Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

There are a lot of similarities between counselling and psychotherapy. Counselling tends to be a short-term exploration of a particular issue that is currently happening in your life. It can last anything from 6 to 12 weeks. Psychotherapy is a longer process, which enables people to understand the deeper roots of their present difficulties.

Is what I say in counselling kept confidential?

As an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I adhere to their ethical guidelines for members. In terms of confidentiality, this means that information about you is not shared with anyone without your express permission. Exceptions to this confidentiality include if children are at high risk of harm or if you are at high risk of harming yourself or harming others.

How long will counselling take?

That depends on the issue that brings you to therapy and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. This is something that I discuss with clients and encourage them to discuss with me, as ultimately it depends on what the client is getting, or maybe not getting, from coming to therapy. When I first meet with clients I work with them so that together we can think about what is the matter. Ultimately we are hoping to arrive at a shared understanding of what is the matter for the client that rings true for them and that was not already evident to them.

Does counselling actually work?

There is no magic wand in therapy, and I suggest being aware of people who claim that there is by way of a quick fix! This does not mean that progress cannot be made in a relatively short period of time, depending on the issue. There exist a large body of evidence to show that both short-term and long-term counselling and psychotherapy has a positive effect on clients’ lives. If you would like to find some references to studies backing up this claim, please click here.

What do I talk about in counselling?

The easy answer is to talk about whatever you want to talk about, but this isn’t always easy for clients, as they often fear judgment, criticism, not being understood or not being able to find the right words - this is where I try to help. However, sometimes clients may not know what is the matter in their lives, just the fact that something is the matter. Clients may feel empty, lost or stuck and just don’t know why or how to find words to express it. My role as a therapist is to use my training, knowledge and perspective to help the client identify what is matter. Only when we know, together, what is the real matter can we then come up with possible solutions.

What issues do you deal with in counselling?

People who come to therapy may do so because they have feelings of being anxious, depressed, have low self-esteem, are worried, lack confidence, feel bad about themselves, are self-harming or feeling suicidal, have intrusive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours, are struggling with addictions, are feeling burnt out and unable to cope, have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives, have work-related issues, have experienced a loss and are grieving, have experienced abuse, are in difficult or unfulfilling relationships with family members or significant others, are struggling with issues around sexuality and identity, are lonely, are in crisis, are worried about their health, are struggling to find meaning in their lives. All of the above, and more, are issues that I deal with.

What is your fee?

My current fee for seeing clients is €40. I know that therapy is expensive and that for those who wish to commit to it, the costs can add up. Such is my belief in the value of therapy, that I want to make it as accessible as possible to as many people. If you can’t afford this fee, then there are some places in Midleton that offer low-cost counselling and other organisations that offer low-cost or free counselling. If you have a Medical Card you may be able to get free counselling and you can find out more by clicking here.

What hours to you work?

I generally meet clients in the evening times (Monday to Thursday) from 4:45 pm to 8 pm.