Adoption Counselling in Ballymena

Photo of Eileen Sarah Russell - WayMaker Child Therapy, PTUK, Psychotherapist
WayMaker Child Therapy
Psychotherapist, PTUK
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT43
As a professional play therapist I have a huge heart to help children and families hold hard things and to help parents understand the WHY behind their child's behaviour. I work with children from three - sixteen years old through the healing power of play going after root causes so children can be restored to the child they deserve to be. As founder of WayMaker Child Therapy CIC we are a not for profit organisation based in Ballymena and Ballymoney with a team of professional play therapists. I have worked with children and families since 2005 and love restoring hope and happiness into homes.
As a professional play therapist I have a huge heart to help children and families hold hard things and to help parents understand the WHY behind their child's behaviour. I work with children from three - sixteen years old through the healing power of play going after root causes so children can be restored to the child they deserve to be. As founder of WayMaker Child Therapy CIC we are a not for profit organisation based in Ballymena and Ballymoney with a team of professional play therapists. I have worked with children and families since 2005 and love restoring hope and happiness into homes.
028 9694 3101 View 028 9694 3101
Photo of Catrina Bell, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Catrina Bell
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT42
Check out www.oaktreetherapiesni.com for more information
Check out www.oaktreetherapiesni.com for more information
07723 414169 View 07723 414169
Photo of Judith C George, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Judith C George
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT44  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Are you feeling like life is throwing everything at you all at once and you need to talk with someone to help you through it? I offer you the time and space to reflect on the things that cause you distress so that you can move forward. I can help you to explore the causes of stress and anxiety and challenge those negative thoughts that cause you to doubt yourself, and your ability to complete tasks and set and achieve goals. I can support you through career changes, life changes, and bullying in the workplace. Together we can explore your loss of a relationship, friendship or loved one.
Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Are you feeling like life is throwing everything at you all at once and you need to talk with someone to help you through it? I offer you the time and space to reflect on the things that cause you distress so that you can move forward. I can help you to explore the causes of stress and anxiety and challenge those negative thoughts that cause you to doubt yourself, and your ability to complete tasks and set and achieve goals. I can support you through career changes, life changes, and bullying in the workplace. Together we can explore your loss of a relationship, friendship or loved one.
028 9694 3654 View 028 9694 3654
Photo of Laura Patterson, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Laura Patterson
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT42
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
Photo of Sara Louise Gordon - Sara Gordon Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Sara Gordon Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT44
Counselling is a commitment, there is no getting around the fact it will require you to invest financially, emotionally and of course with your time. I am a professional, qualified, integrative counsellor providing a counselling service in Glarryford, Ballymena. I have a purpose built private facility, which ensures client confidentiality and discretion from parking to appointment making your confidentiality is assured. I follow all the current GPRD recommendations and beyond making sure you feel secure and safe when you attend me for your sessions.
Counselling is a commitment, there is no getting around the fact it will require you to invest financially, emotionally and of course with your time. I am a professional, qualified, integrative counsellor providing a counselling service in Glarryford, Ballymena. I have a purpose built private facility, which ensures client confidentiality and discretion from parking to appointment making your confidentiality is assured. I follow all the current GPRD recommendations and beyond making sure you feel secure and safe when you attend me for your sessions.
07481 343976 View 07481 343976
Photo of Ciarda Martin-Joyce - CMJ Counselling Practice, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
CMJ Counselling Practice
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT44
I offer professional and supportive counselling and personal therapy and am passionate about supporting all individuals to realise their worth, value and purpose. I hope to offer space for you to be seen and heard from a place of acceptance and compassion. My experience so far has included a wide range of issues such as family and relationship breakdown, low mood, anxiety, depression, bereavement, pre- and post-partum difficulties and HIV, to name a few. Every client I see is so unique and I truly feel privileged to walk on their healing journey for as long as they need me to.
I offer professional and supportive counselling and personal therapy and am passionate about supporting all individuals to realise their worth, value and purpose. I hope to offer space for you to be seen and heard from a place of acceptance and compassion. My experience so far has included a wide range of issues such as family and relationship breakdown, low mood, anxiety, depression, bereavement, pre- and post-partum difficulties and HIV, to name a few. Every client I see is so unique and I truly feel privileged to walk on their healing journey for as long as they need me to.
028 9694 3595 View 028 9694 3595
Photo of Flora Todaro Luck, PhD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Flora Todaro Luck
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT42
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
Photo of John Darby, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
John Darby
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ballymena BT42
Hello, you have reached my profile and are perhaps considering reaching out for help... I am a fully qualified counsellor with a calm and relaxing practice in a private location between Antrim and Ballymena. You may be struggling with issues such as low self esteem, low self worth, anxiety, relationship concerns, depression or trauma. I am experienced in these and other areas and can help. I believe everyone can feel better when we work together.
Hello, you have reached my profile and are perhaps considering reaching out for help... I am a fully qualified counsellor with a calm and relaxing practice in a private location between Antrim and Ballymena. You may be struggling with issues such as low self esteem, low self worth, anxiety, relationship concerns, depression or trauma. I am experienced in these and other areas and can help. I believe everyone can feel better when we work together.
07912 886475 View 07912 886475
Photo of Lisa Cooper - Heartsease Consultancy, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Heartsease Consultancy
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ballymena BT44
I have worked with clients of all ages, for many years, in supporting them through personal crises and various traumatic experiences in life. Heartsease Consultancy encourages clients to build coping strategies for their symptoms as well as support them to unpeel layers of life experiences and identify unhelpful beliefs in order to reach the root cause of issues. Experience includes working with a wide variety of presenting issues such as anxiety and anxiety related disorders (panic, OCD, phobias, etc), depression, childhood trauma, addiction, grief/ loss, abuse, bullying, low self esteem, relationship difficulties and more.
I have worked with clients of all ages, for many years, in supporting them through personal crises and various traumatic experiences in life. Heartsease Consultancy encourages clients to build coping strategies for their symptoms as well as support them to unpeel layers of life experiences and identify unhelpful beliefs in order to reach the root cause of issues. Experience includes working with a wide variety of presenting issues such as anxiety and anxiety related disorders (panic, OCD, phobias, etc), depression, childhood trauma, addiction, grief/ loss, abuse, bullying, low self esteem, relationship difficulties and more.
028 9163 8360 View 028 9163 8360
Photo of Mark Henderson-Begg, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Mark Henderson-Begg
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT42
I offer a safe space to talk about anything which may be of concern in your life, which we can then explore at your own pace, to make sense of things, resolve difficult feelings and make positive change. It can sometimes be difficult to talk to family and friends, and having someone to listen without judgement can make all the difference. Counselling can also help us to understand how the past has affected our present life and relationships, helping us to connect to who we really are and to be happier as our true self, which is our human birthright. Counselling can also enable a secure attachment which can help to heal past wounds.
I offer a safe space to talk about anything which may be of concern in your life, which we can then explore at your own pace, to make sense of things, resolve difficult feelings and make positive change. It can sometimes be difficult to talk to family and friends, and having someone to listen without judgement can make all the difference. Counselling can also help us to understand how the past has affected our present life and relationships, helping us to connect to who we really are and to be happier as our true self, which is our human birthright. Counselling can also enable a secure attachment which can help to heal past wounds.
07588 743002 View 07588 743002
Photo of louise O'Kane - Castle Counselling Services, MBACP, Counsellor
Castle Counselling Services
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ballymena BT44
I am Louise and thank you for taking the time to view our profile. I am a fully qualified integrative counsellors offering a counselling service in the North Antrim Coast area.  I are registered with BACP and NCS, and work within the BACP Code of Ethics.  I can offer you a safe, ethical, confidential, respectful and non-judgemental space in which you can focus on yourself and begin to understand in more depth the challenges you may be facing.  In this space I will listen, support and help you to understand your feelings and behaviours, and enable you to become more self-aware, and implement change.
I am Louise and thank you for taking the time to view our profile. I am a fully qualified integrative counsellors offering a counselling service in the North Antrim Coast area.  I are registered with BACP and NCS, and work within the BACP Code of Ethics.  I can offer you a safe, ethical, confidential, respectful and non-judgemental space in which you can focus on yourself and begin to understand in more depth the challenges you may be facing.  In this space I will listen, support and help you to understand your feelings and behaviours, and enable you to become more self-aware, and implement change.
028 9694 3211 View 028 9694 3211

Online Therapists

Photo of Nora Smyth, BACP, Counsellor
Nora Smyth
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT7
I am also qualified and experienced with working within adoption to support young people moving into or within their new families and also support adoptive parents transitioning into their new roles.
Hi there. Thanks for visiting my profile. I am an an integrated counsellor and work with adults, children, and young people. I have over ten years experience working with children and families in school-based counselling and in private practice. My hope is to provide all my clients a safe space to explore their issues and provide families the support and understanding they need to overcome difficulties. I have worked as a project manager for Place2be, a UK wide organisation that specialises in working therapeutically with children and young people and their families.
I am also qualified and experienced with working within adoption to support young people moving into or within their new families and also support adoptive parents transitioning into their new roles.
Hi there. Thanks for visiting my profile. I am an an integrated counsellor and work with adults, children, and young people. I have over ten years experience working with children and families in school-based counselling and in private practice. My hope is to provide all my clients a safe space to explore their issues and provide families the support and understanding they need to overcome difficulties. I have worked as a project manager for Place2be, a UK wide organisation that specialises in working therapeutically with children and young people and their families.
028 9694 3508 View 028 9694 3508
Photo of Heather Low, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Heather Low
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT15
While I have worked with all gendered people, I do have many years experience of working with women's health and wellbeing specifically pregnancy related issues, and fertility, including the process of adoption.
I am a qualified and accredited counsellor with over 20 years experience. I work with both individual clients and couples ( I am a Relate Qualified Relationship Therapist) While there are many themes in counselling for example loss, trauma, crisis, ongoing mental health difficulties, relationship issues, life events or changes, each client is unique when they come to therapy. The most important things I can bring is to support and respect the processing of each clients experience, listen, to understand without judgement and with compassion.
While I have worked with all gendered people, I do have many years experience of working with women's health and wellbeing specifically pregnancy related issues, and fertility, including the process of adoption.
I am a qualified and accredited counsellor with over 20 years experience. I work with both individual clients and couples ( I am a Relate Qualified Relationship Therapist) While there are many themes in counselling for example loss, trauma, crisis, ongoing mental health difficulties, relationship issues, life events or changes, each client is unique when they come to therapy. The most important things I can bring is to support and respect the processing of each clients experience, listen, to understand without judgement and with compassion.
028 2502 2069 View 028 2502 2069
Photo of Sylvia McIntyre, MBACP, Counsellor
Sylvia McIntyre
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ballymoney BT53
Welcome to Orque Counselling Services.  I am an Integrative Counselling Practitioner, with a BSc in Psychology and FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice, and I am a registered member of the BACP.  I have experience in working with people with from a range of different backgrounds, disability, neurodiversity and ASD.
Welcome to Orque Counselling Services.  I am an Integrative Counselling Practitioner, with a BSc in Psychology and FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice, and I am a registered member of the BACP.  I have experience in working with people with from a range of different backgrounds, disability, neurodiversity and ASD.
028 9163 8604 View 028 9163 8604
Photo of Sarah Watson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sarah Watson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Castle Douglas DG7
As an Accredited Play and Creative Arts Therapist and teenage counsellor with experience as a children and families social worker previously, I recognise that many young people experience the stresses of life in different ways and that sometimes events and subsequent feelings may become overwhelming and cause anxiety or a sense of isolation. This can then have a knock on effect to other aspects of life such as relationships, engagement with school work and own sense of identity and self worth. I understand their need for a sense of respite and an opportunity to explore experiences or confusions in a safe and non-judgmental place.
As an Accredited Play and Creative Arts Therapist and teenage counsellor with experience as a children and families social worker previously, I recognise that many young people experience the stresses of life in different ways and that sometimes events and subsequent feelings may become overwhelming and cause anxiety or a sense of isolation. This can then have a knock on effect to other aspects of life such as relationships, engagement with school work and own sense of identity and self worth. I understand their need for a sense of respite and an opportunity to explore experiences or confusions in a safe and non-judgmental place.
View
Photo of Chris Tennyson, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Chris Tennyson
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Louise Montgomery, MBACP, Counsellor
Louise Montgomery
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Glasgow G46
I have over twenty years’ experience working with individuals who have experienced challenging times including addiction, abuse, anxiety, domestic violence, depression, relationship breakdown, loss, homelessness, trauma and many others. I am aware of the impact that such challenges can have on individuals and together we can explore this.
I have over twenty years’ experience working with individuals who have experienced challenging times including addiction, abuse, anxiety, domestic violence, depression, relationship breakdown, loss, homelessness, trauma and many others. I am aware of the impact that such challenges can have on individuals and together we can explore this.
07790 232202 View 07790 232202
Photo of Jamie Kinlochan, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jamie Kinlochan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Paisley PA3
I think that it is really powerful when we feel heard and understood. When we feel like someone is trying to get who we are and where we’re coming from. My desire to listen, properly, is based on my years of working with people who have gone unheard by others and who don't want to ignore themselves and their needs any more. I think things can really change when we understand more about ourselves and what drives us to do the things we do.
I think that it is really powerful when we feel heard and understood. When we feel like someone is trying to get who we are and where we’re coming from. My desire to listen, properly, is based on my years of working with people who have gone unheard by others and who don't want to ignore themselves and their needs any more. I think things can really change when we understand more about ourselves and what drives us to do the things we do.
0141 673 6622 View 0141 673 6622
Photo of Elaine McIntyre, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Elaine McIntyre
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Banbridge BT32
I’m an experienced integrative therapist, trained in EMDR with both adults, young people and children (a trauma focused therapy). I'm fully accredited with BACP. I've worked in the private sector, education and community settings covering a wide age range. I also work with private agencies, Employment Assistance Providers and insurance providers. I have a special interest working with teens and have a separate qualification in Counselling Children and Young People. I work with age 8+ years and have over 10 years experience working with under 18s. Registered therapist with Aviva, AXA and WPA & H3 insurance companies.
I’m an experienced integrative therapist, trained in EMDR with both adults, young people and children (a trauma focused therapy). I'm fully accredited with BACP. I've worked in the private sector, education and community settings covering a wide age range. I also work with private agencies, Employment Assistance Providers and insurance providers. I have a special interest working with teens and have a separate qualification in Counselling Children and Young People. I work with age 8+ years and have over 10 years experience working with under 18s. Registered therapist with Aviva, AXA and WPA & H3 insurance companies.
028 9694 3497 View 028 9694 3497
Photo of Mark Colhoun - CBT Omagh, MBABCP, Counsellor
CBT Omagh
Counsellor, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Omagh BT78
I am an accredited Counsellor/ CBT and EMDR Therapist with BACP and BABCP with over 16+ years of experience treating children aged 5 + to adults with anxiety, depression and trauma. Reach out for the help you need to become a better you. Website www.cbtomagh.co.uk
I am an accredited Counsellor/ CBT and EMDR Therapist with BACP and BABCP with over 16+ years of experience treating children aged 5 + to adults with anxiety, depression and trauma. Reach out for the help you need to become a better you. Website www.cbtomagh.co.uk
07445 150766 View 07445 150766

See more therapy options for Ballymena

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.