Hope in Healing Counselling and Psychotherapy

Hope in Healing Counselling and Psychotherapy Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Hope in Healing Counselling and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Service, Harbour Road , Carnlough, Carnlough.

Counselling helps you explore goals, ease emotional distress, build coping skills, improve communication, strengthen self-esteem, and support positive change — all to promote healing, growth, and better mental well-being.

In counselling, there is a term known as the wounded healer. It speaks to the idea that those who have experienced their...
22/08/2025

In counselling, there is a term known as the wounded healer. It speaks to the idea that those who have experienced their own struggles, losses, or pain often go on to walk alongside others in theirs.

Being a wounded healer does not mean being “fixed” or without scars, it means recognising that our wounds have shaped us, deepened our empathy, and allowed us to sit with another person’s pain without turning away.

At Hope in Healing Counselling, I believe that healing is not a straight path, but a journey we walk together. Sometimes, the most powerful support comes from someone who understands that life is messy, painful, and beautiful all at once.

Your wounds do not define you. They can, however, shape a story of resilience and hope.

If you are ready to begin your healing journey, you don’t have to do it alone.

Hope in Healing Counselling, walking beside you on the path to healing.

Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling and Psychotherapy

When we think of growth, we often imagine progress, success, and moving forward. But growth can also mean letting go — a...
22/08/2025

When we think of growth, we often imagine progress, success, and moving forward. But growth can also mean letting go — and that can feel like loss.

Growth can look like:
•Walking away from relationships that no longer feel safe or supportive
•Saying “no” when you’ve always said “yes”
•Grieving the version of yourself that survived on coping strategies you no longer need
•Leaving behind old dreams to make space for new ones

It can feel painful, confusing, and even lonely, but it’s still growth. Just like trees shed their leaves to prepare for new seasons, we sometimes have to release what no longer serves us to make room for something better.

Growth isn’t always about gaining, sometimes it’s about choosing yourself, even when it means letting go.

When we begin to heal, whether from trauma, loss, or difficult life experiences, many people expect to feel lighter, fre...
22/08/2025

When we begin to heal, whether from trauma, loss, or difficult life experiences, many people expect to feel lighter, freer, and more at peace. While this can be part of the journey, healing often brings something else to the surface too: shame.

Shame can whisper:
“I should be over this by now.”
“It’s my fault I went through this.”
“I’m too broken to heal.”

The truth is, shame thrives in silence. It convinces us we are alone in our struggles, when in reality, many people experience it during recovery.

Why shame shows up in healing:
•Old wounds being reopened as you process your past
•Internalised messages from others about what you “should” feel
•Comparing your journey to someone else’s timeline
•Fears of being judged or misunderstood

Ways to work gently with shame:
1. Name it – Simply recognising when shame is present takes away some of its power.
2. Challenge the inner critic – Ask yourself: Whose voice is this? Is it really mine?
3. Practice self-compassion – Speak to yourself the way you would to a loved one.
4. Share safely – Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can ease isolation and bring relief.

Healing is not about erasing your past, it’s about learning to carry it with kindness. Shame may visit along the way, but it doesn’t define who you are or the progress you’re making.

Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, anticipation, and yes, even a few worr...
21/08/2025

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, anticipation, and yes, even a few worries. It’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of feelings as you prepare for the arrival of your little one. Understanding and addressing those worries can help you feel more empowered and supported throughout this transformative time.

Why Worries Arise

Hormonal Changes, Your body is going through incredible hormonal shifts that can heighten emotions and sensitivity.

Fear of the Unknown The uncertainty surrounding labor and delivery can feel daunting.

Past Experiences Previous traumas or stories from others may trigger feelings of anxiety or fear.

Common Concerns During Pregnancy and Birth

Is my baby healthy?
How will I cope with labor pain?
What about medical interventions?
Will I lose control during labor?
How will I adjust to life as a parent?

Strategies to Tackle Worries

1. Seek Reliable Information,
Knowledge is empowering. Familiarize yourself with your birthing options and what to expect. Consult with your midwife, doctor, or antenatal educator instead of turning to Google or social media.

2. Practice Calming Techniques
Incorporate breathing exercises, mindfulness, and grounding practices into your routine. These can help ease anxiety and bring a sense of control back into your life.

3. Build a Support Network
Don’t hesitate to share your worries with your partner, trusted friends, or professionals. Talking things through can lighten the emotional load and provide reassurance.

4. Prepare a Birth Plan
Outline your preferences, but keep an open mind. Having a plan can make you feel more in control and empowered about your birth experience.

5. Recognize When It's Too Much
If anxiety starts to overwhelm your daily life or affects your sleep or mood, seek professional support. It’s important to take care of your mental well-being.

Please Remember:

Feeling worried doesn’t mean you’re not strong; it signifies just how much you care about this journey and your baby. With the right support and resources, you can navigate these feelings and find calm along the way. Embrace the ride, you’re not alone in this beautiful chapter of life!

21/08/2025

To everyone receiving their GCSE results today well done. Whatever those envelopes hold, please remember that your grades do not define your worth, your potential, or the amazing person you are becoming.

For some, today will feel exciting and full of relief. For others, it might feel overwhelming, disappointing, or confusing. All of those feelings are valid.

If the results aren’t what you hoped for, know this: there are always other paths, choices, and opportunities ahead. Success looks different for everyone, and one set of grades will never close the door to your future.

Take today gently, celebrate your effort, and be kind to yourself. You’ve come through years of learning, challenges, and resilience and that is something to be proud of.

With care,
Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling

To everyone who received their A-Level results yesterday Whether you’re still celebrating, processing, or feeling a mix ...
15/08/2025

To everyone who received their A-Level results yesterday

Whether you’re still celebrating, processing, or feeling a mix of emotions , remember that those results are just one chapter of your story.

They do not define your worth, your intelligence, or your future.
There are many different paths to success, and sometimes the unexpected ones lead to the most amazing opportunities.

If yesterday brought you joy , hold onto that feeling and be proud.
If it brought disappointment , please know this is not the end, only a redirection.

Opportunities, growth, and new beginnings are ahead. You are capable, resilient, and more than enough.

To all the parents, carers, and friends , your encouragement makes a huge difference. Let’s keep reminding our young people that they are valued for who they are, not just for a set of grades.

You’ve got this.

So many women are speaking up right now.About being let down.By the police.By social services.By the courts.Systems that...
09/08/2025

So many women are speaking up right now.
About being let down.
By the police.
By social services.
By the courts.

Systems that promised protection… but didn’t deliver it.

If this is you , you are not alone.
Your story matters.
You still matter. 💙

Just because something appears perfect on the outside doesn’t mean it truly is.We often come across pictures of couples ...
28/07/2025

Just because something appears perfect on the outside doesn’t mean it truly is.

We often come across pictures of couples beaming with happiness, weddings that resemble fairy tales, and it's easy to think, “They have it all together.” But the reality is that a single image can’t capture the complexities of what happens behind closed doors.

It doesn’t reflect the fear, the control, or the moments of silence that can linger in a relationship. It doesn’t reveal the emotional scars that aren’t visible to the eye.

Many individuals are struggling in relationships that might seem fine from the outside.

Please remember, it’s never helpful to compare your life to someone else’s carefully curated highlight reel. If something doesn’t feel right in your own relationship, trust your instincts.

You deserve to feel safe, heard, and genuinely loved and not just acknowledged.

If any of this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to support you.

Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling and Psychotherapy

27/07/2025

My bedtime read

As a counsellor, my work doesn’t stop at the therapy room. Behind the scenes, I’m constantly learning, researching, reading, and training, all so I can offer the best support possible to those who sit with me.

Every person I work with is unique. Whether it’s trauma, anxiety, autism, grief, or self-worth struggles, I believe you deserve a space that’s not only safe, but informed and responsive to your individual needs.

Continued learning isn’t just professional development for me, it’s a commitment to you. To showing up fully. To holding space with care. To understanding your experience as deeply and compassionately as I can.

Because you matter. And your healing matters.

Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling

In Loving Memory of Vanessa, James, and Sara from Maguiresbridge, County FermanaghThis week, Northern Ireland is grievin...
27/07/2025

In Loving Memory of Vanessa, James, and Sara from Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh

This week, Northern Ireland is grieving the devastating loss of Vanessa Whyte and her two children, James and Sara.

It’s difficult to find words in the face of such tragedy. A mother and her children, full of life and love, taken far too soon in circumstances no family should ever endure.

Moments like this shake us deeply ,as parents, neighbours, and human beings. They also highlight the silent struggles that can exist behind closed doors. If you’re feeling affected by this news, or if it’s brought up emotions from your own experiences, please know that support is available.

You are not alone.
Please reach out if you need to talk.
Domestic abuse and mental health support services are here for you, no matter how big or small your worry feels.

Let’s hold space for grief. Let’s honour their memory with compassion. And let’s continue to check in on each other, quietly, gently, and with care.

Rest in peace, Vanessa, James and Sara.

Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling and Psychotherapy

Be Careful Who You Keep Close 🍎If you take a piece of rotten fruit and place it beside perfectly good fruit, what happen...
27/07/2025

Be Careful Who You Keep Close 🍎

If you take a piece of rotten fruit and place it beside perfectly good fruit, what happens?

The rot spreads.

The good fruit doesn’t heal the bad one instead, it starts to decay too.

Now think about the people you surround yourself with. If they constantly drain you, criticise you, or chip away at your self-worth… eventually, that starts to affect you too.

You don’t have to stay in environments that make you feel smaller. You deserve to be around people who uplift you, not undo you.

Protect your peace. Choose your circle wisely.

Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling

Still Parenting, Still Showing Up, Even When It’s Hard?As a mum to adult children with additional needs, I want to say s...
26/07/2025

Still Parenting, Still Showing Up, Even When It’s Hard?

As a mum to adult children with additional needs, I want to say something out loud that doesn’t get talked about enough…

Even when they’re older, we’re still doing everything.
The routines, the care, the emotional regulation, the supervision.
And some days, if I’m being really honest, it feels like I’m not parenting anymore, I’m babysitting. This makes me feel guilty. Because I love my boys more than anything.
But I’m tired.

I see other parents whose children have become independent, getting jobs, moving out, finding their way, and I grieve that a little. I didn’t expect to still be needed in the same way all these years later. I planned and dreamed that things would be different for them.

It’s not a lack of love. It’s not that I don’t want to be there.
It’s that I’m human.

If you’re feeling this too, please know it doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you an honest one. A devoted one. A tired one.

You are not alone.

Emma
Hope in Healing Counselling

Address

Harbour Road , Carnlough
Carnlough

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm

Telephone

+447718277372

Website

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welcome.

Hello, my name is Emma. Thank you for finding my page. I would be honoured to hear from you to see if I can help you to explore your difficulties. You might be feeling quite overwhelmed by your feelings or unsure how you feel at all. Sometimes professional support is needed so that you can express yourself to someone who will not be overwhelmed, judgemental or shocked by what you have to say, meaning you can be 'you' when we work together. I hope my warm approach will put you at ease and make the whole process less daunting for you. I have experience with working within the NHS, privately and within domestic abuse charities.

The counsellor/client relationship is unique, respectful, and empowering. How I work is by using the 'Integrative' approach. That means that together we can draw upon a blend of different types of therapies including person-centred, CBT and mindfulness to work through your difficulties, enabling you to find your inner resources and make positive​ change.

Reaching out to talk to someone takes courage. So I would like to let you know that I am gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental and work in a confidential way. Importantly I offer new clients the opportunity to phone or email me to clarify or ask any questions you have before you decide if you would like to book a face to face counselling session.