Kerry Courtney

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BA, PG Adv Dip.
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Bangor, County Down, BT19 7QT
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Finding Clarity & Support in Difficult Times
Life can feel overwhelming, and at times, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are amidst the chaos. If you’re struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, or life’s challenges, counselling offers a space to pause, reflect, and find a way forward. No concern is too small—if something is weighing on you, it matters.

I provide confidential counselling for adults (18+), offering a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative, meaning I tailor our sessions to your unique needs. I also incorporate psycho-education, helping you understand your mental health and empowering you with tools to navigate life more confidently.

What to Expect in Our First Session
Our initial meeting (assessment) is an opportunity to explore what has brought you to therapy. We’ll discuss your background, your goals, and any concerns you may have. I will guide you through the process at a pace that feels comfortable, ensuring you feel heard and supported from the very start.

If you're ready to take that first step towards change, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Training, qualifications & experience

Training & Qualifications
My journey in counselling began in 2007, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Humanistic Counselling Practice and a Level 5 Post-Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People. In 2017, I deepened my expertise with a Certificate in Complex Trauma & Childhood Abuse (NCS Accredited), allowing me to support clients with trauma-informed care.

As a commitment to professional growth, I completed a Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision in 2014, enabling me to guide and support trainee and qualified counsellors in their practice. I am currently completing my accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Professional Memberships & Certifications

✅ BACP Accreditation (in progress)
✅ Designated Safeguarding Lead (in progress)
✅ Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision
✅ Certificate in Complex Trauma & Childhood Abuse (NCS Accredited)
✅ Level 5 Post-Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People
✅ Bachelor of Arts in Humanistic Counselling Practice
✅ Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCS)
✅ Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
✅ Access NI Enhanced Clearance (2023)

Experience & Specialisms
I have been working as a Humanistic Counsellor since 2010. Beginning in community settings, primary and post-primary schools, and telephone counselling. I have been in private practice since 2016. With over 2,000 hours of post-qualified counselling experience, I specialise in trauma-informed therapy and have worked extensively with individuals affected by:

Domestic Violence and Abuse
Complex Trauma and Childhood Abuse
Attachment and upbringing
Anxiety and Depression

Beyond my private practice, I also work with Mental Health Hospitals across the UK, ensuring patient safety and staff best practices. Additionally, I have experience as a CPCAB Lecturer in Counselling Skills, training aspiring counsellors. I also work as a moderator, assessing newly trained counsellors for professional practice. 

What I Offer
✔️ Individual counselling for adults (18+)
✔️ Trauma-focused techniques, including Gradual Exposure & Rapid Rewind Technique for PTSD, panic attacks, phobias, and abuse
✔️ Mental health workshops for adults
✔️ Training programmes for organisation

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

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.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Individual Counselling:

£50 per 50 minute session (reduced rate for trainee counsellors)

Mental Health / Training Workshops:

I provide workshops for organisations: staff and service users.  Contact me for further details on fees, availability and topics.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Appointments are available:

Mondays 1030 - 1800

Tuesdays 0930 - 1800

Wednesdays 0900 - 1800

Thursdays 0930 - 1800

E M S Holdings Ltd, 12 Balloo Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7QT

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations

Key details

AccessNI check info

AccessNI carries out criminal records checks for individuals working in certain roles in Northern Ireland. Find out more at justice-ni.gov.uk , or contact this professional directly.

I offer face to face and remote sessions using Microsoft Teams.

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams

Supervision

In person
Online

I am a Humanistic Counsellor, trained in Creative Supervision working with the Cyclical Model.

View supervision profile

Social

Kerry Courtney
Kerry Courtney