Therapy Services:
Counselling
Life can bring challenges that feel difficult to manage alone. Stress, grief, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, work pressures and major life changes can all affect your emotional wellbeing.
Counselling offers a confidential, compassionate space to explore what you are experiencing, understand yourself more clearly, and find ways forward that feel right for you.
What counselling involves
Counselling is a talking therapy that provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. At the heart of counselling is a trusting therapeutic relationship, where you can speak openly and feel heard.
- Express and process difficult emotions.
- Gain clarity and a fresh perspective on personal challenges.
- Identify your strengths and inner resources.
- Develop coping strategies tailored to your needs.
- Make meaningful changes in your life.
This is a collaborative process, designed to support greater insight, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Who can benefit from counselling?
Counselling can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Stress and burnout: Coping with work pressures, chronic stress or emotional exhaustion.
- Grief and loss: Navigating bereavement, separation or other significant life changes.
- Relationship difficulties: Exploring communication problems, family conflict, breakups or difficulties in close relationships.
- Self‑esteem and identity: Building confidence, self-understanding and a stronger sense of self.
- Life transitions: Adjusting to career changes, relocation, parenthood, retirement or new responsibilities.
- Work‑related challenges: Imposter syndrome, performance anxiety or career indecision
- General emotional support: Managing imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, workplace stress or career uncertainty.
Counselling with Dr Terry Sergeant
I am a Belfast-based counselling psychologist, chartered by the British Psychological Society and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
I completed my initial training in person-centred counselling at Queen’s University Belfast and qualified as a counsellor in 2004. I then undertook further postgraduate study in counselling at the University of Ulster, where I gained a Master’s degree. In 2009, I became an accredited counsellor. During this time, I worked with a range of counselling organisations across Northern Ireland.
I later completed further postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and counselling psychology. As a counsellor, CBT therapist and chartered psychologist, I have experience supporting individuals with a broad range of emotional difficulties.
I offer counselling both online and in person in Belfast, for individuals and couples.
Online counselling
Online counselling offers a convenient and confidential way to access professional support from a private space of your choosing.
It may be suitable if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, work-related pressures, or if you would simply value a regular space to talk things through.
Counselling in Belfast & Online
In Northern Ireland and in other parts of Ireland and the UK, free counselling services are available through the NHS, HSE, and through various charity organisations. Waiting lists for free counselling appointments can be very long, often delaying your access to much-needed support.
Choosing to have counselling privately allows you to access timely, personalised care. I am able to provide counselling for self-paying clients and those registered with the following private medical insurance companies: BUPA, AXA, Cigna, WPA, Aviva, and Vitality.
