A safe, non-judgemental space to drop the mask and simply be yourself

Trauma-Informed, Neuro-Affirming Counselling for Adults in Holywood & Online Across Northern Ireland

Supporting adults through anxiety, low mood, stress, relationships, trauma and difficult life experiences, with particular experience in neurodivergence and domestic abuse.

I offer compassionate, non-judgemental counselling for adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and life difficulties. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, relationships, trauma or simply feeling overwhelmed, therapy provides a safe space to explore what you’re going through.

I have particular experience supporting neurodivergent adults, people affected by trauma, and men experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control, while welcoming anyone who feels counselling could help.

Face-to-face counselling in Holywood & online across Northern Ireland.

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma or simply finding things harder than usual. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or a specific reason to reach out. Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to talk openly, make sense of what you’re experiencing and explore ways of moving forward.

I work with adults from all backgrounds and tailor therapy to you as an individual. I have particular experience supporting neurodivergent adults, people affected by trauma, and men experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control, but my counselling is open to anyone who feels they could benefit from having a safe space to talk.

You don’t need a diagnosis or a particular reason to reach out. If something is affecting your well-being or making life feel difficult, counselling can provide a safe space to explore what you’re experiencing.

My Approach

I believe counselling should be a space where you feel safe, heard and accepted for who you are. I work collaboratively, taking the time to understand you, your experiences and what you would like to get from therapy, rather than expecting you to fit into a particular approach.

My practice is person-centred, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming. I draw on different therapeutic approaches, including CBT and psychodynamic ideas, where they may be helpful, while always adapting the way we work to your individual needs, preferences and goals.

There is no pressure to have the right words or know exactly where to begin. We can work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, creating space to explore difficult experiences, understand patterns and develop ways of coping that feel right for you.

Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy Experience

If you’re autistic, have ADHD or are AuDHD, therapy can offer a space where you don’t have to mask, explain yourself or try to fit into expectations that don’t work for you.

I offer neurodivergent-affirming counselling for adults, including those who have received a diagnosis later in life and may be making sense of their identity, relationships and past experiences in a new way. We can explore areas such as masking, burnout, anxiety, self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, relationships and the impact of feeling different or misunderstood.

My approach is collaborative, flexible and tailored to you. There is no expectation that you should change who you are to fit the world around you. Instead, we can explore ways to understand yourself, work with your strengths and develop strategies that support your well-being while respecting your individual needs.

Support for Men Experiencing Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, including men, and it isn’t always easy to recognise or talk about what is happening. You may be experiencing controlling behaviour, emotional or psychological abuse, intimidation, isolation or other forms of abuse within a relationship.

I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what you’re experiencing without fear of being judged or dismissed. Whether you’re trying to understand your relationship, make sense of what has happened, rebuild your confidence or cope with the emotional impact of abuse, we can work together at a pace that feels right for you.

You don’t have to wait until you know exactly what you want to do. Sometimes having a space to talk and be heard is the first step.

Trauma & Difficult Life Experiences

Difficult experiences can continue to affect us long after they have happened. Trauma doesn’t always look the way we expect it to, and you don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to seek support.

I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore the impact of experiences such as childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, domestic abuse, difficult relationships, loss or other events that have left you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck.

Together, we can gently explore how these experiences may be affecting you now, while developing greater understanding, self-compassion and ways of coping. We will work at your pace, with no pressure to revisit anything before you feel ready.

If you’re carrying something that feels difficult to manage on your own, you don’t have to figure it all all out before reaching out. I’m here to listen.

Meet Gail

Hi, I’m Gail.

I’m a qualified counsellor with 20 years of professional experience in social work, including front-line mental health and supporting people through complex and challenging circumstances. Over the years, I’ve worked alongside adults, families and individuals facing a wide range of emotional, relational and life difficulties.

Alongside my professional experience, I also bring my own lived experience of neurodivergence and receiving a diagnosis later in life, I understand how much it can take to navigate life while masking, feeling different or trying to make sense of yourself and your experiences.

I believe that therapy should be a space where you can feel safe, accepted and genuinely heard. My approach is warm, down-to-earth and non-judgemental, and I tailor the way we work to you rather than expecting you to fit into a particular model.

My aim is to offer a space where you can put down the mask, be yourself and explore whatever has brought you to counselling — at a pace that feels right for you.

Qualified Counsellor | Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling | BSc (Hons) Social Work

What You Can Expect From Therapy

Starting counselling can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never spoken to a counsellor before. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before you begin.

From our first session, we’ll take time to understand what has brought you to counselling and what you would like support with. I’ll listen without judgement and work with you to create a space where you feel safe, respected and comfortable being yourself.

Therapy is collaborative, which means we work together rather than me simply telling you what to do. We can explore your experiences, emotions and patterns, and where helpful, develop practical ways to manage difficult thoughts, feelings and situations.

Most importantly, you set the pace. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you’re ready, and we can adjust the way we work to suit your needs

How to Get Started:

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, but you don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.

1. Get in touch
Contact me by phone, text or email, or click on the button below to arrange a free 15-minute consultation.

2. Have a chat
Our initial conversation is a chance to briefly talk about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions you may have and see whether I feel like the right counsellor for you. There’s no obligation to book further sessions.

3. Begin your counselling journey
If you decide you’d like to work together, we’ll arrange your first session and discuss what you would like to get from counselling. We’ll work collaboratively and at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

You don’t have to know exactly what you need before you reach out. Sometimes the first step is simply starting the conversation.

I Got U Therapy

1 Old Cultra Road, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0AE

gail@igotu-therapy.co.uk

07303124675

Compassionate Counselling for Adults | Holywood & Online Across Northern Ireland