About The Therapist

Loretta Collins is an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist with 25 years supervised practice. She has worked in the field of mental and emotional health for over 30 years. Loretta has extensive knowledge of the clinical manifestations and dynamics of depth Psychology and has worked with a wide range of emotional and mental health issues.

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In the early 1990's she helped to set up and develop the first Residential Therapeutic Community for young adults in Northern Ireland and managed this project for 8 years. She has also been Clinical Consultant and supervisor to 50+ staff working with the severely mentally ill. 

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As a senior manager for a mental health charity she headed up the training department for 5 years. Developing links with the Tavistock and NHS Portman clinic and the American group Analysis. Was part of the team that developed the PG Diploma in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy delivered at QUB. As part of this role Loretta worked with the NISCC to align the course with the Advanced Award in Social Work and obtained this accreditation status. Was also part of the research team that published a number of papers on the impact of the therapeutic community on the mental well being of clients.

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In 2004 Loretta set up her private practice in Newcastle, Co. Down. As well as working in inner City Belfast with victims and Survivors of the troubles. Alongside her colleague they developed 'Care of the Worker' programmes to proactively support Health Care Professionals to manage Secondary Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Work Related Stress.

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One of her specialisms was working with students of Social Work and Counselling. She was part of the delivery team at QUB on the PG Dip and Hons in Person Centred Counselling working with students on their Personal Development. She designed and delivered working Psychodynamically with Groups. Loretta also taught on the IACP Higher Dip in Integrative Counselling at DCC, specifically having responsibility for the Personal Development Groups for students. Has also been the personal therapist for student counsellors.

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Loretta has most recently worked in local Gp Practices delivering short term focussed counselling and CBT to a wide range of clients.

Also provides supervision to Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Supervisors.

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