AD Counselling & Wellness Newtownabbey

AD Counselling & Wellness Newtownabbey Private therapy practice, Newtownabbey. Bespoke compassion focused therapy & healing 💜 Face to face and remote services offered

Being a therapist is truly a privilege, at time this evokes an overwhelming, deeply felt sense hand on heart feeling of ...
19/03/2026

Being a therapist is truly a privilege, at time this evokes an overwhelming, deeply felt sense hand on heart feeling of gratitude and warmth that’s difficult to find the words for, the past few months have been some of those times. I feel incredibly proud, privileged, and grateful for this journey and everyone who is part of it.

Through my own personal experiences, professional work and training I hold a strong belief that given the right conditions and support we all have an inherent ability to heal. I believe with compassion, connection & safety we can navigate the complexities of life and hold our experiences with tender care. It’s a huge honour to witness resilience and growth in those I work with and honestly humbles & inspires me daily 💜

06/03/2026

Take a moment today 🦋

Returning home from the halfway point of my Somatic Experiencing training, I can’t seem to find word to explain the prof...
23/02/2026

Returning home from the halfway point of my Somatic Experiencing training, I can’t seem to find word to explain the profound shifts, deep learning and remarkable insights I’ve experienced this week it’s such a felt sense experience, ironically words don’t feel enough. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to engage in this work, the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues and the connections/support/safetly bubble formed along the way.

Instead I’ll share this poem which I feel beautifully encapsulates the journey of vulnerability and healing whilst integrating my own experience of the training 💜

Heart Tendrils

The heart does not exist in isolation;
It nests between the lungs,
Receiving comfort with each breath.
Its tendrils spiral out,
Searching for a place to expand,
Reaching for connection.
Only when touched harshly
Does it shrink back in,
A self-preservation instinct.
With each careless word,
It clings,
But with tenderness,
It grows stronger,
Wrapping itself around and moving through.
There, cradled in a bed of warmth and love,
The healing begins.

~ Shawnee Thornton Hardy

A somatic poem 🌈
11/02/2026

A somatic poem 🌈

It’s not you…. it’s late winter. February is the most psychologically low point of the year. We are literally running on...
05/02/2026

It’s not you…. it’s late winter. February is the most psychologically low point of the year. We are literally running on empty, we’ve been in low light mode for months, vitamin D levels are low, and stress levels high. Late winter is not for expectations or reinvention; it’s for rest and gentle restoration.

Think simplicity 🥰 Embrace soft routines, savor warm drinks, and explore comfort strategies that soothe you. Practice self-compassion and flexibility, allowing for gentle movement that feels right. Our mind, body, and nervous systems is preparing for spring, but this process can take time. February is a moment for gentle integration and transition, don’t rush it, we have plenty of time ahead. 🌱

I won’t wish a happy new year, instead, I’ll wish you a gentle year. A year where you are gentle with yourself, a year w...
04/01/2026

I won’t wish a happy new year, instead, I’ll wish you a gentle year. A year where you are gentle with yourself, a year when things get tough, you give yourself permission to take a step back and breathe. A year you recognise your limits and listen to your capacity. Prioritise self-care, nurture your relationships, get out in nature, soothe your soul and practice patience, especially with yourself. As you navigate this year, remember that every step, no matter how small, is still a step forward. Embrace stillness, be kind to yourself, and let each day bring softness and grace x

Signing off socials as I prepare to wind down for my winter break, I seen this quote that resonates with me, particularl...
14/12/2025

Signing off socials as I prepare to wind down for my winter break, I seen this quote that resonates with me, particularly this year.

It’s a gentle reminder to acknowledge the softness that surrounds us in life, gestures and moments of support that often goes unnoticed, the names in our phone that no matter how much time has passed are only a message away, the person that thinks of us, checks in with us, remembers birthdays, follows up on big things, calls us for just a chat. The friends who laughs with us, lend an ear, gives continued company & comfort when we need it. The family who help us, assist us in their own wee ways, are always there, the ones who show up, include us in the invites, the pick ups and pick me ups. The colleagues and clients that recognise we are human too, give kindness, humanity & flexibility when needed. The strangers who smiles at us, gives a friendly word or a moment of their time to us, the simple daily gestures of friendliness and consideration. The circle who really know us, the ones who never forget to include us, those inner ones who know our struggles, notice when we’ve went quiet or aren’t ourselves, the special ones, the ones who no matter what hold us through life. The soft people, the gentle ones 💜

So as we wrap up this year, let’s take a moment to notice the support that has shown up, life is difficult and I know this year has been particularly hard for so many but I promise that through hardship there has also been softness sometimes it is just harder to see, so let’s take a moment to look for that 💜

Wishing everyone a gentle Christmas and a soft 2026 x

08/12/2025

Sometimes all the extra pressure at this time of year makes things feel even heavier, especially if you’re already having a tough time. We’re here if you need us. 116 123 📱

✨December can be a magical time, but it’s also an extremely difficult time. The winter months brings lower energy levels...
03/12/2025

✨December can be a magical time, but it’s also an extremely difficult time. The winter months brings lower energy levels alongside higher expectations and societal pressures therefore it’s crucial to tune into our needs. For me, this month is a reminder to slow down, move gently, and reflect inward, double down on self care and boundaries.

Naturally the festive season can also amplify feelings of grief and loss, making the next few months particularly challenging for many. I urge you to take care of yourself, and each other. Move gently. Embrace the opportunity to recharge, engage in nurturing activities, and give yourself the grace to rest and rejuvenate during this season. Sending love to all who need it, remember you are not alone x

03/12/2025

Mark, a 38-year-old father of two, had been in a relationship for 13 yrs. His partner’s behaviour gradually became controlling, but because it wasn’t physical, he struggled to recognise it as abuse.

The coercive control Mark experienced included:

* Isolation: His partner repeatedly accused him of “putting his friends and family first,” leading him to stop seeing anyone.
* Financial control: She demanded access to all his accounts, monitored every transaction, and made him ask permission to spend money, even on lunch at work.
* Monitoring and surveillance: She insisted on checking his phone, emails, and even tracked his location through an app she put on his phone.
* Verbal and emotional degradation: Daily criticism “You’re useless,” “Nobody else would put up with you” this left him doubting his own competence.
* Manipulation involving the children: She told the children that “Daddy doesn’t care about you/me/us” whenever he disagreed with her, which made him fearful of conflict and worried for the kids.

Long-Term Impact on Mark

Over time, the abuse took a significant toll:

Psychological Impact

* Chronic anxiety, fearing how she would react when he came home.
* Low self-worth, believing her narrative that he was “a bad father.”
* Confusion about reality, because she repeatedly denied or minimised incidents (“You’re imagining things,” “You’re too sensitive”).
* Social withdrawal, ashamed to tell anyone what was happening.

Physical and Practical Impact

* Sleep problems, migraines, and constant exhaustion from stress.
* Reduced work performance, which led to a written warning from his employer.
*Loss of control of his finances, leaving him with little sense of independence.

Impact on His Children

Even though the children were never directly harmed, the atmosphere affected them deeply.

* The children became anxious, especially when arguments erupted.
* His son started acting out at school, copying the tone and words he heard at home.
* His daughter became unusually withdrawn, afraid to express her needs and feelings.
* The children began to feel responsible for keeping the peace.
* There was confusion and distress at seeing their father constantly belittled.

Mark worried that this environment was shaping their understanding of safety and relationships.

How the Men’s Advisory Project Helped

Mark eventually contacted the Men’s Advisory Project after seeing a leaflet at his GP surgery. He described feeling “embarrassed but desperate.” during his first call.

What MAP Provided

1. A non-judgmental space
For the first time, Mark heard someone say: “What you’re describing is abuse. It isn’t your fault.”

That alone brought Mark relief.

2. Education about coercive control
The counsellors helped him understand patterns of abuse and how they were affecting him. This clarity allowed him to rebuild his confidence and recognise how to build and hold boundaries.

3. Safety planning
MAP worked with him to create a plan for emotional and practical safety, including how to respond to escalations at home and how to document incidents.

4. Therapeutic counselling
He learned to challenge internalised guilt, rebuild his self-esteem, and manage anxiety.

5. Support around fatherhood
MAP helped him understand how to protect his children emotionally and maintain healthy relationships with them.

Positive Changes After Support

Within several months, Mark began to see significant improvements:

For Mark

* He regained confidence and recognised that he deserved respect.
* He felt liberated from the belief that he had caused the abuse.
* His anxiety reduced, he performed better at work, and he reconnected with friends.
* He set clearer boundaries, and eventually chose to separate in a safe, planned way.

For His Children

* They became calmer and more emotionally secure.
* Mark learned healthier communication skills and was able to model the stability he and his kids had lost.
* The children started opening up about their own feelings, trusting that Mark could support them and they were safe to do so.
* The kids no longer felt responsible for managing the mood of the home.

Mark said:

“MAP gave me my life back. They helped me see that what I’d been living with wasn’t normal, and that asking for help wasn’t weakness. It changed me and it changed my kids’ lives too.”

If you need help give us a call 02890 241929/ 02871 160001 or email on info@mapni.co.uk

For 24hr support
Police Service of Northern Ireland
Housing Executive
Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline

21/11/2025

✨ Monthly Warming Mindfulness & Meditation session ✨

As the world slows down for, this session invites participants to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their inner warmth ☕️

26th November at 7pm at

Book your place via

See you next week (bring a blankie!)

Address

161 Antrim Road
Newtownabbey
BT367QR

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9:15am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

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About.

My name is Ashleigh, counsellor/psychotherapist, founder of AD Counselling and Wellness Newtownabbey, within my busy private practice in Glengormley I offer bespoke private counselling, therapy and healing . I am qualified in a range of further holistic therapies order to support clients through all aspects of the healing process.

Furthermore, I am a Reiki Master offering both Reiki Treatments and training.

For more info, and full details on services check out my website www.adcounsellingandwellnessnewtownabbey.co.uk

I firmly believe that each person is wonderfully unique therefore therapy should be adapted to meet the individual needs of each person, for that reason I work towards tailoring my therapeutic approach to meet the needs of each of my clients, in doing so I consider all aspects of their person's personality - behavioral, cognitive, and physiological system working in a way which suits their personality.