About me
Reaching out for support isn't always easy, but by being here you've already taken an important first step.
Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, bereavement, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, emotional overwhelm or simply feel that life has become difficult to manage, you don't have to face it alone. Therapy offers a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, make sense of what's happening and begin moving towards meaningful change.
I'm Shea McCartney, founder of Mind & Muscle Therapy, an Integrative Counsellor working with adults, children and young people across Armagh, Moy and the surrounding areas. I provide both face-to-face and online counselling, offering short and long-term therapy tailored to your individual needs.
No two people are the same, so I don't believe therapy should be either. My approach is primarily person-centred and trauma-informed, while integrating evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) where appropriate. Rather than following a rigid model, I adapt my approach to suit you, your experiences and your goals.
Throughout my career I've had the privilege of working across statutory, charitable and voluntary organisations including the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, NSPCC, WAVE Trauma Centre and PIPS Hope & Support. These roles have provided extensive experience supporting adults, children and young people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, suicide bereavement, self-harm, relationship difficulties, family issues, emotional regulation and significant life changes.
I understand that finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming. Having experienced counselling myself, I appreciate how important it is to find someone you feel comfortable talking to. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my practice, and I aim to provide a warm, compassionate and genuine environment where you feel heard, respected and supported without judgement.
Alongside counselling, I also offer Sports Massage Therapy through Mind & Muscle Therapy. While these remain two separate professional services, the practice was built around an appreciation of the close relationship between mental and physical wellbeing. Emotional stress can often influence how we feel physically, just as persistent pain or injury can impact our mental health. By offering both services within one practice, clients have access to holistic support for both mind and body while receiving the most appropriate treatment for their individual needs.
Sessions are available online and in person, with evening appointments available to accommodate work, family and other commitments. Before beginning therapy, all new clients attend an initial assessment session (£10) where we'll discuss what's brought you to counselling, explore your goals and decide together whether I'm the right counsellor for you.
Whether this is your first experience of counselling or you're returning after previous therapy, you're welcome to get in touch. If you have any questions about the counselling process or would simply like to discuss how I may be able to help, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Throughout my career, I have worked across statutory, charitable and voluntary mental health services, including the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, NSPCC, WAVE Trauma Centre and PIPS Hope & Support.
These roles have provided extensive experience supporting adults, children and young people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, bereavement, domestic abuse, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and significant life changes. Alongside my professional experience, I continue to undertake ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure my practice remains current, ethical and evidence-informed.
I have obtained the following qualifications:
- MSc Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice.
- BSc Sociology with Psychology.
- Level 4 Certificate in Counselling Studies.
- Level 5 Certificate in Trauma Informed Counselling Children and Young People
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.
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.
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
£45.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Concession fees are available and can be discussed by getting in contact.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
