Julie’s professional background is in the behavioural sciences and therapy. After completing a Psychology Degree in Glasgow in 2003, she followed her passion for this subject obtaining a MSc in Counselling Psychology through The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). This professional training gave Julie the opportunity to use a wide range of psychological and counselling approaches to work with individuals experiencing emotional and mental health concerns. She is a fully accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This guarantees she works to the highest level of professionalism and abides by the BACP ethical framework to ensure best practice at all times.
Julie has over 15 years’ experience within the field of mental health and possesses an excellent breath of knowledge and expertise gained from working with a wide range of client groups. This Includes providing counselling for the University of Ulster, working alongside mental health teams in GP practices across the greater Belfast area, working with vulnerable under 18’s, delivering counselling for the over 65’s in the specialist role of Outreach Therapist regionally across NI. In 2022/23 Julie worked as a therapist within NI Cancer Services and palliative care. She worked with patients and their families, providing expert guidance and psychological techniques to overcome, manage and live with acute and chronic illness.
Julies extensive range of experience has seen her work with varying emotional health concerns such as grief, anxiety, trauma, burn out/stress, depression, self-esteem and many more.
Julie in an experienced integrative counsellor offering a broad range of approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), humanistic, psychodynamic and compassion focused therapy.
CBT is a particularly effective psychological approach in helping individuals in understanding and finding solutions to thoughts, feelings and behaviours which may be causing distress. CBT is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for a range of psychological issues such as depression. Julie’s skill set and vast experience led her to a lecturing post in 2016 teaching CBT and developmental psychology.
Julie offers a non-judgemental and confidential space, which encompasses kindness and openness to give individuals the opportunity to discuss emotional concerns. The clients’ issues are gently explored together, at a pace which is comfortable for the individual. The counselling is client led with empathy at the core of the counselling process.
Julie is continuing to progress her skillset and in 2024 will be offering EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). This is a specific psychotherapeutic approach which is greatly sought after to treat anxiety related conditions such as PTSD.
On a Personal Note:
“I have a real passion for psychology and counselling and feel blessed I have a career in an area which I thoroughly enjoy and helps people manage and overcome emotional issues. I love connecting with people and ultimately helping them reach their full potential. I am a keen reader and researcher of various psychological theories and techniques, particularly the mind-body connections. Growing up in the country has left its mark with the love of being outside particularly by water, as some of my favourite days are spent at the beach with my crazy little dog. Reading and being in nature are some of the ways I recharge and achieve a life balance, which I believe is so vital when life can be fast paced.”
