About me
Rodney Laird | RedBird Counselling & Psychotherapy
You don't have to be in crisis to need someone to talk to. Perhaps you've been holding everything together for everyone else, while quietly struggling yourself. Maybe life has left you feeling overwhelmed, lost or simply not the person you used to be. With over 16 years of professional experience and my own lived experience of mental health and substance use, I bring professional understanding, genuine compassion and a belief that hope is possible, even when it feels far away. At RedBird, there's a place for you to land, just as you are.
Hello, I'm Rodney, a counsellor and psychotherapist, and the person behind RedBird.
RedBird means something deeply personal to me. It grew from witnessing how, even in the midst of grief, emotional pain and difficult times, a moment of connection can help someone begin to rediscover hope. That belief remains at the heart of my counselling practice.
I know that life isn't always straightforward. Sometimes we carry things for years without telling anyone. We learn to put on a brave face, keep going for those around us, or find ways to cope that eventually become difficulties themselves.
You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties or problems with alcohol or substance use. Or perhaps you simply feel that something in your life needs to change.
Whatever brings you here, I'm interested in understanding you as a person, not defining you by the difficulties you're experiencing.
Professional experience. Personal understanding. Genuine compassion.
Over more than 16 years of professional practice, I've supported people through mental health difficulties, emotional distress, trauma, bereavement and challenges with alcohol and substance use.
My own lived experience has also shaped how I approach counselling. It has deepened my appreciation of how complicated life can become, how difficult it can feel to ask for help, and why compassion matters so much. But I also know that your experiences are uniquely yours.
I won't assume I understand your story simply because of my own experiences. I'll listen with curiosity, respect and a genuine interest in understanding what life has been like for you.
I believe counselling is about more than talking through problems. It's about having an opportunity to make sense of your experiences, recognise your strengths and explore what might help you move forward.
There is no pressure to have all the answers, and no expectation to share more than you're comfortable with.
Counselling that fits around your life
I offer face-to-face counselling in the Waterside area of Derry/Londonderry, alongside online and telephone appointments.
I also provide evening and weekend appointments, recognising that work, family and caring responsibilities can make finding time for yourself difficult.
Whether you're seeking counselling for the first time or returning after a previous experience, we can explore an approach that feels right for you.
Taking the first step
You might be wondering whether counselling will help, what you'll say, or whether your difficulties are serious enough.
You don't need to find the perfect words.
Sometimes reaching out begins with a simple conversation.
If something you've read feels familiar, you're welcome to get in touch. We can talk about what you're looking for and whether I'm the right counsellor for you.
RedBird: A safe place to land.
Training, qualifications & experience
Professional Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma in Substance Use & Substance Use Disorder Queen's University Belfast (2024)
- BSc (Hons) Health & Wellbeing Ulster University, Magee (2021)
- CPCAB Level 6 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision Belfast Metropolitan College (2022)
- CPCAB Level 5 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy North West Regional College (2019)
- FdSc Level 5 Integrative Counselling Practice Ulster University (2013)
Specialist Clinical Training
My additional training includes:
- Advanced Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Informed Practice SBNI Levels 1 and 2
- SBNI Trauma-Informed Practice Train the Trainer
- Accredited 5 Step Method Family Intervention
Accredited DBT Essentials - Mental Health and Suicide First Aid
- ASIST Train-the-Trainer
- Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Trainer
- Level 3 Certificate in Tackling Substance Use
- Naloxone Training for Trainers
- Managing Potentially Violent Situations
Clinical Experience
Since 2016, I have worked with ASCERT, providing specialist counselling and support to adults, young people and families affected by mental health and substance use difficulties.
My work has included comprehensive assessments, individualised therapeutic interventions, relapse prevention, harm reduction, family support and working collaboratively with other health and social care professionals.
I also have experience in clinical supervision, supporting counsellors in their professional development and promoting safe, ethical and effective therapeutic practice.
I founded RedBird Counselling and Supervision in 2018, bringing together my professional experience and personal understanding to create a counselling service grounded in compassion, dignity, curiosity and hope.
Member organisations
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
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
Additional information
Individual counselling sessions are £50 for 60 minutes.
I offer face-to-face appointments at RedBird in Derry/Londonderry, alongside online and telephone counselling.
I understand that balancing work, family and other commitments can make finding time for yourself difficult. That's why I also offer flexible evening and weekend appointments, subject to availability.
If you're considering counselling but aren't sure where to begin, you're very welcome to get in touch. We can have an initial conversation about what you're looking for, answer any questions and explore whether working together feels right for you.
There's no pressure or obligation to book. Taking that first step should feel comfortable and right for you.
Further information
Professional Membership
Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) since 2010.
I maintain my continuing professional development and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.
My Approach
My practice draws on integrative counselling, person-centred principles, cognitive behavioural approaches, motivational interviewing, solution-focused interventions and trauma-informed practice.
I believe that effective counselling begins with a genuine human connection. My qualifications and experience provide the professional foundation for our work, while compassion, curiosity and respect remain at the heart of how I support each person.
Professional experience. Personal understanding. Genuine compassion.
