Providing evidence based psychological interventions and tailored support packages


Specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and psychological and behavioural therapy for Tics and Tourette's Syndrome


Est: 2020

Therapies and Assessments

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBIT & CBT for Tics & Tourette's Syndrome

Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at different stages in our lives. Psychological therapies such as CBT help clients to gain a better understanding of the influences and life events that have left them vulnerable to experience these emotions.  Therapy aims to empower clients to manage more difficult times in their lives by making key changes in thinking and behaviour. CBT focuses on remaining well, by learning to spot negative cycles, and develop more positive coping mechanisms. 


CBT is offered to clients who are experiencing any of the following difficulties:


Low Mood / Depression

Social Anxiety

Low Self-Esteem

Generalised Anxiety and Worry

Body Image concerns

Adjustment Difficulties

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Panic Attacks

Phobias 

Health Anxiety

CBIT & CBT for Tics & Tourette's Syndrome

CBIT & CBT for Tics & Tourette's Syndrome

Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) encompasses behavioural principles and psychological support alongside psychoeduation and family support.  This intervention helps clients to reduce the frequency and intensity of motor and vocal tics, as well as addressing the psychological and emotional factors which may contribute to tics.  This intervention involves Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), which is also effective in managing repetitive behaviours such as hair pulling and skin picking.


Having Tics or Tourette's Syndrome can be an experience that impacts on mood,  self-esteem and functioning. CBT is adapted to address the key psychological impacts of this disorder. Common issues may be social anxiety, avoidance behaviours and negative beliefs about health. CBT, combined with CBIT is a comprehensive approach to addressing the impact of Tics and to help clients improve their overall functioning and mental health. 

Autism Assessments

Autism Assessments

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder which can affect social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and behaviour. Signs of Autism typically present before the age of 3 and can include developmental delay, poor eye contact, repetitive behaviours and difficulties with emotional recognition and regulation.


The assessment process is comprised by multiple components

  •  a full developmental history
  •  report from school / GP
  •  standardised screening measures
  • completion of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
  • Consultation with our multidisciplinary team
  • a comprehensive feedback session
  • For more information on Autism assessments and to book a consultation, please request a call back from Grace Murphy (Clinic Coordinator).

Contact us

Contact us

To book a consultation, or to request information on the services that we offer please contact us by email.  Please provide your name, mobile number and brief outline of your request and Grace Murphy (Clinic 

Coordinator) will be in touch


Info@antrimpsychologicalservices.co.uk

Interested in joining the team?

Please drop us an email for more information

Kevin McFaul BSc MSc PgDip CBT (BABCP Accredited)

Kevin is a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist  and director of Antrim Psychological Services. He is trained in providing psychological assessments and interventions to children, adolescents and adults.  He has over 14 years experience in working within mental health services,  supporting clients with a range  of  mental health conditions and emotional difficulties.

Treatment Focus

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based intervention aimed at supporting clients to gain a better understanding of their emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses to certain life events. CBT is a short-term, goal-focused psychotherapy. It takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving and achieving therapeutic goals. CBT is designed  to explore and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that  maintain difficulties and to alleviate psychological distress.


Kevin has also completed professional training in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Brief Solution-Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).  Although his main treatment focus is CBT, he uses an integrative and adaptive approach  drawing on various therapeutic modalities.


Kevin has a keen interest in the psychological and behavioural management of tics and Tourette's Syndrome. He is a registered Behavioural Therapist with Tourette's Action and has completed training through the Behavioural Therapy for Tics Institute (BTTI) and follow up master classes. Kevin also delivers training in the area of Tourette's Syndrome



Aimee McIvor BSc MSc PgDip CBT (BABCP Accredited)

Aimee is a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. Having worked with children and families for 12 years, she has gained a lot of experience in supporting individuals through challenging and uncertain times. For the past 7 years she worked in the health service, offering evidence based interventions to individuals with a range of mental health difficulties including, OCD, depression, general anxiety, panic, phobias, social anxiety and low self-esteem.


One of the most important aspects of CBT is its use of a collaborative relationship, within which  Aimee works together with clients to identify and challenge the thoughts which have been impacting on individual experiences. By utilising this approach, you gain confidence and build upon your resilience, helping equip you with the skills to continue working towards your goals and face future stressors


Although Aimee's main  treatment focus is CBT, she draws upon her skills and experience to offer an integrated approach which is tailored to your needs.


Dr Alannah McGurgan BSc MSc PgDip DClinPsych CPsychol

Alannah is a Specialist Clinical Psychologist registered with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She holds chartered membership with the BPS. I have over 9 years experience working within mental health services across adult mental health, primary care, CAMHS, paediatric liaison, intellectual disability and autism services in a variety of settings 

Alannah is trained in  completing psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions with children, adolescents and adults. She also has experience in delivering group based interventions,  providing support to parents/carers and  training staff teams. Alannah works using a compassionate, person-centred approach. She completed ADOS training as part of her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and has gained extensive experience in completing assessments within the NHS and private practice. She also has a number of research publications within the area of child health psychology. Alannah has special interests in attachment, trauma, health and mind-body connections. 

Siva Ramamoorthy BSc, MSc, Pg Dip (BABCP Accredited)

Siva is a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and a NISCC registered social worker. He speaks a number of languages including Tamil, Singhalese, and English is also able to manage therapeutic communication through Malayalam too. Siva is trained in providing psychological assessments and interventions to children, adolescents and adults. He has over 20 years’ experience in working within mental health services, supporting clients with a range of mental health conditions and emotional difficulties. He has also worked in a number of countries around the world and is able to provide culturally informed therapeutic support to anyone wishing to obtain therapy 

Siva has completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  He has a wealth of experience working with people who have lived experience of residing in conflict zones. Siva's main treatment focus is CBT. CBT is a short-term, goal-focused psychotherapy. It takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving and achieving therapeutic goals. CBT is designed to explore and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that maintain difficulties and to alleviate psychological distress. 

Jillian Darling MA (Hons), CQSW, PgDip CBT (BABCP Accredited

Jillian is an experienced therapeutic practitioner with over 35 years of professional practice as a social worker, supporting children, young people, and adults across both statutory and voluntary sectors. This includes 19 years in the NHS, within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).


 Jillian is a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and offers face to face and remote based CBT interventions to adults and children. She remains committed to ongoing professional development and has recently completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). 

Treatment Approach

Jillian's clinical work integrates evidence based CBT models, tailored to specific presentations including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and neurodiversity. She also draws on her extensive training and experience which includes family therapy interventions, play based therapies and self-regulation therapy, to develop integrative plans specific to the individual needs of the client. Jillian has a special interest in working with young people and adults who experience OCD, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, phobias, depression and trauma. . 

Ailish McVeigh BSc Nutrition and Dietetic

 

Ailish is a registered Dietitian with the HCPC and a member of the British Dietetic Association and the BDA Mental health and Paediatric Specialist groups. She has over 10 years experience in Dietetics working in a range of specialities including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), weight management, allergies and working with clients on food related issues linked to their mental health and anxiety. She is skilled in the principles of behavioural change and takes a patient-centred approach. Ailish is passionate about educating and promoting good health and wellbeing through nutrition.

Food is medicine and is a fundamental building block to good mental and physical health. When we don’t eat enough nutrient rich foods, our bodies may lack vital nutrients which may affect our energy, mood, and brain function. Working with Antrim Psychological Services,  Ailish can provide an important resource of nutritional knowledge, ensuring an holistic and collaborative approach with you and your therapist in order to optimise your treatment 

Appointments

Assessment and therapy sessions

Appointments are being offered either face to face or via Zoom - depending on preference.   We are based on Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6AZ. On street parking is available. 

Appointments are offered  during office hours, on evenings and weekends to fit around individual schedules. For further information on arranging a free consultation, appointments, availability and with any general queries, please email Info@antrimpsychologicalservices.co.uk. 

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