My name is Declan Harrigan and I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I began my career in corporate sales while studying Social Policy and Sociology at Magee, University of Ulster. After University and spending an additional 4 years training as a therapist I now have experience in counselling and psychotherapy for over 10 years both in the North of Ireland and since 2012 in West Lothian, Scotland.

My experience in counselling began in the North of Ireland where I worked specifically with those people affected by self-harm or suicidal thoughts / ideation. However, in addition to this work I have also worked with issues such as bullying, sexual orientation, depression, anxiety, addiction, bereavement, relationship issues, abuse or post Northern Ireland conflict prisoners affected by PTSD to name but a few.

I have worked extensively on anti-sectarianism projects with young people using various counselling approaches in groups to help change their negative thinking about each other and encourage them to look at the similarities instead of the very minimal differences.

I moved to Scotland in 2012 and I am currently the Founder / CEO of S.M.I.L.E Counselling. S.M.I.L.E is a social enterprise founded in 2015 aimed at providing free, bespoke counselling to children and young people and as of May 2022 we will have supported 1000 children. I am also a mental health trainer, clinical supervisor and author of the children's book, 'My Monster'.

I am married and have a young son who keeps me on my toes and who is the driving force for all that I do. I would like him to live in a world where mental health has no stigma and you are accepted for who you are.