Declan Harrigan

Founder/Counsellor/Trainer

About Me

Hi, I’m Declan, Founder and CEO of BetterU, and a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with over 25 years’ experience in the mental health sector. I bring together frontline therapeutic experience, leadership, and training to create meaningful change for individuals and organisations.

Qualifications & Training

Formal Qualifications

  • HND in Care
  • Bsc (Hons) Social Policy & Sociology
  • Certificate in Counselling Studies
  • Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling Theory and Practice
  • COSCA Counselling Supervision Certificate

Additional Training

  • ASIST Training
  • ASIST Training for Trainers
  • COSCA Trainer Accreditation
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • CEOP Training
  • CSE Training
  • Self-Harm and Suicide
  • Working with Children and Young People
  • Sectarian / Race hate crime
  • Child Protection
  • Vulnerable Adult Training
Membership Organisations

Registered Membership 

BACP Accredited Member 

COSCA Member 

What You Can Expect From Me

I’m all about keeping it real—warm, honest, and straight-talking, with a bit of humour when it’s needed. I believe growth comes from feeling safe, seen, and supported, so I try to bring that energy to any client I work with or training I deliver. Expect relatable examples, tools you can actually use, and a space where it’s okay not to know everything.

Outside of work, I’m usually pounding the pavement on an early-morning walk, trying to keep up with my son Conan, or diving into a playlist from the ‘90s. Every year, I set myself a challenge I’ve never done before, whether it’s a half marathon, Tough Mudder, or climbing Ben Nevis. I believe we only truly know our limits when we push them. That’s when we see the best in ourselves and ultimately, we set a powerful example for the little people around us. They learn by watching and doing. I also wrote a children’s book called My Monster—because everyone, big or small, has something they’re working through.

Katie Abbott

Counselling Co-ordinator/Counsellor

About Me

CBT Therapist | Bereavement Therapist | Trauma-Informed Practice Trainer

With seven years of experience in the mental health field, I am a dedicated CBT and Bereavement Therapist with a growing specialism in supporting individuals through grief and loss, particularly sudden and unexpected loss, as well as loss through illness. I have had the privilege of working with people across all ages, with a particular focus on young people and young adults navigating complex emotional challenges. At the heart of my practice is a simple yet powerful belief: clients may not always remember my name or face, but they will always remember how I made them feel. My goal in every session is to foster a compassionate, non-judgmental space and establish a strong and positive therapeutic relationship. I aim to create a space where clients feel safe enough to face their challenges, brave enough to explore difficult conversations, and empowered to reclaim authorship of their own stories.

Qualifications & Training

Psychology BSc (Hons) First Class

Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and Groupwork – SCQF Level 11

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Child and Adult Safeguarding/ Protection

Traumatic Bereavement 

Membership Organisations

British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

COSCA: Practitioner member

What You Can Expect From Me

What you can expect from me:

As your therapist, you can expect a warm, compassionate, and collaborative approach rooted in evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I will meet you with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to understanding your unique experience. Our work together will be guided by your goals, at your pace, and within a space that feels safe, non-judgmental, and supportive.

I am here to help you feel heard, to help challenge unhelpful patterns when you’re ready, and to encourage growth and resilience. I’ll bring consistency, clear communication, and a grounded presence to each session, so you can feel empowered to explore and reflect.

Ultimately, my role is to walk alongside you, not to lead or fix, but to support you in making sense of your experience and building a life that feels meaningful and authentic to you.

Outside of work:

Outside of my therapeutic practice, I prioritise my own wellbeing through regular gym sessions and long walks, both of which help me stay grounded and clear-minded. I believe in the importance of balance, and for me, that also means making time for laughter and lightness. I enjoy winding down with a good comedy show and spending time in nature, which helps me recharge and stay present both personally and professionally.

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