About me
Sometimes you know exactly what's bothering you. Other times, you just know things aren't quite right, but you can't really put your finger on why.
Maybe you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, struggling with something that's happened, or finding that things you used to manage are becoming a bit harder.
You might have been thinking about counselling for a while, or perhaps it's something you've only recently started considering. Either way, taking that first step isn't always easy, especially when you're not sure what to expect.
I'm Gary, an integrative counsellor and founder of Sit With Counselling, based in Belfast. I offer online counselling to adults across Northern Ireland.
For me, counselling isn't about sitting opposite someone who tells you what's wrong or what you need to do to fix it. It's about having somewhere you can talk openly, make sense of what's going on and feel genuinely listened to.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you come to counselling. You don't even need to know where to start.
We can work that out together.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am an Accredited Registrant Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
Qualifications and additional training
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Northern Ireland. 12-hour training programme, approved and licensed by the Public Health Agency. Completed October 2026. Certificate valid until October 2029.
Counselling experience
I have completed over 100 hours of supervised client counselling with Dunlewey Addiction Services in Belfast, supporting adults experiencing addiction-related difficulties and a range of emotional and personal challenges.
This experience has given me the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds, each bringing their own experiences, difficulties and reasons for seeking support.
Additional professional experience
Alongside counselling, I have several years of experience working in education, supporting young people with special educational needs.
This has strengthened my understanding of individual differences, communication and the importance of adapting support to the person rather than expecting everyone to respond in the same way.
My counselling practice is grounded in a person-centred approach, while drawing on other therapeutic perspectives where appropriate. I undertake regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development to support safe, ethical and effective practice.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Free introductory call: 15 minutes by telephone.
An informal opportunity to ask questions and see whether working together feels right.
Initial consultation: £25 for 30 minutes.
Individual counselling: £50 per 50-minute session.
Student counselling: £35 per 50-minute session.
There's no obligation to book further sessions. Payment for paid appointments is made securely in advance.
When I work
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Further information
I understand that contacting a counsellor for the first time can feel daunting, particularly if you’re not sure what to expect or even what you want to talk about.
I offer an initial 30-minute consultation before beginning counselling. This gives us a chance to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you are looking for, and whether working together feels right for you.
There is no expectation that you have everything figured out before getting in touch.
