Counselling & Psychotherapy
in Belfast, City Centre
Counselling for Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Self-esteem, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Work Stress, Couples and Relationships and more.
Providing Services
over 30+ Years
Introduction
About Jean Mcminn
As a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), I work to BACP’s Code of Ethics for good practice. I hold a M.Sc. in Guidance and Counselling (University of Ulster) and a Postgraduate Diploma in the Psychodynamics of Human Development (Birkbeck University of London). I also have further training in working with trauma, working with couples, Body Centred Psychotherapy (Institute of Hakomi) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing). In addition to working in private practice I have worked in Higher Education for many years as lecturer in Counselling and a Head of Student Support Services. I am committed to maintaining and keeping abreast of current developments in the field.
- Postgraduate Diploma in the Psychodynamics
- Certificate in Hakomi Body Centred Psychotherapy
- EMDR Level 1 and 2
- Registered Member of the British (BACP)
- I work to BACP’s code of ethics for good practice
- I hold a M.Sc in Guidance and Counselling (University of Ulster)
Jean McMinn
Therapeutic Approach
My Role and Approach.
My role as a therapist is to connect you to your own capacities and resources for healing to help you overcome whatever difficulties you are facing. I understand that every client is different and use a combination of approaches to best meet the individual needs of my clients. As an Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapist my approach to therapy draws on over 20 years of study and experience. In humanistic and integrative psychotherapy, the therapist uses knowledge and skills to explore the client’s experiences and feelings rather than simply focus on understanding events. My practice is also informed by a body centred approach which uses the body as a therapeutic resource. Body Centred psychotherapy is an experiential therapy based on the idea that we store or hold information and emotions in our bodies. Our sessions, may include, but are not limited to: breath work, movement, imagery work, mindfulness and relaxation exercises.
The way I work is based on the simple premise that the quality of the working relationship we build is key to the therapy being effective. The time is yours and my role is to help you through the process by creating a safe place in which you feel comfortable to talk through the personal and difficult areas in your life. I work with the issues that you bring, at a pace which is right for you and will support you in exploring options that help you reach a decision that feels right for you. I offer a safe, contained and healing space within which to work. Primarily I am interested in helping people to work towards solutions that enable them to feel more contented and joyful. My aim is to support people to break free from the self-defeating ways of thinking and behaving that are restricting their ability to feel satisfied and fulfilled in their lives and in their relationships.
Every journey starts with a first step, make yours today.
Would you like to explore your mental health wellbeing? Reach out today to start your journey towards healing and personal growth with a compassionate, professional counsellor by your side.
Qualifications
Academic And Professional Qualifications/membership
2021 Internal Family Systems Training
2020 Relationship Counselling, Polyvagal Trauma Training
2019 EMDR Level 2 Certificate, EMDR Level 1 Certificate, MIMer Level 1 and Level 2
2007 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamics of Human Development, University College London
2007 Myers Briggs Certified Practitioner
2003 Management Development Programme, Queen's University Belfast
2001 Person Centered Counselling Britain, Certificate in Counselling Supervision Skills
1998 MSc in Guidance Counselling, University of Ulster
1997 Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling
1996 Post Graduate Certificate in Guidance and Counselling
1993 Certificate in Body Centred Psychotherapy (2.5 years), Institute of Hakomi, Seattle, U.S.A
1988 Certificate in Group Relations and Interpersonal Skills (one year part time), Family Planning Association
1986 Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching English (Commendation), University of Ulster
1985 BA (Hons) in Combined Humanities, University of Ulster
Employment History
Below, you will find my employment history, which highlights my extensive experience, including my tenure in private practice since at least the year 2000.
2020-2021 Senior Lecturer in Counselling, Metanoia Institute, London
2013-2018 Head of Student Support, University of Ulster
2008-2013 Lecturer in Counselling, Queen's University Belfast
2003-2008 Head of Counselling Service, Queen's University Belfast
1999-2002 Counselling Coordinator, Family Planning Association NI
2003 Associate Lecturer in Counselling, University of Ulster
1997-1998 Counselling Coordinator AIDS Helpline NI
1990-1995 Lecturer in English Language, University of Washington, USA
Professional Qualifications
Higher Education Academy (HEA)Teaching Fellow (2010)
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Senior Accredited Counsellor (2000)
Locations I Serve,
Supporting You Nearby
You might be troubled about the future or troubled from memories of the past. You could be having relationship difficulties, or you might just be looking for support while..
You might be troubled about the future or troubled from memories of the past. You could be having relationship difficulties, or you might just be looking for support while.
- Bangor
- Cultra
- Newtownards
- Carrickfergus
- Belfast City Centre
- Donaghadee
- Lisburn
- Dundonald
- Groomsport
- Holywood
- Larne
- Cookstown
- Omagh
- Gortin
- Carrickmore
- Pomeroy in Co Tyrone
- Derry
- Monaghan
- Comber
Client reviews
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Depression
"I lost my relationship and my job and was at an all time low, I had gone to see many counsellors, many of whom didn’t help me. Jean did. She was real with me, she listened, she recognised my pain, I felt she was with me in my pain and wasn’t scared of it. Quite simply I wouldn’t have turned my life around without her. She was only one I could trust and who gave me the care and support I needed."
J, 54
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Depression
"I was scared going to my first counselling session but Jean was warm, welcoming and professional. She put me at ease and I was able to say things to her that I had never told anyone before. I was able to understand my behaviour and my pain so much more and to gradually change my life. I was able to put old ghosts to rest and enjoy my life again."
B, 39
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Anxiety
"Going to counselling was so helpful. I was really anxious, couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t settle, was wakening up every night and felt so vulnerable. I felt I had lost everything and didn’t know where to turn. Through being listened to and heard, I came to understand some of why I was behaving the way I was and through Jean’s gentle probing I was able to look at my attitudes and behaviour and see how it was making things worse. I am so grateful that I had the courage to pick up the phone and make an appointment. Money well spent."
A, 41
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Anxiety
"I have had many problems through out my life and seeing Jean has been a lifesaver for me. I never thought I could change my life around in the way I have. Counselling was painful at times, looking at things that had happened in the past, but Jean supported me and was my ally during this process. She allowed me to express my painful emotions, give me hope that I could survive and I did."
L, 60
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Body Centred Psychotherapy
"Jean really helped me to feel my emotions, I had cut off from my body and was living in my head. I was just like an automaton, going through the emotions. My relationship had broken down and I was devastated. Jean sat with me and gradually I was able to come into my body and to feel again and eventually connect with friends again and not feel so alone or separate. Jean allowed me to feel safe enough to feel some of my emotions and to feel my fears. I never felt judged, I felt heard and valued and gradually came to believe again that it was safe enough for me to speak what I was feeling and that I could survive what I had experienced. "
K, 53
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Couple Counselling
"I feel excellent progress has been made in our relationship and wish I had considered the counselling earlier. Although difficult and painful at times, having a neutral and honest assessment of our needs was extremely beneficial "
J, 33
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Couple Counselling
"Jean is such a good counsellor, she gives an excellent service. We had just got civil partnered and thought it would be the happiest days of our lives, but we were struggling in our relationship. Though counselling we learned how to sort out our differences without hurting each other and we have grown closer together. We would go and see Jean if the need arises but we are able to talk things out now and realise how we wind up each other. We are now practicing how to put what we have learned into practice. Thank you"
M, 36 and D, 38
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Couple Counselling
"My husband and I still loved each other but couldn’t find a way through. We had stopped communicating with each other and were living separate lives and were pretty much done. For the sake of the children we thought we would go and see a counsellor. We went to see Jean and it really helped us, we got to understand at a deeper level what the problems were, how we had stopped supporting each other and most importantly how to fix. We are still married and the children are thriving."
E, 39 and W, 43
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Food and Body Image
"I hated my body and went to see Jean to lose weight. I got so much more than that. I was surprised at what I found out. I got to understand why I was eating and how food was an emotional crutch for me and how it was easier to hate my body and myself, rather than deal with some of the hateful and horrible things that had happened to me in my life."
C, 44
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Food and Body Image
"My life looked perfect on the outside but had crumbled on the inside. I was feeling desperate and just couldn’t cope any more. I was binge eating and hating myself. It was a long and tough journey but with Jean’s knowledge, skills and understanding I have stopped striving for the perfect life and the perfect me. Instead I have opened up to friends and family and am much happier."
S, 34
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Nature
"Jean has a real gift to connect with people and to understand them. I had tried talking to other therapists and it hadn’t helped. When I spoke to Jean she understood this and suggested that we see each other outside and and be in nature. I found this so healing and less intimidating. It allowed me to feel my breath, to feel my legs, to feel the earth beneath me, I felt less alone. Jean and nature helped soothe me and allowed me to heal"
T, 53