FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy and Coaching?

I take a wellness and holisitic perspective when it comes to coaching and counselling or psychotherapy. In general coaching is action orientated, while counselling and psychotherapy is coping orientated.

Coaching deals with the present and future while counselling and psychotherapy deals with the past and how that dictates your present and your future. Coaching and counselling and psychotherapy both helps to build resilience finding the solutions for you, identify goals and changing your perspective on how you live your life.

Coaching with me is about management of what you are feeling in the present, figuring out where you would like to be and feel and planning to put this into action.

Counselling with me is a collaboration. It is about reflecting on your experiences, becoming aware of why you feel the way you do and then deciding how you would like to live your life all in collaboration with me.

When we have a consultation we can chat about what may be the best option for you right now.

How do I know if I need coaching or counselling and psychotherapy?

This is about personal preference.

If you want to look at something in the present and identify action steps coaching may be for you.

If you want to break patterns in your life that have been holding you back, understand why you have these patterns and figure out what you want from life counselling or psychotherapy may be the choice for you.

What is Coaching?

Coaching with me is about looking at where you are in the present, identifying what you need to have the happy life you want and coming up with your own solutions. I am humanistic and holisitc in the way I work. We can work on any area of your life that you feel you need help with right now. If you are unsure what this is we can figure this out together. I hope to empower you to unleash your true potential and to have the happy life that you deserve. We will work together for one session initially and you can decide if you would like to return and do some more sessions.

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

I offer both Counselling and Psychotherapy. The experiences of both these therapies are essentially the same. Counselling works best with people who are dealing with something that is happening right now in their lives that is causing difficulty. This is usually a shorter term therapy. Psychotherapy works best with people who have had difficulties for a number of years and due to the length of time a person has lived with these difficulties this would require a longer therapy. I have also had clients that initially attended for a shorter term therapy and came to a realisation that they may need or want a longer term therapy. This is something that we will discuss as it comes up.

Counselling and Psychotherapy both examine and reflect upon your experiences. In doing this you will become consciously aware of why you are finding it difficult right now.  When you understand why you are finding it difficult you can then make conscious choices to live a happy prosperous life on your terms.

Do people only seek counselling or psychotherapy if they have huge problems or can’t function at all?

Absolutely not, if your reason for not reaching out if that you feel your issues aren’t big enough, please reconsider. People often say that they don’t think they should seek counselling or psychotherapy because “it’s not bad enough” or  say “this sounds ridiculous but” or say “I can manage its not that bad”. Counselling and Psychotherapy is for everyone and choosing to seek support now may have a bigger impact than you may know. It may not be the only solution for you but it may be the start of you living a happy life. You deserve to give yourself these options.

Why speak with a Counsellor or Psychotherapist?

Family and friends may offer support however your circumstances and difficulties may require a non-judgemental, neutral, supportive and committed space. This is something that I can offer.

Counselling and Psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to work at your own pace, to examine your difficulties and to find the source of what you are bringing. This will be a gradual understanding of your thoughts, beliefs, behaviours and their origins. We will work together to find positive and unique ways to overcome your difficulties.

How long will Counselling or Psychotherapy take?

The length of time you will attend therapy will depend on many factors. The circumstances of you attending therapy and the relationship between us will be important factors in determining the length and success of the therapy. The relationship you have with your therapist is very important, and this can determine you working to your full potential and getting the most out of therapy.

We will discuss the length of the therapy at our first meeting, we will also look at goals and aims for the therapy along with a timeframe. I usually work for 6 sessions and after this we will have a review of the work we have done together.

The length of the therapy can alter at any point and what we agree on at the beginning of the therapy can change as time passes and more issues arise. Therapy is very individual and what suits one may not suit another. If you decide to finish therapy before you have met all your goals you will take the tools you have learnt from the therapy and apply this to your life. You can always return to therapy in the future. If at any time in the therapy that you feel unsure about your goals or you need clarification about anything ask questions.

People may come to therapy hoping to have a solution in a short timeframe, for some this may be the case but for others it may not. It is important to come with an open mind.

How often will I be attending therapy?

Sessions are once weekly. This allows for a sense of continuity between you and your therapist. Therapy takes time and commitment and committing to the process will ensure that you are giving yourself every possible chance to live a fuller life.

Is Counselling and Psychotherapy confidential?

I am a pre Accredited member of IACP and am bound by its Code of Ethics and practices. (http://www.irish-counselling.ie/iacp-code-of-ethics). Counselling and Psychotherapy is confidential but there are circumstances that require breaking of this confidentiality. The following are the circumstances under which I would break confidentiality:

• If you are of potential harm to yourself.
• If you were a harm to someone else.
• I am ethically bound under Children First Guidelines to report retrospective reports of abuse. If a name is provided and children are at risk I will report to the appropriate authorities. (see link below for further information)

(http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/Publications/Children_First_A4.pdf).

In any of the above cases I will discuss with you the actions that I am obliged to take.

Can I come to counselling or psychotherapy less than once a week?

At the beginning of therapy I would suggest that you come weekly. The relationship between client and therapist will be slower to form and your process will be slower in turn. I would suggest that you make therapy a priority and attend on a weekly basis.

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Professional Counsellor or Psychotherapist?

A psychiatrist has undergone medical training and can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists may use psychotherapy but most handle the management of medication. Psychologists and Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists are trained in the area of Psychotherapy, however may view the work from a different point of view. It is important when choosing  your therapist to chose on the basis of rapport and  connection rather than on their training  alone.