Frequently Asked Questions
How does this work?
The first step is usually a phone conversation. In this 15-20 min conversation (which is free) we will talk about what issues you want to discuss and what you would like to achieve by having some counselling. It's a chance for you to ask questions about the process or anything else you might be curious about. It is also an opportunity for you to decide if you think you would feel comfortable working with me. For teenagers under 16 years I will meet with parents prior to the first session and again at different stages during the counselling process.
How often do I need to attend?
Sessions are weekly or biweekly, at the same time and are generally 50 minutes.
Where does it take place?
Sessions take place in a dedicated room in my home or online using Zoom.
Online sessions are expected to be in an appropriate setting with both parties using headphones to protect confidentiality.
How many sessions might I need? How long will it take?
Some people come for a few sessions only, others for a year or more. I tend to re-assess with clients every 6 session or so.
My aim is not to keep you in therapy for as long as possible, but to enable you to leave feeling stronger and able to cope with life as soon as you feel ready.
How much does this cost?
Currently each session is €40 (a reduced Covid fee) and from 1st Jan 2021 it will be €50. I accept cash or Paypal payment prior to your session. Sessions are paid for one at a time, so clients can opt out of future sessions without suffering any financial loss.
Can I cancel or change an appointment time?
If you need to cancel your appointment due to illness or emergency, please let me know as soon as possible. For all other cases, a minimum of 24 hours notice period is expected for cancellation to avoid payment of fee.
Is counselling confidential?
All counselling is confidential as laid down by the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Code of Ethics of which I am an member. If the client is under 18 years all counselling remains confidential and any information given to parents is with the permission of the young person.
There are however some limits to confidentiality:
- If you are harming yourself
- If you are harming or intend to harm another person
- If you disclose the name of someone who is abusing a child under the age of 18 years or from whom a child under the age of 18 years is at risk of abuse. As specified in the Children First Act 2015 I have a statutory obligation to report any concern or allegation of physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect of a minor to TUSLA both current or retrospective.
- At clinical supervision - I attend supervision, which is required by my professional organisation IACP, to monitor and improve clinical work. All supervision is done on a confidential basis and client’s name is never used.
What types of Counselling do you use?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:
CBT is a short term therapy that helps you think more positively about life. We examine how you can get stuck in a negative patterns of thought and behaviour. We then look at ways you can change these patterns. We try to stay focused on the present rather than exploring the past.
Reality Therapy:
Reality therapy is a short-term therapy that focuses on improving present relationships and circumstance. Through Reality Therapy I help the young person understand that while we can't control how we feel, we can control how we think and behave. My goal is to help the young person to take control of improving their own life by learning to make better choices.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT):
SFBT is a very positive evoking, short term therapy where we explore your future hopes/goals and what your life would be like if these hopes were realised. We look at what you are currently doing that might contribute to these hopes being realised.
Mindfulness:
While Mindfulness is not for everyone I often introduce mindfulness techniques to clients that can help them during difficult situations such as panic and anxiety. Mindfulness can also help a young person to notice negative thinking patterns and to focus more on difficult thoughts rather than avoiding them.