The difference between counselling and psychotherapy can be confusing as people interchange the terms. Both are safe talking psychological therapies. imply put, Counselling is a professional treatment which focuses on a specific issue and/or behaviour that a client wishes to resolve. Counselling tends to be short term work lasting for between 6-12 sessions. Psychotherapy focuses on the deeper self; it explores the “Whys” of what we do and experience and works toward resolution.
People attend Counselling for all sorts of reasons. Some clients have experienced a once off or a repeated trauma event in childhood or in the recent past. Other people use counselling as part of their self-care programme to process busy family and professional lives. Some clients view their work with me as a personal development tool to help live a richer and fuller life. Clients may also present with issues such as grief, addiction, depression, panic attacks, anxiety, relationships and post traumatic stress.
A doctor or medical professional can refer you or alternatively you can self-refer. Contact can be made by telephone or email.
What we discuss in therapy is strictly confidential. Your details are kept securely and minimum details are kept in hard copy. As a Psychotherapist, I adhere to the Code of Ethics outlined by the IACP. There are times when confidentiality protocols need to be broken. If I feel that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else then I have a responsibility to contact a relevant professional. Psychotherapists and Counsellors are mandated professionals who are regulated by The Children First Act 2015 enacted on 19th November 2015 and commenced in full on December 11th 2017. http://www.tusla.ie/children-first. I will always endeavour to discuss with you any concerns or reporting issues that I may have.
Each client is different, some clients who wish only to resolve a particular issue that is presenting currently may choose to only work for six to eight sessions. If the issue is rooted in past experiences or complex trauma then the work takes longer.
The assessment is the first session of counselling. It is the time where you decide if you feel comfortable to work with me. During the assessment the issues that are bringing you to counselling are looked at in more detail. A history is taken. The goals that you want to achieve from counselling are identified and a plan on how best to resolve the issues is discussed.
I encourage all new clients to attend weekly for the initial six weeks. Traditional Psychotherapy yields the best results from weekly sessions. Further along in our therapeutic journey clients will decide to attend fortnightly and toward the end monthly. If finances are a constraint we can explore all of these possibilities.
A counselling session costs €70 and lasts for one-hour.
This depends on your insurance policy. If Psychotherapy is covered then you may claim your fees. Please check with your provider to see if psychotherapy is covered under your policy.
If you need to cancel a Counselling session I require 24 hours cancellation notice or the full fee for the missed session applies. The cancellation policy is to cover fixed costs of the session.
I see clients in Ennis, Co. Clare and in Limerick City. Both locations are discreet, secure and have parking facilities.
I am registered and fully accredited with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy IACP. The IACP website address is https://www.iacp.ie/
I am insured with the Psychologist Protection Society (PPS) https://www.ppstrust.org/
Each session last for 60 minutes. However, you are always in control and you can end a session whenever you choose.
I will endeavour to see you as soon as an appointment becomes available. Waiting times depend on the flexibility of your time schedule.