Frequently Asked Questions
Working with me
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Who do you work with?
I work with individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds, however I only work with adults (18+). I do not work with children, teens, families or couples.
Where can I find out more information about you?
Please visit the About page or visit my Linked In Page.
Do you take Health Insurance?
I do not take Health Insurance. If you’re experiencing any financial difficulties, I offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots with reduced fees based on individual circumstances. I’d be happy to talk with you about this option.
Do you offer a consultation?
Yes. A brief discovery call helps us figure out fit and direction. It is a conversation, not a commitment. Feel free to check my availability for a Discovery call
What can I expect in my first session?
Whether it’s your first-ever session or you have been to therapy before, feelings of nervousness, excitement or apprehension are all normal and expected! When you arrive, I’ll greet you and invite you in and give ourselves time to settle and begin, both in person and online.
The first session gives you an opportunity to talk about your reasons for coming to counselling at this time and the difficulties you are having. People arrive for therapy with different needs and expectations. We can discuss what your expectations are and any anxieties you might have.
Together, we’ll decide if we would be a good fit to work together. We know that the biggest predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client, so it’s essential you feel that my approach resonates with you and is suited to your individual needs.
What is your approach like?
Depending on the service you book I adapt my approach however overall, I practice a body-based relational psychotherapy within a humanistic and integrative framework. I believe in the inherent worth and goodness of every person, and I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to tailor our work to your individual needs. I weave in Polyvagal Theory, body based interventions (Somatic Experiencing) and partwork (IFS, Psychosynthesis).
A strong therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful and lasting change. My approach is warm, supportive, and gently challenging, creating a safe and trusting space where you can explore, grow, and heal—so you can experience more fulfilling relationships in your life.
Services
Why do people come to Therapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy offer a space to explore and understand the challenges and emotional pain you may be facing. Trying to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings on your own can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always easy—or possible—to talk openly with those close to you.
People come to therapy for many different reasons. You might feel low, constantly anxious, unsettled, or as though something is missing. You may feel lost, sad, angry, resentful, or stuck—among many other experiences. Therapy provides a supportive environment to work through these thoughts and emotions and move toward greater clarity and well-being.
How do I know which service to choose?
This depends on your intention and I am happy to discuss with you during our initial session or during the free discovery call, an example is as follows:
- are you looking to address a specific concern from your past?(counselling)
- are you wanting to move forward and work on aquiring skills that help you manage life more efficiently? (coaching)
- are you seeking support with processing a past experience that impacts your current life? or wandering how a past experience impacts you in the here and now? ( psychotherapy)
- are you curious about the impact of stress on your life and nervous system and looking to learn how you can best support yourself? (somatic experiencing)
What is the Difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling tends to focus on a specific area or situation and is rather short-term, whereas psychotherapy is more long-term for those seeking deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship with others. They frequently overlap and are used interchangeably.
Can I combine various types of services you offer?
Yes, several clients are looking for a rather holistic approach that combines mind-body, past and present experiences and helps processing past experiences in their body, learn to regulate their nervous system and move forward in life. There is no extra fee for combining sessions however the duration is the same – 60 minutes
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching sessions focus on the here and now rather than exploring the past, we are looking at where you’d like to see yourself in the future. Through talking, reflecting back both verbal and non-verbal language and exploring your wants and needs we are focusing on moving towards what you want for yourself and away from what you no longer desire. By involving the body we are setting a strong foundation for change. Sessions might include art work, movement and sound.
How long is a session?
Regardless of the service, each session is a full hour – 60 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your personal needs and desires and the type of session you require and suits you best. Together we will discuss what suits you best, from 3-6 sessions to more long-term also the frequency of the sessions –
weekly, fortnightly or monthly etc. However counselling and psychotherapy is most effective when it is regular and consistent. Generally sessions occur weekly or biweekly to begin. Choice is an important part of therapy. This means you can end the therapeutic relationship with me at any time, take a break or alter the frequency of our sessions.
Where are you located?
I work in person in Crossmolina and in Ballina in the Family Resource Centre and I also work online with clients further afield outside Mayo and Ireland, including the UK, USA, Canada and other European countries.
Do you offer hybrid option?
Yes, you can alternate between in-person and online appointments depending on your preferences and need
Do you offer availability in different time zones?
Yes, I have GMT evening slots, Eastern Time mornings and afternoons and Pacific Time mornings available. Please check under services or get in touch.
Do you work weekends?
No, I only offer appointments Mon-Fri.
Do you work bank holidays?
Yes I do work on some bank holidays, best to get in touch with me if you are looking at any specific bank holiday.
What is confidentiality?
The information you share with me is confidential. I also work to maintain confidentiality at all times in the collection, recording, storage, dissemination and disposal of my notes and any information I collect.
In our first session, I will explain the importance of confidentiality and the exceptional circumstances in which information may need to be shared with third parties (such as your GP, Tusla, or An Garda Síochána), including if:
• You disclose that a child, minor or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm
• You plan to harm yourself or others, or I have a reason to believe that you pose an immediate risk to harming yourself or others
Bookings
Trauma Therapy
Do you specialize in complex Trauma?
Yes I specialize in complex trauma, developmental trauma using Somatic Experiencing and attachment focused neurobiological models. This approach promotes phased stabilization and integration, in line with contemporary trauma treatment frameworks (Herman 1997; van der Kolk 2014, Rotschild 2000)
What is somatic Trauma Therapy
Somatic trauma therapy engages the body’s sensations, movement, and interoceptive awareness to promote regulation of the nervous system. Research indicates that trauma disrupts physiological regulation and responds effectively to bottom-up approaches that foster a sense of safety and reconnection (Porges 2011; van der Kolk 2014).
Do you work with childhood trauma?
Yes. My practice focuses on childhood trauma and attachment wounds with an emphasis on nervous-system regulation, relational safety, and emotional integration.