Question 1

Do I need a diagnosis or a referral to come?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't need a diagnosis, a referral, or any documentation. You're welcome wherever you are, whether something has just shifted or you've been sitting with it for a long time.

Question 2

Is what I share confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything we discuss is held in strict confidence within the boundaries set by the IACP code of ethics. The only exceptions are the legal limits to confidentiality (serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or where required by law), and these are explained in full at our first session.

Question 3

What do you actually work with?

Accepted Answer

Most of my work is general adult psychotherapy and CBT: anxiety, low mood and depression, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-worth and the inner critic, burnout, and the bigger life transitions (career, parenthood, separation, midlife, retirement, illness). Sight loss is one particular focus I'm developing alongside the wider practice.

Question 4

How long does therapy usually take?

Accepted Answer

There's no single answer. Some clients come for a focused piece of work over 6 to 10 sessions. Others stay longer, especially when we're working with deeper grief, identity or relational patterns. We review together as we go and you set the pace.

Question 5

What happens in a first session?

Accepted Answer

Mostly it's a conversation. We talk about what's bringing you, a little about your background where it's useful, and what you'd like to be different. You don't need to arrive with the right words or a tidy story. By the end we'll have a sense of how we'd work together and you can decide what feels right.

Question 6

What if I've never done therapy before?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine, most of my clients are first time. The free 15 minute call is a no pressure way to see if we feel like a good fit. There's nothing to prepare. You don't need the right words. We start from wherever you are.

Question 7

Do you offer online sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with clients all over Ireland online, using a secure, GDPR compliant video platform. Audio-only sessions are equally welcome and fully supported, no camera required. Online therapy is equally effective for most presenting issues and means you can have your session from a private space at home.

Question 8

What's the difference between counselling, psychotherapy and CBT?

Accepted Answer

In practice, they overlap more than they differ. Counselling tends to be shorter and focused on a specific difficulty. Psychotherapy goes deeper into patterns, history and identity. CBT is a structured, evidence-based approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. I draw on all three, shaped to what you actually need.

Question 9

Can I claim back through health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance reimbursement typically requires a fully accredited psychotherapist. I'm currently working towards full IACP accreditation, so reimbursement may not yet apply, do check your individual policy. I provide receipts for every session.

Question 10

How accessible is the practice?

Accepted Answer

Online sessions are audio-first by default and work well with screen readers. For in-person sessions in South Dublin, please tell me at the discovery call what would help you arrive comfortably (description of the route, meeting at the door, guide dog welcome, lighting preferences). I'll set it up before you come.

The questions most people ask first.

If sight loss is part of why you're here.

When someone you love is living with sight loss.

Still wondering? Just ask.