FAQs

Psychotherapy is a term used to describe a process whereby the client, within a safe and supportive environment provided by the counsellor/therapist, feels free to talk about and explore his/her problems, conflicts or painful feelings. Talking to a trained professional can help one look more closely at the issue but also from a different perspective.  It can also provide the space within which difficult feelings can simply be recognised, felt and expressed, which alone can provide much relief.  Finally, it can equip one with the necessary strategies to work through the presenting problems.

See the Issues page

People seek out psychotherapy for a number reasons, a lot of which are outlined on the issues page, but usually when it is felt that the problem or feelings are more than they can cope with or manage to address/reconcile alone.  It would be useful to consider help when the problem is negatively and persistently affecting any of the following:-

sleep

mood

appetite

work

relationships

social life

self-esteem

What happens in a session depends totally on what is presented by the client ie there is no typical psychotherapy session.  An agreed time is set aside for each client and what is spoken about varies according to the needs/thoughts/feelings of the individual client at the time.  I allow/encourage the client to start the session with whatever is pressing or comes to mind.  The client is free to discuss what he/she wishes, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, thoughts, regrets, aspirations, memories and dreams.  Together we explore these and work towards a resolution or improvement.

The first step involves making contact with me either via phone, email or completing the online form, on the Contact page. After this initial contact, I offer prospective clients a consultation of an hour-long stand-alone session in which I can get a better understanding of you, the current issue and some background history in order to determine the best possible course of treatment.  This session also provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions, raise concerns and generally get a sense of me and my way of working so that you can also decide whether you feel sufficiently comfortable and confident to work with me.

If we agree to proceed with therapy, for however long, practical details such as a regular day and time for the session will be arranged. Sessions last for 1 hour.  Having a set day and time for these sessions is very important to give a sense of continuity to the process of therapy. For most people, having a regular time also gives a sense of security to the experience.  However, I understand that life sometimes gets in the way, so, with notice, I would always try to accommodate you with an alternative time.

Psychotherapy sessions are private and confidential.  However, in accordance with the Code of Ethics and practice laid down by The Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, of which I am a member and to which I have agreed to adhere there are some small limits to the confidentiality which I can provide, which are as follows:-

Supervision:

In order to maintain my effectiveness as a practitioner, I review my work regularly in a confidential setting with a supervisor. However, I minimise the breach of confidentiality by only conveying information which is necessary and relevant for this purpose and I thoroughly ensure that your personal information, ie anything about you which would make you identifiable, is held in the strictest of confidence.

The Law or Threat to self/others:

I am required to break confidentiality only where required by law or in a situation where I have good grounds for believing that you will cause physical harm to yourself or others.  However, where feasible, I would endeavour to obtain your consent beforehand.

Sessions last for 50 minutes

Regularity is very important for productive therapeutic work.  The standard format of once weekly sessions helps you make gradual and steady progress.  Usually it is at an agreed fixed time and day each week.  However, should your work schedule prevent your from attending at a regular time, I can usually provide ad-hoc appointments or telephone counselling.  Should you require such flexibility, please do not hesitate to let me know.

In some cases, if it is deemed beneficial, I see clients more than once a week.

My fee is €80 per session.  However, I can offer a reduced rate for clients under certain circumstances.

Yes, I do offer a reduced rate for clients under certain circumstances.

• Payment is taken at the end of each session by cash or cheque.  Alternatively, should you prefer, payment can be made in advance online via paypal, revolut or bank transfer.  Unfortunately, I do not have the facility to take credit/debit cards at the sessions.
• Payment for telephone/online sessions must be paid for in advance online.  See link below.
 

The number of counselling sessions depends on the following:-

You as an individual (ie your strength, capacity for insight, motivation, outside support, beliefs and attitudes as well as the degree of change you actually want to achieve and available financial resources)

your unique presenting issues (ie the nature, complexity and severity of the problem as well as the length of time you have been struggling with the problem)

Ultimately, you will know when you no longer need therapy because you will have made the changes or your symptoms will have been relieved.  The decision to end, at any time, always rests with you.  However, it is always useful to discuss ending and work towards an end rather than just stopping abruptly.

Typically, though, we start with 3-6 sessions and review after that.  Sometimes, counselling lasts for 6-20 sessions and sometimes, based on the needs and wishes of the client, it lasts for many months or even years.  Since I work privately, you are not limited in the number of sessions you can have.

If you are concerned about a friend, family member or colleague you may certainly suggest they see/contact me.  However, should you have any queries about recommending someone, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be pleased to respond/talk to you about it.