FAQ

How long does each therapy session take?

Each session is 50 minutes long. We start to wrap up at 45 minutes to give you enough time to gather your thoughts and to make sure that you feel ok before leaving.

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Who do you work with?

Individuals, couples, all members of the LGBTQQI+ community, men and women over 18.

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Where does the session take place?

Sessions are held online, or in-person in my office on Edward Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

For online video sessions, I use Zoom for security purposes. Therapy works best with visuals.

Studies led by Dr. Mehrabian concluded that the interpretation of a message is 7% verbal, 38% vocal and 55% visual. The conclusion was that 93 percent of communication is “nonverbal” in nature.

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How quickly will I see changes?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for this. However, we can work towards manageable goals that you hope to achieve in weeks or months.

It is important to note that at the start of therapy, or after difficult sessions, you may experience an increase in your symptoms. This is common and can be worked through with me.

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Are you fully qualified?

Yes, I have an Hons Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am fully insured to work in Ireland, the UK and many European countries.

If you are based outside of Ireland, please contact me to see if my online services are available in your country. 

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Is therapy right for me?

Not everyone coming to counselling has to have a ‘big’ problem; you may wish to overcome smaller everyday challenges. I always encourage people to have an initial meeting, take a day or two to think about how they feel about working with me. It is important to feel comfortable with your therapist and it may take meeting a few before you know who is a good option for you.

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Are the sessions confidential?

My work is confidential, I protect my notes with client codes, and do not use information which could identify you, even when speaking with my supervisor. However, there are legal limits to my confidentiality.

Situations which oblige me to break confidentiality are as follows:

* If a child (including a client under the age of 18) or a vulnerable adult is being, or has been, abused or neglected.

* If I consider there is serious danger to my client harming themselves or another person.

Where confidentiality needs to be extended I may contact the client’s doctor, next of kin, Tusla or the Gardai. Wherever possible this will be done with the client’s knowledge and is aimed at ensuring my clients are cared for and safe, and thus I view it as an extension of my care.

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What happens at the first session?

At the first session I check that I have your details. We will then form an agreement around how we will work together, what we can expect from each other, fees and confidentiality. I ask all my clients to fill out a short questionnaire to better understand how your difficulties and feelings are affecting you. This is optional and I can help if you have reading or writing difficulties.

Lastly, I take a brief history, as well as details of what you would like help with. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions of me. Providing we both feel we can work together, we can start therapy the following week. The initial session is not set in stone, for example, if we need less time on the agreement and more time for you to tell me your story we can do that.

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How often do I need to come for therapy?

Initially, it is recommended to come for counselling every week but if things are going well some people choose to extend this to every other week, or when needed. You can also speak to me about coming to see me more frequently during times that are difficult.

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What do I do if I have a complaint?

The best person to speak to is always the counsellor themselves. If you cannot resolve it between you then you may ask to speak to their supervisor, or make an official complaint with their accrediting body.