Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Counselling Psychologist?

  A Counselling Psychologist is a specialist psychologist who works in partnership with people who are experiencing personal difficulties in some aspect of their life, for example relationship, emotional, behavioural or practical issues. Counselling Psychologists have completed lengthy postgraduate training and supervised clinical practice. They have studied a broad range of therapeutic methods and mental health issues. A Counselling Psychologist is equipped to work in modalities such as Psychodynamic, Humanistic, and Cognitive Behavioural (CBT). The role of a Counselling Psychologist is often similar to that of a Counsellor or a Psychotherapist.

• What qualifications do you have?

  I have an accredited honours Psychology degree from University College Dublin and an accredited Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity College Dublin. I also hold a number of certificates and diplomas in related subject areas.

• Are you a Registered Psychologist?

  Yes, I am registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI); the professional body that regulates psychologists in Ireland. The title Registered Counselling Psychologist is an indication of a psychologist's qualifications, experience and professional status and of their area of expertise, in my case Counselling.

• Why do people go to counselling?

  Some clients know when they begin that the issue they want to deal with relates to something specific such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, coping with illness, relationship issues, family problems, abuse, etc. But it is not unusual to come to counselling with a more general feeling of unhappiness, pressure or stress and to use the counselling to figure out what the root cause of this distress might be.

• What happens in a counselling session?

  Because of the personal nature of therapy, sessions tend to vary in their content from person to person. However there are some typical features. My role is to listen very carefully to what a client is saying, helping them to clarify their concerns and to express their feelings. I also work to support them in coming up with new ways of dealing with difficult situations in their life.

  We often meet for several sessions at regular times to do this. At the outset we discuss and agree how we will work together. Because I am not involved directly in a client’s life I can take an objective perspective on the situation. Also because I am experienced in working with emotional and psychological issues, I am familiar with possible solutions and strategies for dealing with problems. Counselling sessions are confidential.

• How long is a counselling appointment?

  Each session is fifty minutes long.

• How many sessions will I need?

  The number of sessions varies from person to person and will depend on the type of counselling work that they require. This is something that we spend time looking at together when we first meet.

• What does it cost?

  There is a set fee which is payable at each session. Please contact me for more details.

• What if I need to cancel my appointment?

  Please give 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or rearrange the time of your appointment.

• I have more questions...

  You can contact me with your queries.