At Real Therapy, authentic communication is at the core of 'what works'. We are relational beings deeply embedded in the need for honest genuine relationships and Psychotherapy places this need at the heart of its work. From my experience, adolescents yearn for this realness in Adults, because so many other experiences can feel confusing and disingenuous at this highly transitional and developmental stage of life.

 

A famous historical analyst called Carl Jung once stated that a therapist can only go as far with a client as they have gone in themselves. I have sat in the client's chair and borne witness to what needed to be witnessed in my own self and know only too well, that untouched emotional pain lies on a bedrock until someone has the compassion to sit with it.

 

As a professional member of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, I have over 20 years experience working with young people in various settings including but not only, management of high secure residential units, team leading educational settings for young people diagnosed with mental health illness, Senior Therapist at a crisis intervention centre for suicide and self harm and developing care plans with multi disciplinary teams.

 

With a Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Diplomas in Social Work and Social Studies, Post Graduate Cert in Trauma and a Masters Degree in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, I have spent 10 years of study and research to support my work as an knowledgeable and skilled therapist.

 

While this may generate confidence in parents who approach me to work with their children, remember that all a young person cares for is whether I can be real enough in the room to hold their trust, faith, safety and security and all of the other components that complete a sense of feeling honoured, validated and heard enough to develop an empowerment that supports their movement through a difficult time.

 

As a parent myself, I also know that seeking therapy for your child can be a daunting step to take. I will support you in supporting your child on a trajectory toward emotional health.

​