I am a qualified Irish-based counsellor with extensive experience supporting adults through some of life’s most challenging seasons. I trained with the Mid Ulster Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy and with Cruse Bereavement, where I developed a strong foundation in working with grief, loss, and emotional transition.
I work from a compassion-focused approach, creating a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental space where you can explore what’s troubling you at your own pace. I support clients with issues including grief and bereavement, addiction, sleep difficulties, anxiety, low self-confidence, and periods of emotional overwhelm.
Each therapeutic journey is unique. I tailor my approach to suit your individual needs, strengths, and goals, helping you develop greater self-understanding, emotional resilience, and a kinder relationship with yourself.
Alongside traditional counselling, I also offer poetry and journaling as therapeutic tools for those who find it helpful. As a poet and writer, I have seen first-hand how gentle, guided writing can help express emotions that are difficult to put into words. No writing experience is needed, this is always optional and guided with care.
Above all, I believe in meeting you with warmth, sensitivity, and compassion, and in supporting you as you take courageous steps towards healing, clarity, and a more fulfilling life.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Grief, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Body image, Communication problems, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #412210
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Shirley Rocks. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Just felt very invisible for a long time. It sounds a bit daft because you're paying someone to listen to you. Listening is very hard, making someone feel heard is even harder. I feel heard.
She's lovely, warm, kind and friendly. She makes me smile with some of the things she says because although it's a different job she says the things I say to my clients. That makes me instantly feel better about myself. Thank you!
Written on Mar 12, 2026 after therapy with Shirley for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Only had a few appointments with her so far but she is extremely lovely and asks questions the right way and is very good at getting you to speak about things you didn't even know could be bothering you and you can tell it's not fake or forced would recommend her to anyone!
Written on Feb 24, 2026 after therapy with Shirley for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd