Adoption Counselling in Belfast

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 Dr Liam Reilly, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Liam Reilly
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Isobel McGill, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Isobel McGill
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Carol Guinan, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Carol Guinan
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT6
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
Photo of Anna Zmuda Trzebiatowska, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Anna Zmuda Trzebiatowska
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT7
People often looks for therapy because they noticed they need to change something. Embracing change and allowing yourself to be vulnerable with a stranger can be a difficult and daunting experience. But this is the beginning of a journey that I am committed to supporting you on, every step of the way. My approach is warm, empathic, non-judgemental and respectful.
People often looks for therapy because they noticed they need to change something. Embracing change and allowing yourself to be vulnerable with a stranger can be a difficult and daunting experience. But this is the beginning of a journey that I am committed to supporting you on, every step of the way. My approach is warm, empathic, non-judgemental and respectful.
028 9694 3699 View 028 9694 3699
Photo of Tim Webber, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Tim Webber
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Lesley Delaney, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lesley Delaney
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Jenny Kathryn Parks, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Jenny Kathryn Parks
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT4
I'm an integrative psychotherapist committed to providing a natural, gentle, empathetic, professional, and safe space to all who come for therapy. The difficulties and challenges that lead someone to seek out therapy are wide and varied. The complex challenges of life affect us all, whoever we are, and counselling is an empowering tool which can help us to process, cope, and even grow in these times. While we never choose adversity, there is such hope in the ability humans have to cope, adapt and change in the face of it. Resilience is often the gift on the other side of challenges.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist committed to providing a natural, gentle, empathetic, professional, and safe space to all who come for therapy. The difficulties and challenges that lead someone to seek out therapy are wide and varied. The complex challenges of life affect us all, whoever we are, and counselling is an empowering tool which can help us to process, cope, and even grow in these times. While we never choose adversity, there is such hope in the ability humans have to cope, adapt and change in the face of it. Resilience is often the gift on the other side of challenges.
028 9694 3469 View 028 9694 3469
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 Bouchra Yassin - Mindtherapy NI, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Mindtherapy NI
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Having worked with children and adult mental health sectors using models of psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment, knowledgeable of our community and voluntary sector. I am privileged to have experience with people from a broad range of cultural backgrounds and levels of complexity. And help them to overcome the language and the culture barriers by speaking the same language with them as I m fluent in Arabic, English, French and Persian.
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Having worked with children and adult mental health sectors using models of psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment, knowledgeable of our community and voluntary sector. I am privileged to have experience with people from a broad range of cultural backgrounds and levels of complexity. And help them to overcome the language and the culture barriers by speaking the same language with them as I m fluent in Arabic, English, French and Persian.
07378 105155 View 07378 105155
Photo of Flora Todaro Luck, PhD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Flora Todaro Luck
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Liam Reilly - Belfast Psychology Services Ltd, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Belfast Psychology Services Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Rachel Skeffington, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Skeffington
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT10  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hi, Thanks for taking the time to read my bio. My name is Rachel. I am a qualified integrative therapist. I am offering online, and telephone therapy. We can discuss what medium is best for you when we are in contact. As an integrative therapist my approach is to tailor my interventions to best suit your needs. This is all about YOU. Human beings are unique individuals so in order for the counselling experience to progress towards the change and growth you feel you need, I offer a bespoke experience. A little bit about me... I have almost a decade experience of having the pleasure of working as a school counsellor.
Hi, Thanks for taking the time to read my bio. My name is Rachel. I am a qualified integrative therapist. I am offering online, and telephone therapy. We can discuss what medium is best for you when we are in contact. As an integrative therapist my approach is to tailor my interventions to best suit your needs. This is all about YOU. Human beings are unique individuals so in order for the counselling experience to progress towards the change and growth you feel you need, I offer a bespoke experience. A little bit about me... I have almost a decade experience of having the pleasure of working as a school counsellor.
01571 590069 View 01571 590069
Photo of Dr Andrew Mc Gibbon, PsychD, ACP, Psychotherapist
Dr Andrew Mc Gibbon
Psychotherapist, PsychD, ACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Waitlist for new clients
I work therapeutically with Children, Adolescents, Parents and Young People up to 25. I help with a range of difficulties, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, school difficulties, social isolation and identity issues. My experience includes 20 years working in the NHS within The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services. I also offer Supervision to professionals.
I work therapeutically with Children, Adolescents, Parents and Young People up to 25. I help with a range of difficulties, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, school difficulties, social isolation and identity issues. My experience includes 20 years working in the NHS within The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services. I also offer Supervision to professionals.
View
Photo of Shane Morrow, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Shane Morrow
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT9
Not accepting new clients
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
Photo of Ann O'Hanlon - Dr Ann O'Hanlon, The I Can Centre, PhD, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Dr Ann O'Hanlon, The I Can Centre
Psychologist, PhD, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Belfast BT7
Are thoughts of "I can't" holding you back? Talk to us in confidence about our range of supports and become someone who says: "I CAN manage stress / anxiety / worry / anger / low mood", OR "I CAN manage or stop rituals and compulsions incl counting / shopping / cleaning / hair-or skin pulling", OR "I CAN cope and be confident / sociable / productive / myself". Dare to believe at "The I CAN Centre". You CAN have the insights and tools to feel great, be inspired and live your best life!
Are thoughts of "I can't" holding you back? Talk to us in confidence about our range of supports and become someone who says: "I CAN manage stress / anxiety / worry / anger / low mood", OR "I CAN manage or stop rituals and compulsions incl counting / shopping / cleaning / hair-or skin pulling", OR "I CAN cope and be confident / sociable / productive / myself". Dare to believe at "The I CAN Centre". You CAN have the insights and tools to feel great, be inspired and live your best life!
028 2502 2460 View 028 2502 2460
Photo of Natalie Kerr, MBACP, Counsellor
Natalie Kerr
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1  (Online Only)
What I offer is a non-judgemental, relaxing, safe place where you can discuss everything. I am here to listen, whatever you need to say will be heard. I can help you unburden and gain relief from what distresses you. I can help you challenge and change how you think about things. I can help you put words to what you are feeling. I can offer information on new strategies to help you cope with life's stresses and create the life you want. I have experience working with many issues, such as depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, the impact of early years, relationship issues, anger, sexual abuse and so on.
What I offer is a non-judgemental, relaxing, safe place where you can discuss everything. I am here to listen, whatever you need to say will be heard. I can help you unburden and gain relief from what distresses you. I can help you challenge and change how you think about things. I can help you put words to what you are feeling. I can offer information on new strategies to help you cope with life's stresses and create the life you want. I have experience working with many issues, such as depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, the impact of early years, relationship issues, anger, sexual abuse and so on.
028 9694 3599 View 028 9694 3599
Photo of Judith C George, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Judith C George
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT15  (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? Therapy can offer you someone to talk to and give you space to reflect and gather yourself as you move forward. As a Pluralistic counsellor, I offer support on a wide range of issues using a variety of approaches.
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? Therapy can offer you someone to talk to and give you space to reflect and gather yourself as you move forward. As a Pluralistic counsellor, I offer support on a wide range of issues using a variety of approaches.
028 9694 3654 View 028 9694 3654
Photo of Catrina Bell, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Catrina Bell
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Check out www.oaktreetherapiesni.com for more information
Check out www.oaktreetherapiesni.com for more information
07723 414169 View 07723 414169

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.