work through the challenges that you are experiencing in your life. Together we can develop an awareness of patterns of negative behavior and perceptions that may be leaving you feeling anxious or depressed. The symptoms of your distress can show in a physical and psychological way.
028 9692 8914 View 028 9692 8914
Belfast Psychology Services Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Belfast BT9
Welcome to Belfast Psychology Services. Please visit www.belfastpsychologyservices.com, go to the "book a consultation" page and schedule a date and time for your 15 minute call. Our therapists offer psychological support for a range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and trauma. Support is also offered for neurodevelopmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome (TS) and vocal and motor tics. ​ In addition, the service offers diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2).
Welcome to Belfast Psychology Services. Please visit www.belfastpsychologyservices.com, go to the "book a consultation" page and schedule a date and time for your 15 minute call. Our therapists offer psychological support for a range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and trauma. Support is also offered for neurodevelopmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome (TS) and vocal and motor tics. ​ In addition, the service offers diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2).
028 3829 8069 View 028 3829 8069
Jenny Kathryn Parks
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT4
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stuck, and unsure how to move forward. I'll work together with you to understand what's going on and find a way through that feels more manageable. I listen carefully, helping you notice patterns in how you think, feel and relate. I also work gently to raise awareness of thoughts, fears and old hurts that may be influencing your current feelings and behaviours, leading to unhelpful and limiting patterns. I'm dedicated to providing a warm, compassionate and non -judgemental space where you can explore personal difficulties and feelings.
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stuck, and unsure how to move forward. I'll work together with you to understand what's going on and find a way through that feels more manageable. I listen carefully, helping you notice patterns in how you think, feel and relate. I also work gently to raise awareness of thoughts, fears and old hurts that may be influencing your current feelings and behaviours, leading to unhelpful and limiting patterns. I'm dedicated to providing a warm, compassionate and non -judgemental space where you can explore personal difficulties and feelings.
028 9694 3469 View 028 9694 3469
Lesley Delaney
Psychotherapist, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT5
I offer a safe relaxed space where you will be really listened to without judgement. My aim is to help you to understand yourself better, change destructive behavioural patterns, improve your emotional wellbeing and take more control of your life. Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed or depressed? Perhaps you are stuck or dissatisfied with your life or your relationship? Maybe work is taking over your life? Do you need help to make a change? Together we can explore your feelings, to make sense of what is happening or happened in your life. Together we can explore new perspectives. I am here to help you to achieve your goals.
I offer a safe relaxed space where you will be really listened to without judgement. My aim is to help you to understand yourself better, change destructive behavioural patterns, improve your emotional wellbeing and take more control of your life. Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed or depressed? Perhaps you are stuck or dissatisfied with your life or your relationship? Maybe work is taking over your life? Do you need help to make a change? Together we can explore your feelings, to make sense of what is happening or happened in your life. Together we can explore new perspectives. I am here to help you to achieve your goals.
028 9692 8076 View 028 9692 8076
Tim Webber
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Belfast BT4
Hello, I’m Tim. I’m an integrative counsellor combining Psychodynamic, Person-centered and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) models. This means I adapt my approach for every client, tailored to their individual needs. I’m passionate about mental wellbeing. We all have mental health and need to look after it, just as we do our physical health. Counselling is one such way of doing so, putting some time aside to concentrate on you and your needs. This kind of therapy provides a confidential, safe and non-judgmental space for you to reflect and explore your thoughts and feelings, address life challenges and improve your wellbeing.
Hello, I’m Tim. I’m an integrative counsellor combining Psychodynamic, Person-centered and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) models. This means I adapt my approach for every client, tailored to their individual needs. I’m passionate about mental wellbeing. We all have mental health and need to look after it, just as we do our physical health. Counselling is one such way of doing so, putting some time aside to concentrate on you and your needs. This kind of therapy provides a confidential, safe and non-judgmental space for you to reflect and explore your thoughts and feelings, address life challenges and improve your wellbeing.
028 9694 3375 View 028 9694 3375
Chris Tennyson
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Belfast BT9
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist working with young people and adults with a range of difficulties. I have held posts working with people with a range of mental health difficulties as well as those adjusting to physical ill health and disability. I am an integrative practitioner, incorporating person-centred, psychodynamic and attachment theories, as well as cognitive models such as CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have also completed training in Autism diagnostic assessment (ADOS-2 and DISCO) and have over four years experience in completing diagnostic assessments for ASD within multi-disciplinary teams.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist working with young people and adults with a range of difficulties. I have held posts working with people with a range of mental health difficulties as well as those adjusting to physical ill health and disability. I am an integrative practitioner, incorporating person-centred, psychodynamic and attachment theories, as well as cognitive models such as CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have also completed training in Autism diagnostic assessment (ADOS-2 and DISCO) and have over four years experience in completing diagnostic assessments for ASD within multi-disciplinary teams.
028 9692 8105 View 028 9692 8105
Shane Morrow
Counsellor, MSc
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Often we feel we cannot share issues with family or friends, for fear of impacting these relationships or attempts at being rescued, where all we need is to be listened to. Often we are experiencing emotional turmoil, doubt , guilt, fear or sadness to the point we perceive ourselves as carrying the burden alone. This is the opportunity for you to be heard, to explore and consider solutions and new possibilities for the future in a non-judgemental and collaborative therapeutic relationship. We can explore the past, the present or we can explore future plans and/or work on solutions to current problems.
Often we feel we cannot share issues with family or friends, for fear of impacting these relationships or attempts at being rescued, where all we need is to be listened to. Often we are experiencing emotional turmoil, doubt , guilt, fear or sadness to the point we perceive ourselves as carrying the burden alone. This is the opportunity for you to be heard, to explore and consider solutions and new possibilities for the future in a non-judgemental and collaborative therapeutic relationship. We can explore the past, the present or we can explore future plans and/or work on solutions to current problems.
028 9692 8118 View 028 9692 8118
Carol Guinan
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Belfast BT9
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals (18+) who are seeking to increase their self awareness and to better understand how they think, feel and act. My therapeutic approach can help you take notice of unhelpful relational patterns that feel automatic and cause distress, worry and self doubt. As you progress in therapy, you will feel more able to respond to stressors with greater flexibility and confidence. This frees you up to think and act in a manner that serves your needs better and helps you achieve the sustainable balance you seek.
I work with individuals (18+) who are seeking to increase their self awareness and to better understand how they think, feel and act. My therapeutic approach can help you take notice of unhelpful relational patterns that feel automatic and cause distress, worry and self doubt. As you progress in therapy, you will feel more able to respond to stressors with greater flexibility and confidence. This frees you up to think and act in a manner that serves your needs better and helps you achieve the sustainable balance you seek.
028 3829 8068 View 028 3829 8068
Flora Todaro Luck
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Belfast BT9
An Emotionally Focused Couple Counselling will help you and your partner to: -Identify the distressing, repeating interactions that make a couple feel stuck in an unhappy cycle. -Understand the feelings that underlie such negative interaction. - Create new patterns of interaction that brings you closer and strengthens your precious bond. -Build a more positive, constructive relationship that is the basis for a happy relationship. Emotionally Focused Couple Counselling is for couples who want to break away from the cycle of arguing, blaming, silence, and frustration.
An Emotionally Focused Couple Counselling will help you and your partner to: -Identify the distressing, repeating interactions that make a couple feel stuck in an unhappy cycle. -Understand the feelings that underlie such negative interaction. - Create new patterns of interaction that brings you closer and strengthens your precious bond. -Build a more positive, constructive relationship that is the basis for a happy relationship. Emotionally Focused Couple Counselling is for couples who want to break away from the cycle of arguing, blaming, silence, and frustration.
028 9692 8123 View 028 9692 8123
Kathleen Hanna
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
Hi, I'm Kathleen. I am passionate about people, their inherent worth and their innate ability to change and grow. As an integrative counsellor, I recognise that every person's story is unique. I draw on a number of therapeutic approaches, tailoring our work to your individual needs and goals. My approach is trauma-informed and neurodivergent affirming, helping you gently explore the connection between past experiences, trauma and present-day thoughts, emotions and behaviours. I aim to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where you will feel safe and accepted.
Hi, I'm Kathleen. I am passionate about people, their inherent worth and their innate ability to change and grow. As an integrative counsellor, I recognise that every person's story is unique. I draw on a number of therapeutic approaches, tailoring our work to your individual needs and goals. My approach is trauma-informed and neurodivergent affirming, helping you gently explore the connection between past experiences, trauma and present-day thoughts, emotions and behaviours. I aim to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where you will feel safe and accepted.
028 9602 1183 View 028 9602 1183
Avivit Dekel
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Belfast BT9
With over 25 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice, I’m a highly specialist clinical psychologist supporting young people and their families with a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges. I have expertise in neurodiversity (such as autism, ADHD, PDA), trauma, PTSD, and attachment difficulties. Trained in a range of NICE-recommended therapies, including EMDR and DDP, I provide tailored assessments and interventions that empower children their families, and the education systems. I also provide clinical supervision.
With over 25 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice, I’m a highly specialist clinical psychologist supporting young people and their families with a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges. I have expertise in neurodiversity (such as autism, ADHD, PDA), trauma, PTSD, and attachment difficulties. Trained in a range of NICE-recommended therapies, including EMDR and DDP, I provide tailored assessments and interventions that empower children their families, and the education systems. I also provide clinical supervision.
028 9694 3952 View 028 9694 3952
Carole Morgan
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
I’m a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and accredited Menopause Coach. As a registered member of the BACP and an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, I offer a safe, confidential, and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and life challenges without fear of judgment. Life can be difficult, and seeking help is a sign of strength. My integrative approach is tailored to your individual needs, helping you increase self-awareness, develop coping strategies, and move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.
I’m a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and accredited Menopause Coach. As a registered member of the BACP and an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, I offer a safe, confidential, and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and life challenges without fear of judgment. Life can be difficult, and seeking help is a sign of strength. My integrative approach is tailored to your individual needs, helping you increase self-awareness, develop coping strategies, and move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.
028 2044 1231 View 028 2044 1231
Catrina Bell
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Check out www.oaktreetherapiesni.com for more information
Check out www.oaktreetherapiesni.com for more information
07723 414169 View 07723 414169
Elaine McIntyre
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I’m an experienced psychotherapist with over 14 years’ experience supporting adults, young people, and children. I specialise in working with trauma and the lasting impact of difficult or overwhelming experiences, as well as anxiety and feeling stuck. Many of the people I work with come to therapy because something doesn’t feel resolved—this might be a specific traumatic event, or earlier experiences that continue to affect how they feel about themselves, their relationships, or their day-to-day life.
I’m an experienced psychotherapist with over 14 years’ experience supporting adults, young people, and children. I specialise in working with trauma and the lasting impact of difficult or overwhelming experiences, as well as anxiety and feeling stuck. Many of the people I work with come to therapy because something doesn’t feel resolved—this might be a specific traumatic event, or earlier experiences that continue to affect how they feel about themselves, their relationships, or their day-to-day life.
028 9694 3497 View 028 9694 3497
Laura Patterson
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I provide a safe and confidential space for both individuals and those with relationship difficulties to work through what is troubling you. Therapy can be daunting and many struggle to make that initial consultation; you are not alone. I will walk alongside you every step of the way on your therapeutic journey; providing you with individually tailored tools and techniques to work through your difficulties. Often in life it is our relationships, which cause us the most angst, our stress is generally always in relation to someone else and our self talk if often heavily laden with 'shoulds' resulting in feelings of guilt.
I provide a safe and confidential space for both individuals and those with relationship difficulties to work through what is troubling you. Therapy can be daunting and many struggle to make that initial consultation; you are not alone. I will walk alongside you every step of the way on your therapeutic journey; providing you with individually tailored tools and techniques to work through your difficulties. Often in life it is our relationships, which cause us the most angst, our stress is generally always in relation to someone else and our self talk if often heavily laden with 'shoulds' resulting in feelings of guilt.
07723 475973 View 07723 475973
Life After Traumatic Events
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
Sometimes we may find ourselves overwhelmed with what life sends our way and we lose confidence in ourselves and abilities. Sessions can be either a one off or a series of events, depending on your needs. As Gandhi said, "Be the change that you want to see."
Sometimes we may find ourselves overwhelmed with what life sends our way and we lose confidence in ourselves and abilities. Sessions can be either a one off or a series of events, depending on your needs. As Gandhi said, "Be the change that you want to see."
020 3053 9829 View 020 3053 9829

See more therapy options for Belfast

Adoption Counsellors
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioural or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.

When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioural, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.

Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.

What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.