Supporting others on their healing journey
My name is Sue Galvin, and I support others on their healing journey as a psychotherapeutic counsellor. This means that I use elements of many well-known psychotherapy models in a way that is unique to whatever is presented within each of our sessions. I facilitate sessions online, or in person at a purpose-built space by my home close to Ballyholme, Northern Ireland.
My approach is considered integrative, which means seeing and supporting an individual holistically, working with them beyond their emotional needs. This incorporates the physical, physiological and spiritual nature. My work relies on a trusting and non-judgmental relationship that helps the individual to develop self-awareness and deeper understanding of their behaviour.
In addition to this, I consider trauma and its impact on life within the present. This could be emotional suffering, irrational reactions, disturbing thoughts and unhealthy behaviours. I also consider how this affects the nervous system; why an individual gets stuck in fight or flight, overstimulated and unable to calm down, causing psychological and physiological issues.
My focus on a holistic approach started long before I understood it as a psychological term. I was an exercise and lifestyle coach, massage and rehabilitation therapist. I worked with a wide range of people, most often with great results, but on occasion the client’s habitual patterns of behaviour overshadowed the efforts we made together. To better understand why some of my clients found it difficult to let go old patterns that they clearly wanted to stop, I began counsellor training in 2015.
Counsellor training was just the first of many courses that I’ve since completed, continually learning how to support clients at a deeper level. My studies have included a three year hypnotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling qualification, plus courses in grief counselling & therapeutic assessment. I’ve also undertaken many short courses, including working with suicide, complicated loss, and coping with past traumas, studying biology and physiology for a more complete, holistic understanding.
I draw on multiple teachings, theories and approaches including Jungian psychotherapy, Archetype understanding and attachment theory to develop the most well rounded, open-minded approach to supporting individual clients.
Having experienced many twists and turns throughout my own life, and also experienced the true gift of therapy, my passion is to now offer the kind of support that I took so long to find for myself. I used to question why my younger self couldn't have had the support she needed, when she needed it most. However as my journey continued, I’ve learned that as I heal myself today, my yesterdays are also healed.
If you’re seeking help to release the burden of stories from your past, while integrating the wisdom and experience you gained from it all, click below to arrange a free, 30 minute consultation.