News

Trauma and dysregulation

Stress affects everybody at different points in their life. Some stress is necessary and also welcome at times. It helps to provide focus when we must prepare for an important meeting, sit an exam or prepare for a change. When the event is over our body returns to safety and feelings of calm. We return […]

Era of the Sober-Curious

If Taylor Swift can have eras, then so can the rest of us, and I think we should call this one the Era of the Sober-Curious. You see, to be ‘curious’ is a fundamental intention for anyone engaging in a process of psychotherapy. What will underpin the value of an individual’s therapeutic experience is their […]

Is MCBT For Me? A brief overview of Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Is MCBT for me? A brief overview of Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioural Therapy As an integrative therapist, I am constantly seeking effective approaches to meet the diverse needs of clients. Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MCBT) stands out as a promising modality that integrates the principles of mindfulness with cognitive-behavioural techniques. MCBT, often referred to as the […]

The Insecurely Attached Adult

Attachment is a solid emotional bond between an infant and their caregiver. All children innately attach “Attachment behaviour refers to any of the various forms of behaviour that a child commonly engages in to attain and/or maintain proximity” (Bowlby, 1969, p.37) it is crucial in the development of one’s personality and impacts one’s adult relationships. […]

Misinformation is not confined to referendums alone: Parental Alienation

All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed. Secondly, it is violently opposed. Thirdly, it is accepted as self-evident. Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) I was recently reminded of the potential confusion that misinformation can create in particular about the recent referendums here in Ireland where, certain narratives were put forward by some purporting to […]

International Women’s Day

Inspiring Inclusion: A Counselling and Psychotherapy Perspective on International Women’s Day 2024 In a world where there seems to be a holiday for almost every occasion, I am sure there are many that would question the significance of International Women’s Day. In today’s modernized society you might be forgiven for thinking that women have achieved […]

5 Reasons to Journal

When it comes to journaling, common questions can be things like ‘How do I it?’, ‘What’s it meant to look like?’, and ‘How often should I write?’. Though these are all perfectly natural and reasonable things to wonder, sometimes our desire to know how something is ‘meant’ to be done can overshadow the question of […]

Understanding Addiction: A Comprehensive Examination

Introduction Addiction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that transcends societal, cultural, and economic boundaries, affecting individuals from all walks of life. This essay seeks to provide a thorough exploration of addiction, encompassing its definition, underlying mechanisms, risk factors, treatment approaches, and the societal challenges that surround it. Definition of Addiction Addiction is commonly described […]

Couples Counselling: A Practical Down to Earth Approach

Introduction This article explores the different aspects that form a practical and professional approach to couple counselling including the family of origin, emotional connection and maturity, healthy communication, self-care and lastly the impact of all these on a couple relationship. It asserts that the family of origin and the behaviours learned here, are often the […]

Adolescents

Ten minutes into my first session with Fiona, a 14 year old teenager, she uttered the words “I plan to kill myself”, this shocked me to my core and then my training came in. I looked her in the eye and asked why she had come to this decision.  We devised a plan that included […]

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an eight-phase treatment method. History taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation of treatment effect are the eight phases of this treatment which are briefly described. EMDR therapy is a mental health treatment technique. This method involves moving your eyes a specific way while you process traumatic memories. EMDR’s goal is […]

Self-Care for Therapists

Self-care can be defined as an activity to “refill and refuel oneself in healthy ways” (Gentry, 2002, p. 48). Self-care is vital if we are to remain effective in our role and avoid burnout; however, many psychotherapists, me included, do not regularly implement the techniques they recommend to clients in their own lives (O’Halloran & […]