Counselling

Cathy is a counsellor and qualified from the Irish Institute of Counselling and Hypnotherapy Dublin Ireland. Her conventional studies began in the US studying psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy specialising in the area of Weight Management. On her return to Ireland she worked for a rehabilitation centre as counsellor for drug and alcohol addictions.

I began my vocation in counselling at a very young age when I discovered that people found it easy to relate and confide in me, and I was a natural listener. As a teenager I developed Anorexia Nervosa and with the consent of my parents admitted myself into a psychiatric hospital with the intention to re learn how to eat normally again. During my on and off stays in hospital I got an in-dept view of mental illness. Witnessing the immense helplessness and hopelessness of many people from all walks of life and ages made a lasting impression on me and in many ways lead me to the work that I do today and trust will continue.

As a counsellor I believe that everyone has a profound need to be listened to with genuine understanding and patience. Part of what makes a person feel low and depressed is that they may feel that they don't have a voice or the right to feel how they feel. Some people might think that what worries them is of little importance in the greater scheme of things. Whatever you feel and however you feel it is right. There is no judgement in counselling. What you can expect is kind professional care in a strictly private and confidential environment where you can speak openly and freely. Tears are very welcome too. Some people think that crying is some form of weakness! NOT SO!! As a colleague of mine says "Crying is Flying" Crying is an important and natural function in the body and primarily serves as a way to release pent up emotions. Remember the first stage in getting better and feeling lighter is to talk about it. Get it off your chest, so to speak.

My goal as a counsellor is to help clients manage their problems more effectively by helping them to understand themselves better; change what they can and accept what they can't. Although a counsellor doesn't cure, change or control a persons progress they can help facilitate a more manageable and desirable outcome. I find that results are quite astonishing as soon as people accept that they need help and support and put their own needs first.

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