About

Becoming a counsellor

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with human nature and human minds.  This passion provided a number of insights into my personal experiences of anxiety, depression and bereavement, yet somehow it wasn't enough.  I needed more. My decision to see a counsellor has proven to be one of the best decisions I have made. Experiencing the benefits of counselling at first hand not only helped me find better ways to cope with my own issues but also motivated me to help others in the same way I had been helped.

Having completed an introductory counselling skills course I proceeded to gain invaluable experience as a volunteer listener with a national mental health helpline. This period encouraged me to go one step further and study for a professional qualification in counselling which I managed to achieve when I was fortunate enough to win the Liam McCarthy Scholarship for Counselling & Psychotherapy awarded by PCI College, Dublin. Without PCI College's generosity I might never have become a counsellor let alone have an opportunity to share my thoughts with you through this website.

How I work as a counsellor

Coming to counselling can be hard work at times, there's little point in pretending otherwise.  It can be challenging to take an honest look at ourselves and get in touch with our emotional pain.  Yet this is how we grow. How I work as a counsellor continually reflects this process and can be summarised as follows:

• Transparent and down to earth approach

• Flexible and individually focused

• We work together as a team, I'll never tell you what you should do

• I can think creatively outside of the box when needed

• Confidential and discreet

• I ask questions to aid exploration, not to catch you out. There are no wrong answers

• I will never judge you. I'll always respect what you've been through and your point of view

• More than listening. I help you to Identify strategies that can be used to convert your goals into reality

• I adhere to professional ethical guidelines as outlined by The Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

• It's ok if you have a laugh or if you want to cry

• There's no pressure to move through the process. Take all the time you need

While I draw upon a number of different counselling approaches in my efforts to provide tailor made counselling for each individual I work with, the following are the main counselling styles I use: 

• Person Centred

• Psychodynamic

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

My Qualifications

My professional qualifications in counselling are:

• BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy, PCI College, Dublin & Middlesex University, London

• Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy, PCI College, Dublin

I have also completed: 

• Certificate in Counselling Skills, National University of Ireland, Maynooth

I am a Fully Accredited Member of the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy, the largest association for counsellors in Ireland.