Our Story - Therapy Belfast: Counselling | Belfast | Anxiety | Depression

Etain O'Kane
BA Psychology, Post-Graduate Diploma Counselling & Therapeutic Communication, MNCPS Accredited, Level 3 Trained Gottman Method

Integrative Psychotherapist & Couples Counsellor
Founder of Therapy Belfast, Etain has devoted her entire career to promoting positive health and wellbeing through peer-support groups, policy & research, training & workshops, and delivering a range of community based projects across Northern Ireland. She is an Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and is listed on the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register for Counsellors.

"I started my own private practice ten years ago, believing that counselling and psychotherapy truly helps people feel validated and supported to overcome challenges that we all face throughout our lives.

I also believe that therapists excel in their practice when not forced to work with high workloads and short-session models. When we are free to work without fear of endings, to take time to build a truly supportive relationship, and help our clients until they have done all the work they need to do, it not only leads to better and more lasting results for our clients but to greater job satisfaction, more creative and thoughtful approaches to our work, and more skillful practice.

I went from being a solo practitioner renting rooms by the hour to building a thriving team of independent therapists in the Queens Quarter of Belfast, where a broad range of individuals and couples have access to timely, individualised, and evidence-based mental health support whenever they need it.

I'm very proud of my colleagues and the work that we do."
Testimonials
Read what my clients have to say about our work together.
"I came to see Etain at a stage when I was feeling totally lost. Etain helped me work through a lot of issues from the past and understand how/why I reacted to situations the way I do. She has such a down to earth nature and is very open which put me at ease and made it feel safe to totally open up. Etain helped me realise how important self care is. She taught me how to listen to my body language and much much more. I really do feel my counselling with Etain has changed my life and made me feel more in control of my emotions in a positive way. I honestly cannot recommend Etain enough, she is amazing."

"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.”
Etain was able to ask the right questions, which allowed the issues I had to be framed in the correct light & allowed a superior perspective. This was an invaluable tool & I wholeheartedly recommend Therapy Belfast.
“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!"

Terms & Conditions

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.

Find Us

Etain O'Kane

BA Psychology, Post-Graduate Diploma Counselling & Therapeutic Communication, MNCPS Accredited, Level 3 Trained Gottman Method

Integrative Psychotherapist & Couples Counsellor

Testimonials

Read what my clients have to say about our work together.

“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.”

Etain was able to ask the right questions, which allowed the issues I had to be framed in the correct light & allowed a superior perspective. This was an invaluable tool & I wholeheartedly recommend Therapy Belfast.

"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."

“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!"