Specialising in:
Depression, Anxiety & Stress
Low Self Esteem
People Pleasing
Career Choices
Life Changes
Confidential * Professional * Friendly
Counselling for you
Counselling & COVID-19
Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, the Therapy Belfast offices have been closed
since March 12, 2020 - for your safety and mine.
I will continue to see clients either online or over the phone until it is safe to return to face-to-face work and I am running my normal caseload. Contact me for further details.
"Would you like to BE more honest, feel more present, and gain the confidence to create the life you really want?"
Here's my FREE Offer to You
If you're thinking about counselling, I will give you a free 25 minute consultation, so you have a chance to get to know me and to decide if therapy is for you.
This chat will be casual, relaxed and friendly. You can tell me a bit about the problem or issues you want to address and I will explain my approach.
If you decide it's a good match and that you want take it further we can set up an appointment to meet in person in Belfast, or to have an online counselling session - the choice is yours!
Contact me today to arrange your free consultation.
a journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step
Are you ready to take that first step to
overcome depression, stress or anxiety
improve your relationships
make that change
and live your life with confidence?
Testimonials
Read what my clients have to say about our work together.
"I worked with Etain during a particularly tough period of my life. Her ability as a therapist enabled me to deal with the root cause of my problems, as well as equip me with the tools to deal with any further issues. I enjoyed each session and was challenged in a positive manner to develop as a person. I highly recommend her service, and I will continue to make use of the skills we have developed together to deal with the stresses of life."
“I wish I had known about Etain years ago. Through her open honest and relaxed approach I am seeing the world in a whole different light and I am loving it. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to make a change.”
“My sessions with Etain helped me through a very difficult time in my life professionally. She helped me get clarity and perspective on my situation, and build my confidence in myself. With her help I identified patterns of behaviour in myself which kept me stuck. She is reflective, understanding, approachable and helps you not only to understand yourself and your situation better, but also provides practical tools to use in everyday situations. I cannot recommend her highly enough."
“Etain is a very relaxed therapist, while still being professional. What helped me most was how sincere and authentic she was, it made me relax and want to try to begin living this way too. Etain's style of therapy helps me live more in the present moment rather than being consumed by my own thoughts. I would recommend her to anyone!”
"Etain is an astute listener. She pays attention to what you are saying, what you are not actually saying and to what your body is saying. Then she provides meaningful and insightful feedback to guide you forward. Etain takes a sincere, dedicated approach to her work and her sessions are both challenging and fun. She has made me feel believed, understood and validated as I deal with personal issues. I would strongly encourage you to contact Etain today and begin your journey to transformation."
"After several years of stress due to family problems, I began to experience anxiety that was affecting my life. I was confused about who I was and was negative about the future. I knew I needed to talk to someone and from her website Etain looked like a friendly face who wouldn't judge me. From the first meeting Etain was welcoming and I liked her approach. She set out a plan to get me back on track. Over the next few months we covered many issues in a friendly and informal way. She has really helped me to move on from feelings of guilt and sorrow. She made me feel good about myself and showed me ways to apply tools that will keep me feeling good in the future. I really can't thank her enough and recommend that anyone with an emotional problem will benefit from some sessions with her. I won't hesitate to return if I feel I need her help again."
"I have found Etain to be a deeply insightful, intelligent and honest therapist. She sees and hears and responds actively to what I say, and even more to what I am feeling and experiencing. Etain’s humour and evident compassion helped me to feel safe and at ease during therapy, and she challenged me to move forward."
"I would highly recommend Etain as a therapist. She creates a safe space in which to examine and to challenge behaviours, assumptions and painful experiences. She is patient and encouraging and brings humour to lighten even the most difficult of sessions. Her skills and knowledge as a therapist have helped me to let go of pain that I have carried for many years and to live life more honestly and fully."
"I have been working with Etain for the last six weeks. During that time she has taught me a lot about myself and helped to underpin the reasons for my higher-than-normal anxiety levels. I am now learning methods to cope with these emotions and I look forward to my sessions each week."
"Etain is an excellent therapist, she is well organised and person centred. She is personable, approachable and sincere. A person who is willing to listen and give appropriate advice in a professional manner. I was very satisfied with the service she provided and I would not hesitate in recommending her services.”
"Thanks again for all your help and support over the last 6 months, I can honestly say that our sessions have helped me in so many ways and I know that all the techniques that you have taught me I can put into practice in my every day life and know that these will forever help me. I would definitely recommend you to anyone who is considering counselling as your professional and friendly approach made me feel at ease from the very first session. It was especially interesting to hear you tell me how you saw me when we first met to how I was 6 months later. I also appreciate how you researched on different classes/courses which helped me overcome my fear/anxieties."
“The therapy sessions I had with Etain have really helped me build my self confidence to face difficult scenarios head on. Etain has helped me gain a new perspective on difficulties I have been facing and continue to face. Etain cant solve all your problems for you but she can help you deal with them. I always come away from a session with Etain feeling relaxed, purged and better for it. She is very approachable and is extremely perceptive and empathetic. If you need a therapist please try Etain - you wont regret it!"
“I appreciate Etain's work very much, because she explains things in a way that I can easily understand them. She helped me a lot to prepare the talk to my ex-partner...She is a very good coach, emphatic and honest!"
let's talk!
I offer confidential, non-judgemental face to face and online counselling sessions to help you with issues of depression, stress & anxiety, relationships and life changes.
Therapy is an opportunity for you to invest time in yourself, and to proactively make your life feel easier and more fulfilling. You set your own goals, decide your own pace of progress, and decide how often and how long your therapy lasts.
At the beginning we will be getting to know each other and I will be feeding back to you what I notice about you and what you talk to me about. I will encourage you to develop a moment by moment awareness of how you are feeling, thinking and acting in the here and now. This helps you gain a deeper awareness of yourself, to notice patterns in your life, and discover how limiting yourself by avoiding certain situations or experiences, being stuck in the past, worrying about the future, or compulsively analysing how you and your life should be is holding you back from fully living.
Later on I will coach you through activities that can help you face your fears and give you chance to try thinking, feeling and acting differently than what you're used to, all within the safety of the counselling session.
Together we will look at what it feels like to step out of your comfort zone, to tackle your fears, to let go of any ways of thinking, acting and feeling that don't serve you, and to gain confidence to live a happier and more fulfilled life.
Read Testimonials from my clients and see what their experience of therapy was like.
Hours of Business
Face to face and online counselling sessions are normally available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Spaces are available between 9:30am and 5:15pm (my final appointment time is 4:15pm). Consultation calls normally take place on Mondays or Fridays. Only in exceptional circumstances will other days be made a available and appointments cannot be made after 5pm. Please contact me to discuss your needs.
Investment
The pricing structure is simple. Your initial 25 minute consultation by phone or online is completely free.
Face to face sessions in Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK) and online counselling cost £50.00 for each 50 minute session.
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before an agreed session will require a £20 charge to cover costs. Cancellations made on the same day of your appointment or missed appointments require payment in full.
You can pay with cash, by bank transfer or by credit card using PayPal. I offer discounts if you choose to pay for 5 or 10 sessions in advance (cash and bank transfer only). Ask me for further details if you're interested.
If you are on a low income or are concerned about covering the cost of counselling please contact me to discuss your situation.
Need to know more?
Take a look at my Frequently Asked Questions Section and read testimonials from some of the people who have worked with me.
If you or someone you love is currently in crisis
If your situation is urgent get immediate emergency support right now by calling:
NHS 111
Lifeline 0808 808 8000
Samaritans 116 123 (freephone)
About
BA Psychology, Post-Graduate Diploma Counselling
Etain O'Kane:
"I've devoted my life to promoting positive health and wellbeing through peer-support groups, training, and a range of community based projects across Northern Ireland. I have a BA in Psychology, several Counselling qualifications.
I am an Acredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) and am a listed on the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register for Counsellors.
I also hold a Masters Degree in Creative Writing, am a qualified Hatha Yoga teacher, a Laughter Yoga leader, and have a range of teaching and management qualifications."
Workforce Wellbeing
Emotional Intelligence Training for Human Resources and Management teams, and Wellbeing Seminars for and confidential Counselling Services for staff in need of support. Contact for more information.
personal development for people who live in the real world
Stress, depression, burnout, relationships, life changes...why not transform your life with a group of supportive likeminded people?
www.ordinarybadass.com
Fun, practical and interractive, my online webinars and face to face workshops in Belfast are a great way to help you feel happier, more connected and confident.
What is ordinary Badass?
Sign up for online webinars that address common wellbeing and mental health issues that can hold you back from living your best life.
The Ordinary Badass Course
Attend an intensive face-to-face personal development course grounded in evidence-based theory and experiential work designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to feel more fulfilled, joyful and connected.
Contact Me
Contact me today to arrange your FREE
no-obligation consultation call
Face to face and online counselling sessions are normally available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Please note that spaces are available between 9:45am and 5:15pm (my final appointment time is 4:15pm).
Consultations usually take place on Mondays and Fridays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy or counselling new to you?
Do you feel nervous?
Are you unsure if therapy is right for you?
Would you like to know how it all works?
If you have answered YES to any of these questions then the following FAQs are here to help.
What is your theraputic approach?
For the past 20+ years I have dedicated my life to working with individuals and groups both in Ireland and abroad, promoting postive health and wellbeing. My therapeutic approach is person-centred, using mindfulness and gestalt therapy methods to help you:
Who do you work with?
I work with people who are over 18. I warmly welcome people of differing ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, relationship style and status, and cultural and/or religious background.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
I'm afraid I cannot offer evening or weekend appointments at this time so if you need to see someone after working hours you can search for therapists who offer evening services.
I'm afraid I'll get emotional - what if I can't control my feelings?
It's only natural that you will feel a range of emotions during counselling, but you will never be forced to go any further than you want to. You are always in control and I am there to support you every step of the way.
You may sometimes feel embarrassment, anger, fear or sadness BUT you will probably also to feel moments of calmness, clarity and relief.
Expect some laughter, too!
How many sessions should I have?
Most people start off with sessions once a week or every two weeks. This is purely down to individual choice and circumstances.
It's very difficult to predict how many sessions you will need to resolve the issue(s) you bring to therapy. My advice is to commit to four consecutive sessions to begin with and then we can discuss and assess how helpful you're finding the process.
I am always happy to discuss this with you at any stage. The decision to continue or end therapy always lies with you. If I see that you seem to be managing quite well, I may suggest extending the time between sessions or that you consider ending our theraputic relationship. But if you tell me that you are enjoying it and still feel you have something to gain from continuing that's okay too.
I'm really nervous...what if I'm too shy to talk to you?
Feeling shy and nervous is quite common and I am very used to (and skilled at) working with people who are afraid of talking, who have social anxiety, or who are afraid of being judged in a harsh way. Let me assure you that I am not at all judgemental and I am very understanding and easy to talk to. I can have comfortable conversations with even the shyest of people and I can teach you how to manage your anxiety while improving your communication skills in a non-judgemental and relaxed environment.
I'm not sure if counselling is what I need. Can I talk to you first?
Yes! Once you make contact using the form below, we will arrange your free no-obligation chat on the phone or online so you can tell me a bit about your situation, ask me any questions you have, and learn about how my approach may be able to help, before you make up your mind.
I know there are people out there with problems much bigger than mine - is my issue too small for therapy?
Just about everyone can benefit from counselling, and everyone experiences the challenges of life differently. What one person might find easy enough to cope with, another person might find extremely difficult to handle on their own. And you don't need to wait until you're in crisis to access counselling.
Therapy can help you get on better with others, improve relationships, help you make an important decision or navigate a major life-change. You can also use therapy to explore a general personal issue (including simple unhappiness or feeling like you're in a rut) that is getting in the way of you experiencing real joy, satisfaction and contentment.
Therapy is an opportunity for you to gain new skills and grow as an individual. There is absolutely no need to compare yourself to others or justify whether you deserve to invest in personal development work.
Is what I tell you confidential?
I fully understand your need for confidentiality and can assure you that your need for privacy will always be respected. There are some limits to confidentiality, which I will talk to you about during your free 25 minute consultation session and before we contract to work together, so if you have any concerns please let me know.
Do you offer discounts?
If you are on a low income or are concerned about meeting the cost of counselling please contact me to discuss your situation.
If I go to counselling will people think I'm crazy?
Sadly there is still stigma around mental health. But the reality is many of us have experienced depression, stress and anxiety or faced a difficult situation at some point in our life - including me!
Everyone could do with some help now to honestly look at the issues that keep us in a rut, unhappy or unfulfilled in our lives. Seeking therapy is a brave and positive step torwards improving your relationships, managing your emotions, and creating the life you want.
Have a read through my Testimonials section to hear what some of my clients have to say about their experience.
I'm not really sure what's wrong or why I feel this way. Does that matter?
Not at all. Many people come to me with just a feeling that things are not quite right or because they feel generaly unhappy, anxious or unfulfilled for no obvious reason. The process of having someone to talk to and bounce ideas off, and to test things out for yourself, will help you to uncover and expose the underlying issues that are keeping you from experiencing happiness and contentment with your life.
Make a Payment
If you have confirmed a session with me and wish to pay by credit card, please press the button below, which will take you to PayPal.
Location
Face to face and online counselling sessions are normally available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Spaces are available between 9:3-am and 5:15pm (my final appointment time is 4:15pm) at 94 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HE
Etain O'Kane is an Acredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS). Membership number NCS19-07540. All services adhere to NCS Code of Ethics and Complaints procedure. Insured by Howden Insurance.
© Etain O'Kane 2015-2020
Information provided in the contact form will only be used to make direct contact with you to discuss and arrange access to the service. Should you arrange an appointment, your name, email address and telephone number will be entered into a secure account at 10to8.com, an electronic booking system used to manage appointments. This information will be deleted once your case is closed. I will never pass your name, telephone number or email address to others without your explicit request or consent.
This service complies with EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018 which came into law on 25 May 2018. You have the right to see what information is held about you, and to request that this information be amended or deleted. This includes contact details, any correspondence we may have exchanged, and therapy case notes. I will act according to your request unless I am legally and ethically obliged to retain this information. During therapy, anonymised information about your case will be shared with a professional supervisor, as outlined in your counselling contract. Information may be shared to protect you or others, or in the case of criminal activity, also outlined in your counselling contract. I will only ever use your email and telephone number to contact you in relation to accessing this service. All electronic devices are password protected and paper files are kept under lock and key when not in use.