Qualifications:

Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (Trinity College, Dublin)

Professional Membership:

Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) – M7583

Affiliations:

Member of the PSI Division of Counselling Psychology (DCoP)
Member of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Special Interest Group

Biography:

After completing my first degree, the Bachelor of Psychology in 1998, I started working as a School Counsellor and dealt with a wide range of difficulties experienced by adolescents aged 13 – 19 during formal high school years. I remained in the role of School Counsellor for 15 years and addressed problems associated with Learning Difficulties, problems with general mood (Anxiety and Depression), Family Problems (domestic violence, childhood difficulties , separation and divorce) , Interpersonal Conflict, Victim Support and Sexual Development to name a few. I then completed and Honours Degree in Psychology which was very academic in nature. It covered study areas of psychology like Developmental Psychology (across the lifespan), Abnormal Psychology, Neuropsychology, Social Psychology and Psychological Assessment.
My special interest in the Developmental Process of Children lead me to pursue further studies in Education, with a focus on English Language and School Counselling. School Counselling in the education sector looks at several areas of optimal development of a child and young person, including Learning Difficulties and inadequate Adaptive Behaviour, which can impact negatively on a learner’s academic and social performance. As a qualified Teacher and School Counsellor I came to understand the importance of early detection and early intervention. The early years in an infant and toddler’s life are extremely important for the laying down of important psychological pathways and building blocks for personality development.
I then sought further training and professional skills development, which brought me to my doctoral studies at Trinity College, Dublin. By studying towards this qualification as a Counselling Psychologist (CP) I have developed a wider set of skills and competencies to equip me for the following areas of work which are of particular interest to me as a Counselling Psychologist working with children, adolescents and adults:

  • Individual Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • Bereavement Counselling
  • Couples Counselling
  • Family Therapy
  • Parental Guidance
  • Group Therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Psychological Assessments

The type of difficulties that I can offer Counselling and Psychotherapy for include:

  • Mood Disorders – Depression / Anxiety (General Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety)
  • Personality Disorders
  • Trauma
  • Abuse
  • Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation & Suicidality
  • Interpersonal Difficulties
  • Relationship Problems
  • Parenting Difficulties
  • Quality of Life Issues
  • Addictions
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Problems

Theoretical Approaches:

  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Emotion Focused Therapy
  • Existential Therapy