My approach

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Mental health is on a continuum with feeling very balanced and happy at the right end to the extreme distress of the more severe mental illnesses on the left end. Most of us move from the happy end to mid way to the left along this continuum during our lives.

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My approach, is not only to help you through those tough times of depression or anxiety but also help you to notice how you are moving too far along this continuum. Our work together will entail teaching you how to recognise this slip and arm you with the tools and methods to help you help yourself in the future. 

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I believe in working with you to define your strengths and fortify any weaknesses that lead you in the wrong direction on this continuum. At times you may be just plain worn out and need support and this will also be provided. There are no magic 'cures' in this work but a gentle support and education toward bringing you back to the right place to continue your journey yourself.  We will work together  to get you to the place you want to be.

 

About me

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I have completed a Higher Diploma and Masters in Applied Psychology from UCC. To build on this I also completed a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy with ICHAS Limerick as well as a Professional Certification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I am 52 years old and a mother of two adult children and worked in a number of professions until I decided to return to University full time at 44 to study my passion which is psychology. With the right support I believe we can all get through the bad times and learn better how to deal with them. I know I have.

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I work with adults, teenagers, couples and also those living with a loved one with Bipolar or Depression. I  also work with those in emotional distress leading to self harm or dealing with a personalty disorder.

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Having  a lot of experience in my own family of living with a person with Bipolar and Depression  I really know what it is like. I have lived this and studied it in detail. Because of this I provide counselling and support to those who are faced with its challenges. We often focus only on the person with the diagnosis and do not see the people providing the day to day care. Please see my online Lecture for AWARE on this topic on the side bar.

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So how does it work

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An initial assessment in session 1 will allow me get a clearer picture of your concern through specific questioning and possibly short questionnaires. This session also allows me to get to know you as a person and vice versa. The therapy space is YOUR space where you should feel safe and relaxed to open up to the therapist. This working relationship is the backbone of the therapy so its essential to see if it fits.

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Following from this I devise a treatment plan setting clear goals and objectives  with you. The therapy then begins on a weekly basis initially. After each fourth or fifth session we review the progress to check goals and decide on what basis we mean to continue. As stated before this is no magic cure with some clients needing more of less time.

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Clients with more severe challenges will of course require a longer therapy time.