Hello, I'm Shauneen.​

I'm a BABCP-accredited CBT, EMDR and DBT therapist, and I'm passionate about helping adults across the UK, Ireland, and beyond find a way through life's challenges.

I know that reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, so my aim is to create a space where you feel comfortable, listened to, and never judged. My approach is warm, relaxed, and down to earth because I believe therapy works best when you feel able to be yourself.​

No two people are the same, and neither are their experiences. That's why I take the time to get to know you and understand what's brought you to therapy, so we can work together in a way that feels right for you. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, difficulty regulating emotions, low mood, or simply feeling stuck, I'll support you with compassionate, evidence-based therapy that's tailored to your individual needs.​

I look forward to being part of your journey towards feeling happier, healthier, and more like yourself.

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​My Qualifications​

MSc Mental Health Nursing, Queen University Belfast​

PGDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Queens University Belfast

PgCert in Clinical Supervision, University of Salford

PGCert Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, Queens University Belfast

 

Additional Clinical Training

Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR), Queens University Belfast​

Introduction to Polyvagal Theory, Application to Practice with Deb Dana, 2026

Neurodivergence Changing the Narrative with Liz Stamatelatos, 2026

DBT Essentials level 3 Accredited, 2025

 Mentoring Programme, 2025

Vision for Supervision, 2025

Personal Energy Coaching, 2025

CBT for menopausal symptoms, 2025

Working with Neurodivergence, 2025

Chairwork for Emotional Regulation with Dr. Matthew Pugh and Dr. Tobyn Bell, 2025

Transforming images of loss linked to traumatic bereavement, PTSD and grief with Jenifer Wilde, 2024

Level 3 Safeguarding Adults and Children, 2024

SPIRIT Practitioner training Living Life To The Full, 2023

Preventing vicarious trauma and burnout workshop, 2023

Critical Incident Debriefing Training, 2023

Imagery Rescripting workshop with Arnoud Arntz, 2022

Cognitive Narrative Therapy with Helen Kennerly, 2022

Forensic Applications of Compassion Focused Therapy, 2022

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, 2017

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My Professional Accreditations​

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

The Association for psychological Therapies (APT) DBT Essentials level 3 Accredited

EMDR Europe Practitioner Accreditation, pending September 2026

​Irish Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (IABCP) accreditation, pending August 2026

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Additional Information

Enhanced DBS Adults

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My Experience

I have I have extensive experience supporting clients with low mood and depression, anxiety such as generalised, social, health, panic, specific phobias, OCD; trauma and stressor related disorders, interpersonal difficulties, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, anger and related difficulties and adjustment disorders.  I have worked well with people experiencing a range of complexities and care needs such as trauma, post traumatic stress, PTSD, complex trauma and attachment wounds, personality disorders, dissociation, suicidal ideation and safe self-harm. I enjoy working with neurodiverse clients and those living with addictions.

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My practice integrates CBT, EMDR and DBT in a trauma-informed way to help people manage their symptoms, gain new perspectives on past experiences and make meaningful and lasting change.  With over 20 years’ experience working in mental health has included NHS, healthcare in prisons, private and corporate practice; supporting people with a wide range of difficulties and life pressures.

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I also enjoy supervising other therapists in my corporate and private practice. I have recently completed a PGCert in Supervision of Counselling, Psychotherapy and Helping Relationships with Salford University. This has provided a gold standard foundation to provide effective and best evidenced supervision, regardless of level of experience or professional background.

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Military & Service Connections

​I have personal connections to the military and emergency services, which gives me a deeper understanding of the complexities, culture, and demands these worlds can bring. This helps inform how I plan care and treatment in my professional role, particularly when supporting veterans and their families. There is no other line of work quite like this, and I believe that this breadth of experience adds another layer of insight and compassion to the way I work.

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My Commitment to You​

​I am committed to providing a thoughtful, professional, and confidential space that is tailored to your needs, your pace and your circumstances. I hope you will feel heard, respected, and safe. I aim to offer therapy that is grounded in evidence, helps move you towards practical change and is delivered with care and integrity.

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Please contact Optimism if you would like a copy of my full Bio.