What is counselling and psychotherapy?

Traditionally, counselling was often seen as something a person sought during a real crisis — a time when they needed advice, guidance, or gentle support while navigating a difficult period. Psychotherapy was viewed as a longer-term process, where a person explored their inner world in more depth to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

Today, counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably.

Many people begin counselling during a crisis — such as bereavement, a relationship breakup, addiction, injury or illness, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, unemployment, or suicidal thoughts. However, once therapy begins, people often discover links between their current challenges and earlier life experiences, frequently connected back to their childhood.

Does it involve a lot of talking?

Yes, therapy involves talking — but the greatest gift comes from being truly listened to and genuinely heard.

I work using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach. This method helps identify the different “Parts” of our inner world, and much of the progress in therapy comes from creating a safe relationship with these Parts so they can be heard — often for the very first time.

How long does therapy last?

Each counselling session lasts 50 minutes, often called the “therapy hour.”

There is no obligation to attend for any set period of time. However, therapy takes time to establish, and the process benefits from consistency. I suggest starting with six weekly sessions, after which we review your experience and progress. In my experience, clients often begin to notice meaningful insights and changes within this time and choose to continue

Affordable and Low Cost Counselling available

Standard hourly fee: €60

However, I am aware of the cost of living crisis in our society today, adding to the many burdens people are already carrying. Talk to me today about how counselling can be made affordable and sustainable for you.

Are you a Family Therapist?

No. Although I use an approach called Internal Family Systems (IFS), it is not the same as Family Therapy.

A Family Therapist works with families. I work one-to-one with adult clients. In IFS, the “family” refers to the internal system of Parts we all have — for example, an inner critic or a people pleaser. I help clients explore how these Parts relate to each other, much like members of a family do

I’ve never heard of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Where can I learn more?

Internal Family Systems was developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz over 40 years ago. It is now one of the fastest-growing evidence-based approaches in psychotherapy, used widely around the world.

Dr. Schwartz has written several books, including:

• Internal Family Systems Therapy (Schwartz & Sweezy)

• No Bad Parts (Schwartz)

You can learn more at:

• ifs-institute.com

• ifsireland.ie

There is also a wealth of articles and resources available online.