Mindfulness training is therapeutic NOT therapy but sometimes the message gets confused. And sometimes it’s not easy to know where to go for counselling. SO I put a call out on my Immeasurable Minds Facebook page for local counsellors, as I sometimes need to refer my mindfulness clients on to counselling and I want to make it as easy as possible for them.
I’ve done my best to provide as many helpful links as I can, it took me some time to look up all the links, please clink on the highlighted and underlined words for the websites. If you want your name or counsellor added here please write to me with the name and contact details and corresponding weblink, I will update this post when I can.
It is a good idea to do a mindfulness course alongside your counselling especially if the counselling understands mindfulness but only if your not currently in acute suffering. All my classes are listed here.
The ones listed below are the ones that came back from my call out. I have not used any of these services personally and am not endorsing anyone in particular. All are listed alphabetical order by first name. Please do your own research and use your own discretion when making an appointment. It seems that often people need to try a few counsellors before they find the one that is right for them. Some counsellors also specialise in certain topics.
You can ask your GP to refer you for free 6 sessions counselling on the NHS, unfortunately there is often a waiting list which is why you may wish to go private or use a free service.
Afterthoughts NI – particularly for Birth Trauma I received this testimonial – “for individual and couple counselling following traumatic birth experience, absolutely amazing, I spent over 5 years searching for the right person and it was Anne Marie! Based over at Source Wellbeing Centre, a truly incredible lady! She has links to Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit but for anyone who had children elsewhere there doesn’t seem to be any support but thankfully she does private work too.”
Cruse Bereavement Care offer free counselling for the Bereaved.
Lifeline the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help. Ring 0808 808 8000
The Lighthouse, Belfast – particularly for people experiencing suicide or self-harm.
Nexus NI University Street, Belfast for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
Pips Charity – PIPS Charity is here to provide support to individuals who are considering, or who have at some point considered, ending their own lives. PIPS also provide support to those families & friends who have been touched by suicide
The Samaritans – 116 123 Free from any phone – a listening service.
For a list of (recommended by Facebook messages) current NI counsellors in private practice click here.
For updates on this list please go to https://www.immeasurableminds.co.uk/info/mindfulness-for-wellbeing/
Thank you, Bridgeen x