Booking Summary

Deirdre’s fee is €80 per session

Psychotherapy Training and Accreditation

Deirdre graduated with a first class honors degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Dublin Business School. She completed her clinical practice in St. Catherine’s Counselling Centre Dublin, where she worked for several years. She is a fully accredited member of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). Deirdre remains committed to her ongoing professional development and holds certificates in “Working with Trauma” with Babette Rothschild, a leading author in Trauma Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress. She has completed her Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, as she remains compassionate about the significant impact of suicide on the very fabric of family life. She has completed a certificate in Advanced Facilitation, has worked with groups in personal and creative development and now combines her considerable experience in this area with her counselling and psychotherapy skills while working with her clients. Deirdre holds a certificate in the Therapeutic Use of Mindfulness, which provides a very valuable aspect to the counselling process in improving peoples` experience of life.  In addition, her lifetime training and considerable life experiences has served to enrich her professional ability. Deirdre attends regular supervision as part of her ethical commitment to her work and abides by the code of ethics outlined by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approach

Deirdre offers a confidential, non-judgmental and supportive setting for her clients. She works in a warm and compassionate way, which enables the person seeking help to feel accepted and supported while expressing their feelings and emotions, and the opportunity to talk about anything that is of concern to them.  Deirdre`s theoretical background is integrative, incorporating humanistic, person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural approaches. Deirdre works with adults on a one to one basis, in a way that is best suited to their individual needs.  She strives to create a counselling environment where her client has the opportunity to express thoughts, feelings and emotions and develop resources and skills. This, in turn, can enable the client to cope with difficulties, deepen their understanding of issues and facilitate a way forward.  Deirdre`s experience supports the view that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is the most important factor in successful counselling. She places particular emphasis on developing a rapport with the client, based on respect, trust, compassion and empathy.

Counselling Experience and Areas of Interest

Deirdre has experience working with a wide range of issues which include Depression, Bereavement and loss, Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Work related difficulties, Suicide and difficulties coping with life. Deirdre has a deep interest in people and facilitating the process of growth in their life. She has a particular interest in working with issues around Self-Esteem and Personal Development. She draws on her experience while facilitating groups in personal and creative development. Deirdre has worked for the RISE foundation, in her capacity as a counselling psychotherapist for an organisation established by Frances Black which provides support for family members of loved ones impacted by addiction. She worked alongside Mr. Stephen Rowen, a leading expert on addiction. Deirdre`s deep interest and connection with people, in understanding them and observing their capacity to overcome difficulties, prompted her to develop her career around working with people.  She believes that no matter how challenging the circumstances we find ourselves in – there is real possibility for change and a new direction. Through the process of counselling and psychotherapy Deirdre helps her clients to work through the issues and experiences that are adversely affecting their day to day life. She believes that developing self-awareness and greater understanding can facilitate growth, uncover strengths and develop the resources and skills leading to greater self-acceptance, a better quality of life and a more fulfilling future.