what is psychotherapy and counselling*?
*There is some debate over whether the terms psychotherapy and counselling are distinct or interchangeable, though this is largely political. I use the terms interchangeably.
The foundation of the psychotherapy I offer is a strong working relationship. In practice, this means that we first:
(1) Establish a shared understanding of the psychological problem being addressed
(2) Agree to the means that we will use to solve the problem
(3) Develop a sense of rapport and a bond that facilitates our work together
Research has consistently demonstrated that establishing this relationship within the first couple of sessions is a strong predictor of a positive therapeutic outcome.
To build this working relationship, I first and foremost offer strict confidentiality and ethical consideration. As a pre-accredited member of the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (IACP), I adhere to a Code of Ethics that prioritises five core principles, namely
(1) Respect for the client’s autonomy
(2) Beneficence
(3) Non-maleficence
(4) Justice
(5) Care
Secondly, my approach is person-centred. This means that I will endeavour to understand and prize you as a unique individual, while being open and honest about how I am relating to you. In the beginning, we will be focused on cultivating a shared understanding of your problem in living. Rather than provide advice, I will be interested in listening to you and offering reflections and questions aimed at cultivating insight. Once we have developed a conceptualisation of your problem, we can agree on what we can do to help ameliorate it.
Finally, my practice is informed by psychodynamic principles. As therapy progresses and the problem has been identified, the process can become stuck. This is because although we may want to change, on an unconscious level, we often resist it. This is simply part and parcel of being human. Psychodynamic therapy offers a useful way of understanding and working with these unconscious processes, and research has identified seven core techniques:
(1) Focus on affect and expression of emotion
(2) Exploration of attempts to avoid distressing thoughts and feelings
(3) Identification of recurring themes and patterns
(4) Discussion of past experience (developmental focus)
(5) Focus on interpersonal relations
(6) Focus on the therapy relationship
(7) Exploration of fantasy life
Ideally, therapy ends when the client and therapist agree that the goals have been achieved. Endings are an important part of every relationship. For this reason, the ideal is that - when you feel ready to end the therapy - we discuss this several weeks in advance and consolidate our work together before parting ways. The hope is that you will have started a process of change that will continue long after our final session. Alternatively, you may need to pursue time-limited therapy with a pre-determined end date. If this is the case, we will work within that time frame.
Broadly speaking, I have helped people presenting with:
Anxiety and stress
Depression
Relationship problems
Trauma
Bereavement and grief
Familial conflicts
Existential anxiety
Personal development
Self-harm and suicidal ideation
Body image issues
Sexuality and identity issues
Dyspraxia-related emotional, psychological and relational problems