Psychotherapy Training and Accreditation
Elaine has worked in the field of mental health and wellness for over 30yrs. Firstly as a psychiatric nurse and then as a psychotherapist. She received a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from The Dublin Counselling & Therapy Centre in 1994 and has been a fully accredited member of the IAHIP (Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy since 1995 (M126).
Elaine holds certs. in Art Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Advanced Therapeutic Bodywork, Holotropic Breathwork Therapy and Group Psychotherapy. She has been a trainer in crisis counselling and sexual violence related trauma for 18 yrs. She has also undertaken further training and study in many areas including Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Co regulation & Poly Vagal Theory, Neuroscience, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Sexual Violence Trauma Therapy, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Attachment Theory.
Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approach
Elaine works with adults from a humanistic and integrative approach, using her skills to best match the client’s strengths and comfort. She supports the client at the pace they set, and works collaboratively, to explore how best to journey together over difficult and painful terrain. She supports the client in understanding how past experiences and traumas may be still held in the body, and how parts of ourselves may be disowned through loss, anger, shame and guilt.
Elaine also works from a psychoeducational and trauma informed perspective. She has seen the empowerment and relief that comes with insight and understanding of ‘symptoms’. She believes self-care and self-compassion are vital tools in the therapeutic journey and can provide sustenance for the client long after therapy has finished.
Counselling Experience and Areas of Interest
Elaine has worked with many issues such as:
Trauma from domestic, sexual and emotional violence -both past and present.
Difficult life experiences, difficult childhood experiences.
Accidents and illness.
Bereavement and loss, anxiety and fear, depression, low self -value and esteem.
Understanding & managing difficult emotions e.g. anger, betrayal, body shame, shame and guilt.
Relationship problems, separation and divorce, isolation, trust, power & control, abuse.
Stress management
Elaine has a special interest in working with difficulties that may arise for clients who are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant after experiencing rape or sexual violence in the past. She has been lucky enough to work with many women during their pregnancy in preparation for childbirth. It has always been a special session when she got to meet and sometimes hold that little person for the first time.
Elaine’s fee is €80 per session
