My Approach

As a Humanistic, Holistic and Integrative Counsellor Psychotherapist, my clinical practice is grounded in the belief of the universal human capacity for growth, healing, and self-understanding.

 

I meet each client with respect, warmth and honesty, offering a professional space where they can explore their lived experiences in their own unique way. There is no one-size-fits-all model in my clinical practice. I am informed by a wide range of theoretical approaches, integrating them in collaborative ways that respond to the unique needs of each person at that time.

 

I aim to work with the person, not on them, as I view therapy as being a shared journey of collaboration, rather than an unsustainable quick-fix. I navigate alongside clients as they come into deeper contact with themselves, their feelings, values, history, and relationships. 

 

I adapt clinical interventions based on what might emerge in the therapeutic space and relationship, with a here-and-now focus, and a holistic sensibility; while utilising emotional depth and an embodied awareness. I remain committed to maintaining sight of the cultural, ethical and social considerations as a therapist. The role of power, privilege, and systemic injustice for many clients from diverse socio-economic, cultural and life contexts, can also play a significant factor. 

My Training & Experience

MAIN TRAINING: additional CPD available on request

- BA(Hons) English Literature & Language, (Queen's University, Belfast)

- BA (Hons) in Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy, (ICPPD, Athlone)

- Post-graduate Diploma in Guidance & Counselling, (University of Ulster, Jordanstown)

- Diploma in Hakomi Body-Centered Psychotherapy, (Hakomi Integrative Somatics, Boulder, Colorado)

- Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling, (Counselling Tutor, UK)

- Professional Certificate in Psychosynthesis, (ICPPD, Athlone)

- The Sacred Art of Living and Dying programme (SALD, Bend, Oregon)

- MSc in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy (IICP, Dublin)

- Train The Trainer QQI Special Purpose Award (Open College, Dublin)

- Professional Certificate in Couples Therapy (Institute of Couples Therapy, Cork)

- Gottman Couples Training Levels 1&2 (Gottman Institute, Seattle)

- Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples Training (Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy, Ireland) 

- (currently enrolled 2025-2026) Diploma in Supervision Across Professions (ICPPD)

 

EXPERIENCE

I began working as a therapist in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the late 1990s, primarily with people impacted by Cancer. In both hospital, community and home settings, I gained valuable clinical experience with a range of complex and multifaceted issues. I worked within multi-disciplinary teams, as well as end-of-life settings. Working with clients impacted by life-changing illnesses over the years (Cancer, MS, MND) has also woven significant Existential and Body-centered elements into my clinical practice, which supports clients facing complex (and sometimes unpredictable) therapeutic issues (with both short- and longer-term contracts required). I carry a Holistic sensibility, which includes the body, mind, heart, and spirit, alongside a Pluralistic stance which has also evolved, as I keep sight of the person at the centre of their own unfolding life experiences.

 

A Mayo woman, I lived and worked for many years in Northern Ireland, relocating to the Galway area with my family in 2018. I have many years of experience as a Counsellor Psychotherapist, working with a range of Charities and Community organisations, in both Ireland and the UK. I have experience in both short-term and long-term therapeutic work with adult clients facing a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, complex trauma, loss and grief, relationships and role changes, addictions, physical issues/life-changing illnesses, anger, finance, identity issues, caring responsibilities, and existential concerns. I remain passionately committed to my own continuing professional development (CPD), and am currently in training as a Clinical Supervisor.

 

Accredited Member of

- Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapists (IAHIP) (M1846)

- Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) (M16102)