Hannah Ballentine

My approach to counselling

As an integrative counsellor, I recognise that no two people are the same, and what works for one person may not work for another.

I draw on three therapeutic approaches to tailor our sessions to your individual needs:

• Person-centred counselling provides a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly, helping you develop greater self-awareness and confidence.

• Psychodynamic counselling helps us explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns may be influencing your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and relationships today.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on recognising unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour and developing practical strategies to manage challenges in everyday life.

Our work together may involve elements of one or more of these approaches, depending on what you need and what feels most helpful.

At the heart of my approach is the belief that you know yourself better than anyone else. My role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to offer support, understanding and a different perspective as you develop greater insight into yourself and find your own way forward.

We’ll work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

About me and my therapy practice

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it isn’t always easy to know where to turn. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, low mood or self-doubt. Perhaps you’re finding it difficult to cope with everyday pressures, dealing with experiences from your past, or simply feeling that something isn’t quite right.

Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to work through it alone.

I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, explore your experiences and begin to make sense of what you’re feeling.

I believe that counselling should be as individual as the person seeking it. My approach draws on person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), allowing us to explore your experiences in a way that suits your needs and circumstances.

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent 18 years in the police service in Australia, working in child protection and as a detective across several departments. This experience has given me a particular understanding of the emotional demands of frontline and high-pressure roles, including secondary trauma, burnout and critical incident stress.

Alongside supporting people experiencing work-related stress, I welcome clients navigating anxiety, depression, low mood, self-doubt and other difficult life circumstances.

I hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am currently undertaking further training towards a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.

I believe the best time to speak to someone is before you’re overwhelmed, but it’s never too late to ask for help.

My first session

I understand that taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, particularly if you’ve never attended counselling before.

Your first session will be 65 minutes, giving us an extra 15 minutes at no additional charge to get to know one another, discuss what has brought you to counselling and explore what you hope to gain from our time together.

It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions, learn a little more about how I work and decide whether you feel comfortable moving forward.

There’s no pressure to have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to talk about. We’ll take things at a pace that feels right for you.

Sessions and fees

I offer in-person counselling at Panda Counselling in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

Sessions take place in a calm, welcoming and confidential environment where you can feel comfortable talking openly.

Standard sessions: £50 for 50 minutes.

First session: £50 for 65 minutes, including an additional 15 minutes at no charge.

Taking the first step

You don’t need to wait until life becomes overwhelming to seek support. Sometimes, simply having the space to talk, reflect and feel understood can make a meaningful difference.

At Panda Counselling, my aim is to offer gentle support through life’s difficult moments, helping you better understand yourself and move forward with greater confidence.

If you feel I might be the right counsellor for you, I’d be happy to hear from you.