Psychotherapy Training and Accreditation
Paula graduated with a Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Tivoli Institute. She also holds an Honours Degree in Psychology from University College Dublin, as well as a certificate in teaching mindfulness.
Paula is a pre-accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). She abides by the Code of Ethics set by this organisation and is committed to continuous professional and personal growth, attending regular supervision, as well as on-going training and workshops.
Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approach
Paula believes the relationship between therapist and client is essential to successful therapy. Research also confirms the quality of the therapy relationship as one of the most important factors in a successful therapy outcome. In this respect, Paula offers a safe, non-judgemental space and endeavours to build a relationship with clients based on collaboration, respect, and trust.
Reasons for attending therapy are many and varied. You may feel depressed or anxious, or very alone in your thoughts and emotions. You may feel stuck in the same ways of thinking and behaving. You may struggle with your relationship to yourself and others. You may feel lost or unsure of where you are going in life. Or perhaps you may have experienced a loss or trauma.
Regardless of what brings a person to therapy, Paula offers acceptance and support to clients in expressing their thoughts and feelings around issues that may be difficult to talk about. This can support the client in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and of their strengths and capacity to overcome their difficulties.
Paula’s theoretical background is humanistic and integrative, and incorporates Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred and Relational psychotherapy according to the needs of the client. She also uses mindfulness in her work.
Counselling Experience and Areas of Interest
Paula has helped support clients with issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, negative debilitating beliefs, social anxiety, burnout, loss, existential issues and dealing with chronic illness. She has a particular interest in supporting people experiencing the challenges of living with chronic illness.
Her experience also includes working as Assistant Psychologist and Continuing Care Coordinator at the Rutland Centre. In these roles, she provided individual counselling to clients recovering from addiction, as well as providing mindfulness and psychoeducation workshops.
She has attended various trainings and workshops including on Mindfulness and its clinical applications, teaching Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
