About me
Hello and welcome! I’m so delighted to share my heartfelt passion for supporting my clients through life’s challenges. This is inspired by my own journey navigating the complexities of relationships, experiencing profound grief and the demanding pressures of a high-pressure career. As a parent, I also deeply empathise with the daily juggle of family and wellbeing. These experiences have shaped my approach to counselling which means I’m committed to providing a judgement-free, warm, safe space where you feel truly heard.
As a BACP-registered counsellor with a background in law, I served as a Police Officer in a specialist unit addressing rape and child abuse. Here I gained a deep insight into trauma’s impact and the amazing power of empathy. My later roles in recruitment and HR exposed me to many diverse life experiences, and allowed me the privilege of to walking alongside people in extremely challenging circumstances. I understand the pressures of today’s fast-paced world and my priority is give you breathing space to explore a better future whilst fostering hope and resilience.
In my counselling practice, I’ve supported clients with anxiety, stress, grief, relationship challenges, and neurodivergence, fostering hope and resilience through client-centered care.
With my blend of personal and professional experiences—from navigating loss to trauma-informed police work and HR insights—I’m committed to creating a warm, safe space where you feel truly heard. I love getting out in Northern Ireland’s open air, finding it the best therapy, and I’m passionate about studying psychology, nutrition, exercise, and holistic ways to enhance life in general.
You are welcome to relax in my tranquil garden room in Newtownabbey, or if you struggle to travel or prefer this option online sessions on a secure platform are available.
I provide an initial, no-pressure 15 min chat (free of charge) to make sure you feel at ease with me and ensure we are a good match to journey together toward a brighter, better life for you!
Please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Warmest regards
Roz
Training, qualifications & experience
I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and I follow their ethical guidelines to ensure every session is safe, confidential, and filled with respect.
Here’s a quick look at my qualifications:
- LLB (Hons) Law: University of Dundee, where I honed my analytical skills and learned more about human behaviour.
- Diploma in Legal Practice: Nottingham Trent University, where I studied the practical skills of being a solicitor, boosting my communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: Trained in an integrative approach, mixing person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic techniques.
- Full NLP Training: Completed at the Scottish Centre of Neuro Linguistic Programming, giving me tools to help you reframe thoughts and reach your goals.
- EMDR Training: Completed at Optima York, allowing me to offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias.
Ongoing Learning: I regularly attend training on trauma-informed care, grief counselling, and culturally sensitive practices to support the UK’s diverse communities.
My approach is warm, friendly, and all about you. I blend person-centred therapy, CBT, psychodynamic techniques, NLP, and EMDR to create a plan that fits your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, domestic abuse, grief, relationship breakdowns, anxiety, depression, or just want to improve your quality of life, I’m here to offer a warm, judgment-free space to explore life’s challenges and find a brighter way forward together.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Discount for students £45
Further information
Why Choose Me?
My mix of personal experiences with loss, trauma-informed police work, and professional skills makes me dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe space for you. I offer face-to-face sessions in my tranquil garden room, specifically designed to allow you to relax and feel safe. Alternatively, if travelling to meet me face-to-face is an issue or you simply have a preference, I offer online sessions via secure platforms, making support accessible wherever you are in the UK.
I know starting therapy can feel like a big step, so I offer a free 15-minute chat to talk about what you’re looking for and see if we’re a good match - no pressure at all!
Ready to connect? Pop me an email! I’m excited to support you on your journey.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Warmest wishes,
Roz Shand
Registered Counsellor (BACP)
Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
