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Whether it's your first time attending therapy or you are returning after a break, it is natural to have questions: below are some of the most common queries.
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Who is therapy for? and do I need to attend?In short, therapy is for everyone! But please let me explain myself; it is my strong belief which underpins all of my work that; You are fundamentally ok and you WILL BE ok! There are countless ways to live a life and therapy is an important space which encourages and privileges you to be supported unconditionally in figuring out how YOU WANT TO LIVE You hold the answers to your questions and you know the way in which to build you future, it is my privilege in the work to intently listen and mirror back to you so I may support you in getting closer to these answers! Labels, categories and diagnosis don’t really come in the room. Whilst you may be inclined to identify with or have been given a name to describe something of this like in your life, my focus is on you as a person; emotionally, relationally, interpersonally, aspirationally, creatively and in many other domains that make up our inner life as humans
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What is therapy?Relationship Goals Support Processing Advocacy Psychoeducation
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What is a typical therapy session like?Sessions are weekly and last 55 minutes, when we have agreed a suitable time and day that space is held for you. In terms of content, sessions can vary much in terms of content and the approach agreed between client and therapist. Some individuals seek an open space to work through and process difficult materials, some seek more collaborative and 'active approaches in which there is active coaching and working towards more specific goals. Common aspects to a typical therapy session include: -check ins -processing of the weeks experiences -collaborative consultation on how we work together -planning and putting frameworks and goals What is common to ALL therapy sessions offered in confidentiality, safety, non-judgemental atmosphere and a strong culture emphasizing that; you are fundamentally ok and can grow towards who you want to be.
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What should I expect in my first session?In the first session our primary concern is that we understand YOU and your goals as clearly as possible. During the initial session you will be welcomed to the space and invited to bring in what prompted you to seek therapy, where you are coming from i.e. your values and your past and indeed, where you would like to go to move forward! This is not an exhaustive or diagnostic assessment but is a curious and warm dialogue to understand what is important for you in as much (or little detail) as you wish to bring. If you are happy to continue after our first meeting we generally collaborate on a basic agreement and core goals to guide our work.
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How long should I attend therapy?I work in various ways from brief solution-focused therapy to open-ended middle to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. What brings one to therapy is so different for everyone, consider two broad examples of 1) Short-term counselling; where a person feels fundamentally ok and are generally content with where they are at, however, they may be having issues such as Grieving; loss of loved on, loss of job, change of life circumstances. Recovering from an accident Dealing with a workplace or academic issue Looking for assistance around a goal or decision 2) Long term or open-ended psychotherapy; this is a more client led process where one may slowly work to unpack one’s past, habits, aspirations, fears or assumptions in a very sensitive gradual manner to reappraise or change ways of living that are less obvious to ourselves. Some examples may be; Recovering from a traumatic event Exploring sexuality or gender identity Working to improve one’s boundaries with partners, family or workplace Trying to understand and change unhelpful thoughts or behaviours e.g.; addiction, self-esteem issues, anger management, depression, anxiety or rumination Exploring or coming to terms with Neurodiversity, e.g. Autism, ADHD, OCD etc. Regardless of which approach you feel may suit you I am a big believer in transparency and what is termed ‘deliberate practice’ wherein I encourage a collaboration of mutual honesty and agreement on the therapeutic journey. You will not be ‘forced’ to stay any longer than you feel is right and you are equally welcome to work with me as much as you need! Research indicates* that the loose median amount of 20-45 sessions lead to a sufficient improvement and recovery in clients in general. Typically I invite clients to meet with me for six to eight initial sessions so that we get a good sense of one another before deciding on further steps. *from findings out of University College Dublin: https://www.psychotherapycouncil.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-Effectiveness-of-Psychotherapy.pdf)
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Where are sessions based?Sessions are primarily based in 28 South William St., just off the main thoroughfare of Grafton st., where we have consciously cultivated a welcoming and private space that exists as an oasis of grounding, whilst still being in the heart of the bustling business and culture centre of the city. Additionally there are very limited slots in our Dublin 7 space off Berkeley Road, Phibsborough. Seasonally I also offer walk and talk sessions in the green park areas of South Dublin. These sessions offer a chance to enjoy the endorphin release of gentle exercise, the mindfulness of our scenic outdoors and a chance to collaborate on your future journey, side to side, one step at a time.
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Do you offer online counselling?I am very glad to offer online sessions, both as a dedicated arrangement or indeed in a hybrid manner. I am keenly aware that between work demands, illness, weather, transport or other last minute commitments it may be more practical and comfortable for some to elect for online sessions. Our modern lifestyles sometimes ask us to be versatile and fluid and so I would be glad to offer online as an option.
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Payment: how much do sessions cost? and what methods of payment do you accept?Sessions cost €80. I offer limited slots for those in need of sliding-scale cost counselling and those who are third level students which can be discussed upon enquiry. I accept card payment, cash and online payments.
*Have question that is not listed here? Get in touch, I would be happy to answer it!
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