About me

My name is Hannah and I’m an accredited counsellor through the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am passionate about creating a safe space for people to share whatever they may be feeling or struggling with. My aim is to help people take care of their mental health by supporting clients to work through issues that may be affecting their mood and well-being.

Interest in Mental Health

My interest in supporting others with their mental health stems from my own struggles with my mental health as a teenager. I struggled a lot with low self-esteem, anxiety and self-harm as a teenager and unfortunately I had no idea where to turn for support.

I went on to study Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast and became passionate about understanding mental health, specifically how to help other’s maintain good mental health. I wanted to acquire the skills and knowledge to ensure that I could help adults and children who struggled with their mental health, as I did when I was a teenager.

During my final year of University, I volunteered at Childline - an organisation that provides confidential counselling support to children. Looking back, I believe this experience is what led me to consider counselling as my future career.

My career (so far!)

After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to California and worked at a summer camp for children. This was an incredible experience and it motivated me to apply to study a Masters in Counselling and therapeutic communication at Ulster University.

Whilst completing my Masters, I worked at Leonard Cheshire Disability, where I supported adults with additional needs to live as independently as possible. I also worked at an afterschool’s club for children with Austism, run by the organisation Sólàs.

I went on to work for the same camp in California in summer 2019 after being kindly invited back to work as a camp counsellor. I later went on to work as a manager at NSPCC Helpline - a charity that supports children and families.

In August 2022, I made the brave decision to leave my full-time job and focus on my business - Counselling with Hannah! A business that supports adults and children with their mental health.

My experience to date has definitely been varied, but it helped me to develop excellent skills in supporting and safeguarding children, adults and anyone with additional needs.

Interests & Values

Living a healthy and balanced lifestyle is very important to me. Whilst I love my job and am grateful to be able to support others with their mental health, I also enjoy my down time! I love travelling and seeing new places. I also enjoy photography, hiking and spending time outdoors. I’m an adventurous and active individual and this is reflected in how I promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle in my work with clients.

One of my core values, which is reflected in my counselling practice, is inclusivity. As a counsellor I aim to provide a service that is inclusive and accessible for all. And I actively seek out ways to improve my knowledge and understanding of the barriers which make it more difficult for some groups within the community to access mental health support.

Qualifications & Professional membership

  • Accredited through the National Counselling Society (2022)

  • Accredited through the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (2022)

  • MSc Counselling & Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practise with distinction* from Ulster University

  • Online Counselling training through BACP and the Open University (2020)

  • 2:1 BSc Psychology from Queens University Belfast (2018)

  • ASIST Training through Public Health Agency (2019)

  • Mental Health First Aid through Aware NI (2017)

  • Level 1 in Counselling with Trauma and Addiction through WAVE Trauma Centre, Belfast (2016)

CPD Training

  • Child Sexual Abuse: Hope for healing training by Carolyn Spring - April 2021

  • Systemic Practice and Family Therapy by NICF - April 2023

  • Domestic Stalking and Harassment by IDAS - April 2023

  • Children & Young Persons Counselling for Sight Loss by RNIB - November 2023

  • Working with Coaching by BACP - September 2024

  • Mindfulness Workshop by NICF - September 2024