FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Counselling is often the preferred term for a brief intervention with an individual who presents in a crisis, usually precipitated by some specific challenging event in their life, e.g. a career disappointment, a bereavement, a medical illness. The opportunity to talk to someone in confidence can support them through the crisis and show them how they can resource themselves in the face of it.

Psychotherapy refers to a wide range of interventions and approaches which target difficulties that by their nature tend to be more complex and recurrent e.g. anxiety disorders, depression, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder. These problems often reflect developmental, painful childhood experiences, which continue to exert a negative impact on relationships with self and others.

This varies from person to person and can depend on the issues which you are bringing. It can vary from a few weeks up to a few months or longer. Most people feel some benefit even after a few sessions.
It is the choice of the individual whether or not they wish to continue with the counselling process. I think it is important to have periodic reviews to see how the therapy is going and to look at the future focus of therapy. Ending therapy is discussed and planned in advance

Yes. Confidentiality is fundamental to the counselling relationship. I abide by the rules and regulations set out by the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapists. www.iahip.com . Of course if someone is in danger or a child is at risk I would have to take action, but I would discuss this with you first.
I am an accredited member of this organisation and follow their code of ethics http://www.iahip.com/ethics.htm .

Sessions last for just under the hour and cost 70 euro.

Normally I offer counselling on a weekly or a fortnightly basis. This is to allow you time between sessions to integrate your experience of the session. I believe the pace of counselling is vital and I do not want to rush or overwhelm clients. However, if someone needs more support I would offer extra sessions.