Declan Harrigan
Founder/Counsellor/Trainer
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.
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
Registered Membership
BACP Accredited Member
COSCA Member
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
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.
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
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
COSCA: Practitioner member
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.
Andrew Gray
Counsellor/Senior Trainer
Jodi McNeill
Counsellor/Trainer
CBT therapist/Young Persons Counsellor/Mental Health Trainer
Hi, I’m Jodi McNeill. I’m a qualified, trauma-informed cognitive behavioural therapist, counsellor, and mental health trainer, with years of experience helping young people and adults navigate life’s challenges. I provide individual and group therapy across private practice, educational and community settings. I specialise in using evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Where helpful, I combine other therapeutic approaches to ensure the support I offer is tailored to your unique needs.
Having experienced the transformative power of therapy in my own life, I know how life-changing it can be. This personal understanding fuels my deep passion for helping others find healing, clarity, and hope, especially during difficult times.
On the BetterU platform, I combine my theoretical and clinical knowledge with real-world experience to make both therapy and mental health training feel more accessible, relatable, and engaging. I’m committed to breaking down barriers to mental health support and creating an environment where people feel empowered to grow and heal.
COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills – SCQF Level 8
Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling Studies. Abertay University– SCQF Level 11
Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and Groupwork – SCQF Level 11
Training for Trainers – Planning and Delivering Training Sessions to Groups – SCQF Level 6
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – Training for Trainers
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA)
I offer warmth and compassion, bringing empathy, sensitivity, and professionalism to my work. I create a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. I provide an opportunity for you to explore your challenges, understand the approach and rationale behind the techniques we use, and learn how to apply these strategies in your everyday life. Together, we’ll work to rediscover your sense of self, build resilience, and empower you to make positive, lasting changes. My goal is to support you in moving forward, getting back on track, and becoming the best version of yourself.
Outside of Work:
I love spending time in nature and enjoy long walks with my dog Max. He’s my constant companion and daily reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. I’m also a huge fan of music, love exploring new places through travel, and can often be found with a good book in hand. As for weekends, you’ll usually find me at the gym, at Murrayfield watching Scotland play rugby, or cheering on my favourite football team.
EMMA NICHOLS
COUNSELLOR/TRAINER
emma@betterugroup.com
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Masters Education
Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy
Diploma in Children and Young People Counselling.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Diploma in Supervision
BACP (MBACP) and the GTC (General Teaching Council)
In a training environment, my style is engaging, supportive, and down-to-earth. I aim to make learning accessible and collaborative, encouraging open discussion and reflection so that students feel confident, empowered, and able to connect theory with real-life practice.
In both counselling and training, I work with curiosity, warmth, and the belief that even small insights can spark big change. Whether I’m facilitating a session or offering supervision, I value clarity, humour, and a collaborative approach to learning and growth.
our vision is simple:
We all have a thread. You can’t see it, but it’s there. Most of the time, it quietly holds everything together.
It runs through every part of our lives – work, family, relationships, health and everything in between.
As life happens, that thread can become tangled. Sometimes it’s one tangle. Sometimes it’s several.
At BetterU, we help people recognise those tangles, talk about them and know where to turn. Whether that’s through practical learning, confidential wellbeing sessions or training for managers and leaders, our aim is simple: to make support easier to access, long before things become overwhelming.
What Our Customers Say
- Emily Ritchie
Little Flyers
- Caitlyn Monteith
Little Flyers
- Emma McLean
Dedridge Health Centre
- Meesha Drysdale
Barclay Medical Practice Livingston North
The H.O.P.E course made me feel a lot more confident in being able to approach a patient who is struggling with mental health and being able to identify the signs of someone who may be struggling with their mental health.
- Meesha Drysdale
Barclay Medical Practice Livingston North