Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Call: 086 -120 6151
Dundrum & Camden Street
Where is your practice? Where are you located?
I currently practise from two Dublin locations. Both are accessible along the Green Luas Line.
For City Centre Dublin 2 please click The Iveagh Practice
For Dundrum Dublin 14 please click The Dundrum Counselling & Therapy Centre
What does ‘Confidentiality’ mean in Psychotherapy and Counselling?
I provide a consistent, safe and private space where I hope you will feel able to talk about whatever is on your mind. To do this all personal information is treated in the strictest confidence. I believe that confidentiality and understanding the limitations of confidentiality is an essential prerequisite to effective professional and ethical counselling and psychotherapy.
I am also bound by the IACP Code of Ethics and Practice for Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Supervisors which includes the Limits of Confidentiality.
At the first meeting I will clearly explain about the rare occasions when confidentiality might be broken with or without your consent. If at any stage you are unclear or do not understand these limitations I will be happy to explain them further.
What if I need to cancel? Cancellation Policy
Please cancel scheduled appointments by calling 086 - 120 6151
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please note the following cancellation conditions:
48 hours or more prior to an appointment – no fee charged.
Within 48 hours to 24hours – €30 administration fee will be charged (applicable to All including reduced cost clients).
Cancelling on the day or Failure to show for an appointment – the Full session fee will be charged.
In the event I have to cancel for any unforeseen circumstance I will contact you as soon as possible and reschedule.
What can therapy do for me? Why speak to a counsellor or psychotherapist?
Psychotherapy can offer you the opportunity to examine and reflect on your circumstances. It examines your relationship to others and how you manage and cope within these relationships.
You will also have the opportunity to look at how you cope internally with the relationship you have with yourself e.g. how you perceive yourself, your inner critic, and how you manage that experience of yourself as you relate to others. For more information Click Here
What should I expect on the first appointment?
When you call we will mainly focus on arranging a consultation or first appointment.
During our first meeting I will explain the IACP Limitations of Confidentiality. I will also take some details. We will discuss your expectations of counselling, what has brought you to seek counselling and we will compile a working agreement regarding the terms and conditions of engaging in counselling and psychotherapy together.
For effective counselling and psychotherapy it is important that you attend consistently for your weekly appointment. Frequent cancellations and/or late arrivals will be addressed.
To enquire further or to make an appointment please Click here.. to Email or Call 086 - 120 6151
How do I find the right Counsellor for me?
This is a really important question. How do you find the right Counsellor? Often we find our friends, family and work colleagues will openly recommend dentists, solicitors, teachers for grinds etc. from first hand experience. You might feel that looking for a psychotherapist is a more private matter, especially in times of vulnerability.
Qualified and professional counsellors are listed on the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (IACP) website. You will also find plenty of therapists by searching online using key words like Counsellor, Dublin City Centre, IACP, Psychotherapist, or words like ‘depressed’ or suicidal or anxiety etc.
The key to finding the right Counsellor or Psychotherapist is to look for qualified professionals as well as finding the right ‘fit’ for you.
My advice is to phone a few counsellors and ask them how they might help with the reasons you are considering counselling. Doing this will guide you in two ways. Firstly, it will inform you of the counsellor’s approach to therapy, that is, their professional training and background as well as their individual style.
Secondly, it will give you an initial gut feeling as to whether you feel they are right for you. This can be reaffirmed and tested in the initial meeting. During the first meeting try to discuss what questions come to mind regarding your decision to start counselling, including what it would mean to work with this therapist and any doubts you may have.
It is very important that you feel confident that you are in the right hands, professionally and personally with your counsellor or psychotherapist.
How long is a session?
Sessions will last 50 minutes.
The time allocated to you is reserved especially for you. Being on time is greatly appreciated. I will also do my best to run on time. If you are 15 minutes or more late we can reschedule but I will have to charge you for the full missed session.
Is my problem big enough, how do I know that counselling is the answer?
Everyone copes differently. How you cope with challenges and difficulties is unique to you. You may feel concerned about something or you may feel at breaking point. You may be experiencing something unexpected or maybe you recognise a pattern you would like to change.
Some people use psychotherapy and counselling for personal development, for example, to improve their confidence or to build self-esteem.
Some people need support and someone to talk to because of recent bereavement or relationship difficulties. Some people find themselves in crisis and find it difficult to cope.
Talking to a professional Psychotherapist and Counsellor is for everyone, no matter how ‘small’ you may think the problem is.
If in doubt, call me on 086 – 120 6151 or Click here.. to email me and we can talk about whether counselling is right for you.
How many sessions does it take?
The number of sessions or the length of time people attend counselling varies according to the individual needs of the person. During our first appointment we can discuss this.
How much does it cost?
Please see Appointments and Costs. Click Here
As circumstances differ with each person, I offer a limited reduced cost counselling service. There are limited places, please mention that you are looking for reduced cost counselling when calling or contacting me to arrange a first appointment. See Appointments & Costs for more details. Click here..
Persons requesting Reduced Cost Counselling & Psychotherapy must hold a valid medical card, or a full-time student identity card, and for those who are unemployed job seekers allowance documentation will be requested.
Fees are payable at the end of each session.
I have more questions that are not covered in this section.
Please feel free to contact me directly by calling 086 – 120 6151 and I will be happy to answer your questions in confidence. Or you can use the email / enquiries facility on the Contact page. Click Here