What to expect from psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process: a therapist and a person who is experiencing difficulties, spending time together exploring those difficulties. The aim is to find a way to live that is not defined by them.
What psychotherapy is
Finding that way often involves uncovering the origin and meaning of the difficulties. We are all shaped by our experiences, some of them explicitly remembered and some held in our bodies and our nervous systems. I see every person as unique, and I believe that each of us has within us the potential to become who we really are.
It can be hard to get a neutral outsider’s perspective from family or friends, who have their own stake in your life. Psychotherapy offers that perspective, and a protected time each week where you can share what’s troubling you and be heard without judgement.
The first session
The first session is mainly about getting to know each other: what’s brought you, what you’re hoping for, and a little of your history. There’s no pressure to cover everything. Many people find it a relief simply to say out loud what they’ve been carrying.
How long does it take?
It depends. Some people come for a few months around a specific difficulty; others find longer-term work more valuable. We review together as we go, and you’re always free to stop.
In person or online
Sessions are one-to-one, last 50 minutes and typically take place weekly. I see clients at 42 Dawson Street in Dublin 2 and online by video. Both work well; some people prefer the ritual of coming to a room, others the convenience of being at home.
Is it confidential?
Yes, within the usual professional limits, which I’ll explain in the first session. See the privacy policy for how your information is handled.