1. Has the counsellor/therapist got sufficient training? Yes: I hold an Honours Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy and I am accredited with IAHIP - Irish Association of Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy. This requires a minimum of four years training and a further two years of clinical experience. For more information please visit www.IAHIP I am also accredited with IACP – Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy www.IACP
2. Is the therapist governed by a professional body? Yes: I abide by the ethical framework and code of practice of both IAHIP and IACP.
3. How does it work and is it right for you? I am a humanistic and integrative psychotherapist so I am trained in the use of different skills and techniques depending on the needs of each individual. These range from the very practical such as CBT to the more philosophical.

The final step is to meet with a therapist to see if you feel comfortable with them. This is something you may feel immediately or it may take a few weeks. Therefore most psychotherapists will suggest 6 sessions to allow time for a relationship to develop between you. This is a relationship based on respect, trust and safety. The decision to come for counselling is not always easy but it can provide the potential for change leading to a more fulfilling, resourceful and contented life.

I have a private practice in Naas, Co. Kildare and Bray, Co. Wicklow allowing me to offer services for the South Dublin, West Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow areas. I also work as a volunteer psychotherapist with Living Life Counselling in Bray, Co. Wicklow, a registered charity that provides general counselling services to those on low incomes.

I provide counselling and psychotherapy for adults on a one-to-one basis. I have extensive experience working with both men and women in a wide range of psychological and emotional issues including:

Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Stress, Relationships, Self-esteem, Identity, Sexuality, LGBT Issues, Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), Trauma, Bereavement, Loss, Health Issues, Women’s Issues, Personal Development, and Work Related issues.

Each client’s experience is unique and I believe in working together with clients in their journey towards their sense of self and their full potential. It is about working with clients so that they can build their resources for coping with life and find their own solutions to their problems. Therefore I do not give advice. In my experience nobody likes being told what to do, it needs to feel right for the person.

Sometimes life events (past or present) can get in the way leaving us feeling lost, helpless, confused, anxious or overwhelmed. We seem unable to move past them and unsure what to do or how to cope. Having the professional support of an understanding therapist in a safe, trusting and respectful environment can provide the space you need to talk about your thoughts and feelings and most importantly not to feel alone. You have the freedom to talk without being judged for how you feel or who you are.

This exploration can create a shift towards a more positive way of being. Talking things through with your therapist is a way to tease things out and break things down into smaller more manageable pieces so that you can reassemble them in a way that allows you to move forward. It may provide an opportunity for other possibilities that you have not yet thought about. It can also lead to better coping skills and increased self-esteem. Whether these shifts are small or significant they are a move towards healing, a healthier life balance and a more contented self.

How long the process takes is impossible to answer. It really depends on the individual and what they want to explore. However, counselling is more short term and it focuses on specific or current events that the client wishes to explore. Psychotherapy in more long term and is useful for clients who wish to explore life experiences in a deeper way particularly if they feel unable to cope with life. If you have carried a difficult or painful experience for some time, you may need to give yourself time to work through it.

Sessions are on a weekly basis, one session per week at the same time for 50 minutes. Weekly sessions are important if a trusting and safe relationship is to develop between us both otherwise it can delay the healing process. A commitment is necessary for counselling to be of any benefit to you but I will check in and review with you on a regular basis. I usually ask for an initial commitment of 6 weeks at which time both of us will review the work and reach a mutual decision about further sessions.

Finally, you will receive my full commitment and focus to the work whilst bringing my professional training and considerable experience to the process.