About OurMind Therapy

Martin is a qualified therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in children's mental health and offering family-friendly counselling services in Newcastle.

Meet Martin

Welcome to Our Mind Therapy

I’m Martin Bettencourt, a BACP Registered Counsellor (MBACP) with a BSc (Hons) in Counselling Skills & Therapeutic Communication and extensive experience supporting children and young people in schools (including primary) and residential homes, as well as community settings.

I am a BACP Registered Member, which means my practice meets nationally recognised standards of proficiency, professionalism, and ethics.

I currently work as:

• School Counsellor in a primary school

• Therapeutic Child Care Officer supporting children in care and guiding staff teams

I also provide counselling and therapeutic input for children living in residential care homes, working closely with staff and multi-agency professionals.

My work often includes supervising family contact sessions, supporting children with emotional regulation, and collaborating with schools, social workers, and other professionals.

My Approach

I am a Person-Centred counsellor who works in an integrative and trauma-informed way.

Sessions are designed to be child-led, creative, and safe, allowing each young person to explore feelings at their own pace.

I use:

• Play, art, and sand tray therapy

• Emotional education and guided choices

• Simple CBT and mindfulness tools to support anxiety and low mood

• The PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to build trust and connection

• Qualified & Registered: Degree and a Bachelor of Science with honours in counselling. Also a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), adhering to their high ethical standards.

• Experienced: 20+ years working with children – I have supported individuals of 6-18 years old and have a proven track record, including successful work with local schools in Newcastle. I have also worked alongside Looked After Children (LAC) including those on the neurodivergent spectrum.

• Safe & Trustworthy: Fully insured and DBS checked (enhanced background checked) to work with children and vulnerable adults, ensuring you are in safe hands. I offer a confidential service where your privacy is respected (see my Contract & Terms for details on confidentiality and ethics).

• Specialist Support: Extensive experience supporting young people with trauma, anxiety and behavioural issues. I stay up-to-date with the best practices to offer effective therapy for these challenges.

• Friendly, Individualised Care: A personal, down-to-earth approach. You’ll always be treated as an individual – I adapt sessions to suit your needs, at your pace, and with your goals in mind.

My Values

• Safety and Trust – a calm, consistent space where children feel secure

• No Judgement – everyone is accepted as they are

• Neurodiversity-Aware – I understand ADHD, autism, and dyslexia both personally and professionally

• Resilience and Patience – staying present during crises and big emotions

• Professional Standards – I keep my skills up to date with regular CPD and safeguarding training, ensuring my work meets current professional and legal standards

This is a space where chaos can settle, emotions can be named, and children learn that it’s safe to be heard.

Why choose me?