Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counselling in Belfast

Dr Casey McGivern
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I am a fully registered Clinical Psychologist working in East Belfast. My practice is situated conveniently by the M2 and M3 motorways and close to Belfast city centre. I have over 10 years' experience working in Clinical Psychology and the area of mental health with adults, children and families. I work with a range of issues such as trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, grief and interpersonal relationship difficulties. I have a special interest in working with new parents and pregnant people in distress or encountering difficulty related to their parenting journey (birth trauma, postnatal depression etc.).
I am a fully registered Clinical Psychologist working in East Belfast. My practice is situated conveniently by the M2 and M3 motorways and close to Belfast city centre. I have over 10 years' experience working in Clinical Psychology and the area of mental health with adults, children and families. I work with a range of issues such as trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, grief and interpersonal relationship difficulties. I have a special interest in working with new parents and pregnant people in distress or encountering difficulty related to their parenting journey (birth trauma, postnatal depression etc.).
028 9694 3186 View 028 9694 3186
Damian Sweeney
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Online Only
I work with high-functioning professionals struggling internally with anxiety, burnout, stress, overthinking or emotional exhaustion while appearing to cope outwardly. My approach is CBT-informed, calm and structured — helping clients understand patterns, develop practical coping tools and create meaningful long-term change. BACP Accredited Counsellor and BABCP Member. Secure online sessions across the UK. Free 15 minute consultation available.
I work with high-functioning professionals struggling internally with anxiety, burnout, stress, overthinking or emotional exhaustion while appearing to cope outwardly. My approach is CBT-informed, calm and structured — helping clients understand patterns, develop practical coping tools and create meaningful long-term change. BACP Accredited Counsellor and BABCP Member. Secure online sessions across the UK. Free 15 minute consultation available.
028 9057 1946 View 028 9057 1946
GILLIAN SARA RUSSELL
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
I’m a psychological therapist in the NHS with 14 years experience working with adults who have mental health difficulties due to trauma in child/ adulthood, as well as anxiety, bipolar, OCD, depression, ADHD, autism, intrusive thoughts, and phobias. Seeking therapy can be daunting, especially when you have been carrying pain for a long time. You may be living with the effects of bullying, childhood sexual abuse, difficulties with parents, or patterns in your adult relationships that leave you feeling hurt, confused, or stuck. My approach focuses on helping you develop deeper self-understanding, emotional awareness, and resilience.
I’m a psychological therapist in the NHS with 14 years experience working with adults who have mental health difficulties due to trauma in child/ adulthood, as well as anxiety, bipolar, OCD, depression, ADHD, autism, intrusive thoughts, and phobias. Seeking therapy can be daunting, especially when you have been carrying pain for a long time. You may be living with the effects of bullying, childhood sexual abuse, difficulties with parents, or patterns in your adult relationships that leave you feeling hurt, confused, or stuck. My approach focuses on helping you develop deeper self-understanding, emotional awareness, and resilience.
028 2744 1351 View 028 2744 1351
Rebecca Conlan Elwood
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Online Only
Life can be challenging and often this can take its toll on your mental health. Whether it's anxiety, depression or maybe you have been exposed to a trauma, you are suffering in some way with your mental health. Talking therapy can offer you a safe place to explore your difficulties.
Life can be challenging and often this can take its toll on your mental health. Whether it's anxiety, depression or maybe you have been exposed to a trauma, you are suffering in some way with your mental health. Talking therapy can offer you a safe place to explore your difficulties.
View
Voyage Counselling NI
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Belfast BT14
As an integrative counsellor with extensive experience, I provide compassionate, tailored support for children, young people, and adults. My approach focuses on understanding your unique circumstances and addressing emotional difficulties, life transitions, or self-confidence struggles. Together, we create a safe environment to explore challenges and work toward meaningful solutions. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and achieve personal growth. I’m here to support you in moving forward with greater clarity, confidence, and well-being, always keeping your needs at the heart of our work.
As an integrative counsellor with extensive experience, I provide compassionate, tailored support for children, young people, and adults. My approach focuses on understanding your unique circumstances and addressing emotional difficulties, life transitions, or self-confidence struggles. Together, we create a safe environment to explore challenges and work toward meaningful solutions. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and achieve personal growth. I’m here to support you in moving forward with greater clarity, confidence, and well-being, always keeping your needs at the heart of our work.
028 9124 4750 View 028 9124 4750
Oriel CBT Clinic
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Belfast BT8
Are you experiencing unhelpful thoughts, or engaging in unhelpful behaviours? Would you like to better understand how these have developed, and how you might change them? Are you motivated to make changes in your life, to help maximise your potential and live life to the full?
Are you experiencing unhelpful thoughts, or engaging in unhelpful behaviours? Would you like to better understand how these have developed, and how you might change them? Are you motivated to make changes in your life, to help maximise your potential and live life to the full?
028 9693 1075 View 028 9693 1075
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
At NICBT we believe that every client is individual. We will work together with you in order to help you understand your current difficulties and make steps forward to help you achieve your goals. We operate in Belfast, but our services are available to everyone in Northern Ireland, offering one to one therapy in a confidential and calm setting. NICBT is a self referral service that offers both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These are two of the most effective treatment methods for depressive and anxiety related difficulties.
At NICBT we believe that every client is individual. We will work together with you in order to help you understand your current difficulties and make steps forward to help you achieve your goals. We operate in Belfast, but our services are available to everyone in Northern Ireland, offering one to one therapy in a confidential and calm setting. NICBT is a self referral service that offers both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These are two of the most effective treatment methods for depressive and anxiety related difficulties.
028 9744 1156 View 028 9744 1156
Kevin McFaul
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Belfast BT9
I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist trained in providing psychological assessments and tailored interventions for children, adolescents and adults. CBT helps to provide clients with a deeper understanding of difficult emotions which can be overwhelming and impact on day to day life. This is achieved by collaboratively exploring life events, patterns of thinking and examining behaviours which may intensify unwanted feelings. By learning to challenge unhelpful thinking and behaving, clients can begin to achieve their therapeutic goals and develop an understanding of how to address future difficulties.
I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist trained in providing psychological assessments and tailored interventions for children, adolescents and adults. CBT helps to provide clients with a deeper understanding of difficult emotions which can be overwhelming and impact on day to day life. This is achieved by collaboratively exploring life events, patterns of thinking and examining behaviours which may intensify unwanted feelings. By learning to challenge unhelpful thinking and behaving, clients can begin to achieve their therapeutic goals and develop an understanding of how to address future difficulties.
View
Ceara Clarke
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT9
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist and I work collaboratively with my clients, helping them to understand their difficulties, make sense of their experiences, develop ways of coping and live with more ease. My work is informed by a range of psychological theories and models, choosing the most helpful approach to suit the individual e.g. Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Family Therapy/Systemic informed work.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist and I work collaboratively with my clients, helping them to understand their difficulties, make sense of their experiences, develop ways of coping and live with more ease. My work is informed by a range of psychological theories and models, choosing the most helpful approach to suit the individual e.g. Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Family Therapy/Systemic informed work.
View
Dr Elaine Ryan
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Belfast BT2
OCD and Anxiety Disorders Specialist - using Exposure and Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have been working with people with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for over 20 years, including all OCD subtypes, POCD, False Memory OCD, Relationship OCD, , Contamination OCD, Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD) Homosexual OCD (HOCD). I have a second website dedicated to OCD; including self help material and free psychoeducational material - MoodSmith
OCD and Anxiety Disorders Specialist - using Exposure and Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have been working with people with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for over 20 years, including all OCD subtypes, POCD, False Memory OCD, Relationship OCD, , Contamination OCD, Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD) Homosexual OCD (HOCD). I have a second website dedicated to OCD; including self help material and free psychoeducational material - MoodSmith
Christine Fleming
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Christine believes that healing happens in the context of safe, supportive relationships, and that even in the midst of deep struggle, there is always hope. She considers it a genuine privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate difficult seasons in their lives. Christine works with individuals experiencing a range of challenges, including self-harm, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, and the impact of past or ongoing trauma. She offers a compassionate, non‑judgemental space where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make sense of their experiences at their own pace.
Christine believes that healing happens in the context of safe, supportive relationships, and that even in the midst of deep struggle, there is always hope. She considers it a genuine privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate difficult seasons in their lives. Christine works with individuals experiencing a range of challenges, including self-harm, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, and the impact of past or ongoing trauma. She offers a compassionate, non‑judgemental space where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make sense of their experiences at their own pace.
View
Roisen Keaveney
Psychologist, MSc
Serves Area
If you are interested in counselling feel free to contact me for a free 20 min consultation. I am a Chartered Psychologist with The Psychological Society of Ireland. I am also accredited with the BACP. I have 30 years experience of counselling in a wide range of settings including the statutory, voluntary & private sector. My experience includes: 5 years specialising within the mental health field including acute psychiatry and community mental health, 6 years specialising in counselling survivors of abuse including clerical abuse, 5 years specialising in University counselling and 3 years specialising in post primary counselling.
If you are interested in counselling feel free to contact me for a free 20 min consultation. I am a Chartered Psychologist with The Psychological Society of Ireland. I am also accredited with the BACP. I have 30 years experience of counselling in a wide range of settings including the statutory, voluntary & private sector. My experience includes: 5 years specialising within the mental health field including acute psychiatry and community mental health, 6 years specialising in counselling survivors of abuse including clerical abuse, 5 years specialising in University counselling and 3 years specialising in post primary counselling.
07480 776315 View 07480 776315
Dr Rachel Reeves
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with experience in working in both private practice and NHS services. I work with adults who experience a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress & burnout, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. I have a specialist interest in supporting people who have experienced trauma either in their early life or more recent traumatic experiences. I aim to support people to develop a better understanding of themselves and how their life experiences may have contributed to any current symptoms or difficulties.
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with experience in working in both private practice and NHS services. I work with adults who experience a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress & burnout, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. I have a specialist interest in supporting people who have experienced trauma either in their early life or more recent traumatic experiences. I aim to support people to develop a better understanding of themselves and how their life experiences may have contributed to any current symptoms or difficulties.
028 9694 3493 View 028 9694 3493
Psychological Therapy UK
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Serves Area
I am an Accredited EMDR Consultant and CBT Supervisor. I am an Award Winning therapist who is qualified & Accredited for both EMDR & CBT. I have been published in scientific journals, my work has featured on the BBC news and I have lectured at a National level. My name is Ieuan Hopper and I pride myself in providing a caring and efficient Psychological service with CBT or EMDR. Treatment can be in person or via the internet, so wherever you are in the UK or the world you can access quality Psychological therapy with me.
I am an Accredited EMDR Consultant and CBT Supervisor. I am an Award Winning therapist who is qualified & Accredited for both EMDR & CBT. I have been published in scientific journals, my work has featured on the BBC news and I have lectured at a National level. My name is Ieuan Hopper and I pride myself in providing a caring and efficient Psychological service with CBT or EMDR. Treatment can be in person or via the internet, so wherever you are in the UK or the world you can access quality Psychological therapy with me.
07493 635037 View 07493 635037
Dr Katie Davis
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
What if. Two words that send your mind down a well-worn path. Words and images that pop into your head at any moment and no matter how hard you try to push it away you find yourself stuck; thinking, feeling and doing the same thing over and over. Maybe it’s reliving the past, maybe it’s worrying about the future, or feeling you need to do something right now or something bad will happen. “What if” is hard to live with. But when your mind is stuck in the “what if’s” your brain is telling you there is something you need to figure out, something you need to rebalance.
What if. Two words that send your mind down a well-worn path. Words and images that pop into your head at any moment and no matter how hard you try to push it away you find yourself stuck; thinking, feeling and doing the same thing over and over. Maybe it’s reliving the past, maybe it’s worrying about the future, or feeling you need to do something right now or something bad will happen. “What if” is hard to live with. But when your mind is stuck in the “what if’s” your brain is telling you there is something you need to figure out, something you need to rebalance.
View
Magdalena McKee
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I support individuals and professionals to navigate psychological challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful, sustainable change. Many of my clients are high-performing professionals, leaders, and women in business who carry significant responsibility while privately managing stress, anxiety, neurodiversity, family life or the emotional impact of major life experiences and transitions. I also specialise in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, including the psychological impact of personal injury, road traffic accidents, workplace incidents and professional & emotional burnourt.
I support individuals and professionals to navigate psychological challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful, sustainable change. Many of my clients are high-performing professionals, leaders, and women in business who carry significant responsibility while privately managing stress, anxiety, neurodiversity, family life or the emotional impact of major life experiences and transitions. I also specialise in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, including the psychological impact of personal injury, road traffic accidents, workplace incidents and professional & emotional burnourt.
028 9694 3213 View 028 9694 3213
Shauneen Horner
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health, in the NHS, private and corporate fields. I have dedicated my career to help people overcome various mental health challenges. My expertise extends to the comprehensive treatment of mental health disorders from mild and moderate to chronic and complex presentations. I am dedicated, have strong interpersonal skills, have trusting relationships, and experience across different sectors which gives me a unique perspective on various treatment approaches and models
I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health, in the NHS, private and corporate fields. I have dedicated my career to help people overcome various mental health challenges. My expertise extends to the comprehensive treatment of mental health disorders from mild and moderate to chronic and complex presentations. I am dedicated, have strong interpersonal skills, have trusting relationships, and experience across different sectors which gives me a unique perspective on various treatment approaches and models
028 9124 4576 View 028 9124 4576
Maryrose McCracken
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
I am a fully qualified and accredited Counsellor working in the Mid Ulster area. I also have a Bsc (Hons) Applied Psychology and have spent many years working in the field of Behavioural Neuroscience and research, a GP medical practice and schools. My approach is warm, direct, and engaging with an emphasis on building trust and using the therapeutic relationship as a medium for change. I strive to create a space to explore patterns in relationships, emotional expression, and practising new ways of thinking, feeling and being. My private counselling service is founded on clinical excellence informed by up to date research.
I am a fully qualified and accredited Counsellor working in the Mid Ulster area. I also have a Bsc (Hons) Applied Psychology and have spent many years working in the field of Behavioural Neuroscience and research, a GP medical practice and schools. My approach is warm, direct, and engaging with an emphasis on building trust and using the therapeutic relationship as a medium for change. I strive to create a space to explore patterns in relationships, emotional expression, and practising new ways of thinking, feeling and being. My private counselling service is founded on clinical excellence informed by up to date research.
07449 480607 View 07449 480607
Orla McClenaghan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Belfast BT10
Not accepting new clients
Hi, my name is Orla McClenaghan. I am a Psychotherapist fully accredited with BABCP and BACP. My primary therapeutic approach is CBT, an evidence-based, recommended therapy for anxiety disorders, OCD and many other difficulties. Whether you have been struggling with long-standing, complex difficulties, or more recent problems relating to life stressors, I'm here to support you. I offer a safe and confidential space in which we can develop an understanding of your difficulties, and work towards your goals.
Hi, my name is Orla McClenaghan. I am a Psychotherapist fully accredited with BABCP and BACP. My primary therapeutic approach is CBT, an evidence-based, recommended therapy for anxiety disorders, OCD and many other difficulties. Whether you have been struggling with long-standing, complex difficulties, or more recent problems relating to life stressors, I'm here to support you. I offer a safe and confidential space in which we can develop an understanding of your difficulties, and work towards your goals.
01571 590081 View 01571 590081

See more therapy options for Belfast

Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counsellors
Do I need exposure and response prevention therapy?
Many clients decide to seek help for obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours when these symptoms are distressing enough to disrupt everyday life. Any thoughts or behaviours that cause friction in close relationships are also worth addressing. In addition, the client’s symptoms don’t have to be severe for them to benefit from ERP therapy.

Is exposure and response prevention therapy part of cognitive behavioural therapy?
Exposure and response prevention is one specific type of CBT that focuses on behavioural change in response to triggering stimuli. It is related to exposure therapy but adds an additional component of preventing compulsive and harmful responses.

How long does exposure and response prevention therapy take?
While every patient is different, exposure and response prevention therapy typically lasts around 12 sessions, although some treatments can take longer. A therapist will determine if the treatment is complete based on how the client faces their fears, particularly the strongest ones. When a client feels less anxiety about stimuli that once evoked terror or distress, that is generally an indication that they are nearing the end of ERP therapy.

What are the limitations of exposure and response prevention therapy?
The most common pitfalls of exposure and response prevention therapy include not addressing a client’s core fears, allowing the client to avoid their most distressing stimuli, and using imaginary exposure when the client requires real-life exposure (and vice versa). ERP therapy is most effective when the client commits to the full course of treatment; if the client stops early or doesn’t practice what they have learned outside of therapy sessions, they are less likely to have successful outcomes.