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This questionnaire is intended to serve as a personal orientation for you. Your answers remain confidential and will not be stored – they are meant to help you better assess your current situation.
Psychological Psychotherapist (CBT) Sally Schulze
Welcome! I'm so glad you've found your way to our page for English-speaking psychological support in Belfast. I understand what it's like to be far from home. Life as an expat holds so many wonderful experiences, but it can also be an emotional rollercoaster. The longing for family and friends, the challenge of finding your feet in a new culture – perhaps with a Northern Irish accent that's hard to understand – and that feeling of standing with one foot in two worlds, all of this can really take its toll. Especially when the fog hangs over Cave Hill and the evenings get longer, homesickness can become overwhelming and the feeling of being uprooted can take hold. You are not alone.
As an online psychologist, I understand the very specific difficulties that await you as an expatriate. It's often not just the obvious things like cultural differences or language barriers. It's the subtle nuances, the little misunderstandings that keep popping up in everyday life, and that feeling of loss of identity that is so hard to grasp and put into words. The differences between the relaxed "craic" of the Northern Irish and directness can lead to confusion. I know how draining that can be.
My goal here is to show you both local services in Belfast that can help you, and to introduce you to my online counseling. This is specifically designed to support you as an expatriate – no matter where you are or what challenges you face. Because sometimes you just need someone who really understands your situation and can help you with advice and support.
I often get asked the question: Sally, do you ever take time for yourself? The answer is: Yes! As a speaker, expert and entrepreneur, I am passionate about women's health. But I don't burn out.
I manage to do this by taking care of myself. The saying for me is: Practice what you preach. So you will find me not only at MentalStark, in TED-Talks or podcasting. No. You can also find me in Frankfurt cafés, by the lake or on the snowboard. In the picture here on the right, I'm enjoying the sun and the fresh sea breeze. That's how I recharge my batteries and then start all over again.
As a licensed psychological psychotherapist (CBT) and certified fertility consultant (BKiD), I bring more than 3,000 hours of experience in online counseling. My approach is based on appreciation and radical acceptance – I create a safe space where you feel understood and accepted.
In our collaboration, a trusting relationship is particularly important to me. Your experiences as an expatriate deserve special attention and understanding, because life between two cultures brings unique challenges.
Finding an English-speaking psychologist in Belfast can be challenging. While there may not be direct local options, I would like to show you some options that can help you find professional support:
English-speaking Psychologists: There are many qualified English-speaking psychologists in Belfast. If you feel able to discuss your concerns in English, this may be a good option.
Online Psychological Counseling: Another option is online counseling, which allows you to connect with an English-speaking psychologist from anywhere. This can be especially helpful if you value the familiarity of your native language.
Dr. Rachel Reeves
Psychologist (English-speaking)
Belfast, BT9
Phone: 028 9694 3493
Dr. Liam Reilly
Psychologist (English-speaking)
Belfast, BT9
Phone: 028 2003 2166
Chris Tennyson
Psychologist (English-speaking)
Belfast, BT9
Phone: 028 9692 8105
Note: The availability of English-speaking psychologists in Belfast may change. It is recommended to obtain current information from the relevant professional associations or online directories.
As an experienced psychological psychotherapist, I offer you empathetic psychological online counseling. I understand how overwhelming it can be to adapt to a new culture – when the pubs sound different, the social codes are different, and you sometimes can't even explain why you feel so alien.
In my online counseling, we create a protected space where you can talk about all these feelings in your native language. Whether you feel torn between cultures, identity issues are bothering you, or homesickness is burdening you – together we will find ways in Belfast to not only survive but to lead a fulfilling life.
Even if you are in a relationship crisis – perhaps even with a partner from a different cultural background – my couples counseling is a valuable support to build cultural bridges and find your way back to each other.
The 20-minute introductory meeting with me is free of charge. Check completely without obligation whether the chemistry is right and ask your open questions. You are also welcome to make appointments by email. I look forward to getting to know you and finding a way together to not only survive in Belfast, but to really arrive.
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Choose one of the four options now:
You can easily book your free introductory session through my online calendar.
Many expatriates in Belfast struggle with adjusting to the Northern Irish accent, which can be difficult to understand at first. Finding accommodation can also be frustrating. Socially, it's important to know that Northern Irish people are very hospitable, but it takes time to form truly deep friendships. Common challenges also include feelings of isolation, homesickness, and the difficulty of reconciling German directness with the more indirect communication style of the Northern Irish.
There are several ways to counteract loneliness and homesickness. Connect with the St. Albertus German Catholic Church, which has a German-speaking community in Belfast. There are also expat groups and international associations. Explore the city, visit local pubs with traditional Irish music, take trips to the scenic surroundings of Belfast, e.g. to the Giant's Causeway. Stay in touch with your family and friends back home, but also try to make new contacts in Belfast.
Since there are hardly any English-speaking psychologists in Belfast, online counseling is a good alternative. Search online platforms for psychologists who have experience with expatriates. Make sure that the psychologist has a valid license. In a free initial consultation, you can find out whether the chemistry is right and whether the psychologist can help you.
Culture shock is normal. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes. Learn about Northern Irish culture and try to understand local customs. Be open to new experiences and try local specialties such as Ulster Fry or Irish Stew. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to other expats or seek professional help.
Language barriers can lead to frustration, isolation, and misunderstandings. Take a language course to improve your English skills. Use online translation tools to help you navigate everyday life. Don't hesitate to ask if you don't understand something. If you feel psychologically stressed due to the language barrier, seek professional help.
Germans often tend to address conflicts directly, while Northern Irish people tend to prefer an indirect communication style. Be aware of these differences and try to adapt your communication. Avoid criticizing in public. Be respectful and polite, even if you disagree. If you have difficulty resolving conflicts constructively, intercultural counseling may be helpful.
A common struggle is the different understanding of punctuality. Germans often value punctuality, while Northern Irish people take it more casually. Humor can also be different. Northern Irish people often have a dry, self-deprecating humor that can take some getting used to for Germans. Be tolerant and try to accept cultural differences. Talk openly about your expectations and needs.
Updated on: March 30, 2025
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Sally Schulze 2025
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