Individual Counselling
in Belfast,
Counselling for Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Self-esteem, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Work Stress, Couples and Relationships and more.
Providing Services
over 30+ Years
Introduction
Navigating Life’s Challenges Through Individual Counselling
Life can feel lonely at times. Even if we are surrounded by family and friends, we may still feel that we have no one to turn to. Whatever the reason, individual counselling will allow you time and space to explore what is going on for you in a safe, non-judgemental, uninterrupted space.
Perhaps you are going through a personal crisis: someone you love has died; your relationship has ended; you have lost your job; you feel overwhelmed or anxious by circumstances in your life, or your future is very uncertain. You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, grief, anxiety, anger, or even the effects of trauma, and you feel you have little control over these feelings. Or, it is less obvious than this. You may be feeling really ready to look at the patterns in your life that ultimately hurt you and others around you. Sometimes it is the difficult life transitions and painful experiences, including past trauma, that can provide us with the opportunities to restore balance and vitality, to move away from limiting ideas and beliefs.
- 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)
Key Information
Building a Supportive Relationship for Meaningful Change
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.
- 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)
Individual Counselling can help with
Individual counselling offers a safe and confidential space to address the challenges you’re facing, whether they’re deeply rooted or emerging from current circumstances. It provides an opportunity to gain insight into your thoughts and emotions, helping you develop coping strategies and explore new ways of thinking and being. Through this process, counselling supports personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
I can support you in addressing and resolving challenges such as:
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Managing Stress and Anxiety
Counselling helps you identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and find ways to manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
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Improving Self-Esteem
Gain practical skills for managing disagreements, breaking unhelpful patterns, and nurturing mutual respect.
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Navigating Life Transitions
Whether it’s a career change, relationship shift, or personal loss, counselling provides guidance and support to navigate these challenging periods with clarity and resilience.
The Process
Overcoming Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, affecting many aspects of daily life, from your work and relationships to your physical health. In counselling, you’ll have the opportunity to identify the underlying causes of your stress and anxiety, whether they stem from external pressures or internal fears. Together, we’ll explore your triggers and develop tailored strategies to manage these feelings, such as mindfulness techniques, relaxation practices, or restructuring negative thought patterns. Counselling provides a safe space to express and process your emotions, helping you regain a sense of control and calm in your life.
Grief and Loss: Navigating Difficult Times
Grief can be a deeply isolating and overwhelming experience. In individual counselling, I provide a safe, supportive space to help you process your loss at your own pace. Together, we’ll explore your emotions, honor your feelings, and work toward healing and acceptance. Whether your grief is recent or long-standing, I can support you in finding balance and reconnecting with what feels meaningful. You don’t have to face this alone, I am here to walk with you.
Building Confidence and Self-Worth
Low self-esteem can impact how you view yourself, your relationships, and your ability to pursue opportunities. Individual counselling helps you uncover and challenge negative beliefs about yourself, often rooted in past experiences or societal pressures. Through this process, you’ll work towards developing a kinder and more compassionate view of yourself, learning to recognize your strengths and worth. By building self-confidence, you can begin to set boundaries, embrace your individuality, and create a life that reflects your true potential. Counselling supports you in moving from self-doubt to self-acceptance, fostering a more positive and empowered outlook.
Adapting to New Beginnings
Major life changes, such as a new job, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a loved one, can leave you feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or stuck. Counselling offers guidance and support as you navigate these challenging transitions, providing a space to explore your feelings and process the impact of the changes in your life. By working together, we’ll identify your priorities, clarify your goals, and explore ways to adapt and grow through the experience. Whether it’s rebuilding after a setback or embracing a new opportunity, counselling helps you approach life transitions with greater confidence and resilience.
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.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals Through Individual Counselling
Being part of the LGBTQ+ community comes with its unique set of challenges, from navigating societal expectations and stereotypes to dealing with personal identity questions. Whether you are exploring your sexual orientation, gender identity, or facing challenges related to acceptance, counselling provides a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and feelings without fear of discrimination. The therapeutic relationship offers a place where you can be authentically yourself, processing any stress, anxiety, or emotional turmoil that may come with self-discovery or facing external pressures.
As an ally and therapist, I am committed to supporting you through the complexities of identity, self-acceptance, and relationships within the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can explore how societal attitudes, family dynamics, and your own personal journey intersect, helping you navigate the challenges you face with compassion and understanding. Whether you're dealing with issues of discrimination, internalized stigma, or simply seeking affirmation of your identity, individual counselling offers an opportunity to work towards greater self-confidence, resilience, and a fulfilling life aligned with your true self.
Other Services
Other areas of Counselling,
see how I can help
Counselling offers support for a wide range of challenges, providing a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, therapy helps you understand your experiences and work towards positive change.
It can also address issues like workplace stress, relationship challenges, or personal growth. Whatever you’re facing, counselling provides tools and guidance to build resilience and move forward with clarity and confidence.
- Workplace Anxiety
- Childhood Trauma
- Depression
- Social Anxiety
- Relationship Breakdown
- Grief Support
- Self-Esteem Struggles
- Nature-Based Therapy
- EMDR for Healing
- Body Image & Eating
Every journey starts with a first step, make yours today.
I offer flexible counselling options, including both in-person and remote sessions, allowing you to choose the format that best fits your lifestyle and comfort level.
In-person Sessions
In-person counselling provides a unique opportunity for connection and support in a comfortable environment. Meeting face-to-face allows for deeper emotional exchange and fosters a strong therapeutic relationship. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore your challenges and work towards healing in a supportive atmosphere.
Remote Options
Remote counselling allows you to connect from home via phone or the video platform Zoom. This flexible option makes it easy to fit sessions into your schedule while ensuring meaningful therapeutic conversations in a convenient setting.
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
Jean McMinn Therapy
Counselling & Psychotherapy in Belfast Holywood - Counselling for Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Self-esteem, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Work Stress, Couples and Relationship and more.
Bangor - Cultra - Newtownards - Carrickfergus - Belfast City Centre - Donaghadee - Lisburn - Dundonald - Groomsport - Larne - Cookstown - Omagh - Gortin - Carrickmore - Pomeroy in Co Tyrone - Derry - Monaghan - Holywood - Comber