FAQ
I've answered some commonly asked questions. Feel free to contact me if you cannot find the information you are looking for.
1. What is counselling/ psychotherapy?
Anyone can avail of counselling and psychotherapy. It is not restricted to any societal group or circumstance.
We can face challenges and difficulties in life, which can feel overwhelming and scary.
In difficult and challenging times, counselling/ psychotherapy can be a way to find support by meeting a trained professional in a safe and confidential setting.
The counsellor will explore your current situation in a non-judgmental, constructive way. The objective of counselling and psychotherapy is to help you to help yourself. It can assist you in how to find more balance in life and manage your challenges in a healthier, more self-compassionate way.
Counselling and Psychotherapy don’t exclude one another. They are used interchangeably depending on what needs to be dealt with.
Counselling focuses more on present-time issues of crisis and distress, such as bereavement, stress issues, relationship breakdown. Psychotherapy dives a little deeper and aims at deep-rooted patterns, which still have an effect in your life today (i.e. childhood trauma, abuse, self-esteem issues).
2. Whom do I work with?
I work with a wide range of areas, such as attachment and relationship with self and others, bereavement, depression and anxiety, stress management, mindfulness, sexual abuse and violence.
This by no means is an extensive list and just as people are very individual, so are their challenges in life.
Please contact me if you wish to have an initial consultation.
3. Do I need a referral?
No, you don’t need a referral to work with me. You can simply contact me and we will schedule an appointment.
4. Qualification/ Accreditation
I am a fully qualified psychotherapist and have gained my qualifications at the University of Limerick (Level 9) and at the International College for Personal and Professional Development in Athlone.
I am fully accredited with the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (IACP) and adhere to their code of ethics and professional conduct.
In order to gain accreditation, it is necessary to have completed a substantial level of training and have high standards of clinical experience approved by the Association.
4. How long does counselling/ psychotherapy take?
There’s no easy answer to this question, as it purely depends on you and what you want to work on. Sometimes people come to counselling/ psychotherapy in order to work on particular issues. The work will be focussed on whatever you wish to present and will probably last a shorter time.
Should you wish to address more deep-rooted issues, therapy might last longer and will continue for as long as you deem it productive and constructive.
Our therapeutic relationship is aimed to be nurturing your healing and maintain your independence and autonomy.
5. Confidentiality
Everything you share with me will be treated with confidentiality. Files will be kept for seven years and will be destroyed thereafter.
6. What happens at our first meeting?
During our first meeting, we will discuss some housekeeping like confidentiality, my fee, cancellation policy and how I work therapeutically. I will also be able to get to know you and we can discuss your motivation and goals.
7. Duration of sessions
Sessions usually last 50-60 minutes.