Frequently Asked Questions - Counselling and Psychotherapy

Counselling sessions typically focus on current issues and are often of shorter duration, while Psychotherapy delves into both past events and their impact on present life, often requiring more in-depth exploration. However, in practice, the distinction between the two therapy approaches can be blurred. I am trained to adapt to the unique needs and preferences of each person in therapy.

Your first session is a gentle starting point. It’s a chance for us to get to know one another and to begin building a sense of safety and trust, which is at the heart of meaningful therapy.

Your initial session is an opportunity to:

• Share what’s bringing you to therapy in a safe, confidential space
• Discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve
• Ask questions about the therapeutic process
• Determine if the therapist is the right fit for you

This initial meeting is also an opportunity to see how it feels to work together. There’s no pressure and no obligation - it’s simply a chance for us both to sense whether this feels like the right fit and how I might best support you.

While every person's journey through life is unique, I have experience working with a wide range of concerns, including (but not limited to): 

• Anxiety Therapy Treatment
• Depression Therapy Treatment
• Family Dynamics and Conflict
• LGBTQ+ matters
• Men's Issues and Masculinity 
• Relationships
• Grief, Loss and Bereavement
• Self-Worth and Confidence
• Spirituality Therapy
• Stress Management and Burnout
• Trauma / PTSD Counselling
• Work-Related Challenges

‍I currently only work with individual adults over 18+. I may refer to colleagues or community support(s) for particular support needs or specialisations, where this is appropriate, always in discussion and exploration with you.

The number of sessions varies and depends on what you would like support with. Some folks come for short-term counselling to work through a specific issue, while others choose to stay longer to explore deeper patterns around relationships, identity, or self-worth.

Many clients begin with an initial block of six sessions to get to know each other. From there, we review how things are going and discuss next steps together, based on your needs and goals.

Choosing to begin counselling is a meaningful step, and creating a gentle, consistent rhythm of sessions can really support the work we do together. Counselling and psychotherapy invite personal reflection and growth, and this kind of healing tends to unfold over time rather than through quick fixes. Regular attendance helps provide the continuity and safety needed for insight and change to emerge.

In the beginning, sessions usually take place weekly at a time we agree together. This regular contact supports the development of trust and helps establish a strong therapeutic relationship. In some situations, and where it feels appropriate, sessions may later move to a biweekly schedule, always discussed and agreed together with your therapist.

The duration of a counselling and psychotherapy session whether in-person and online is 50 minutes.

Should additional time be required, it can be prepaid on a pro-rata basis of the original session fee. Please note that delays cannot be compensated with additional time at the end of the session.

Individual: €70 (50 mins)

Many therapists see a set number of reduced-cost clients to make therapy accessible to all. For those who are struggling financially, the unemployed and/or students, I offer a limited number of reduced-cost sessions at €50.00 each. Please ask when you get in touch. 

I review my fees annually, and any changes take effect on the 1st of January and apply to new and existing agreements.

Psychotherapy is now considered a qualifying expense for tax relief by the Irish Revenue. More information can be found on Citizens Information: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money-and-tax/tax/income-tax-credits-and-reliefs/taxation-and-medical-expenses/. 

Sessions are paid at the end of every session. I use a card machine, Revolut and online and cash payments are accepted. Check your insurance coverage, if relevant to you. Receipts are provided.

Yes, I am an approved Psychotherapist with Laya Healthcare. 

Counselling sessions may be covered for Laya members, depending on their specific health insurance plan and benefit limits. You will need to check that your provider covers you to claim for therapy. I can provide receipts for all sessions.

Yes, sessions may be cancelled or rescheduled up to 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends) without charge. Cancellations notified within 48 hours of the scheduled session are charged at the full session fee, including cancellations due to illness or unforeseen circumstances.

Where notice is given within 48 hours, the fee applies regardless of whether the session is rescheduled. All cancellations or changes to appointments must be communicated as soon as possible by phone, text, or email. This policy helps to maintain consistent availability for clients and supports the sustainability of my psychotherapy practice. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

It is the client’s responsibility to contact me directly by phone, text, or email to cancel, reschedule or communicate about your session.

If you are late attending your session, we will still end at the scheduled time in order to avoid impacting other clients. However, I understand that there may be exceptional situations such as severe weather, bereavement, illness, or emergencies, and in those cases, special consideration will be given, where it is practical.

For online counselling sessions, if you are late attending, I will stay online for 15 minutes to allow for any eventualities. If you do not make contact at this time, then the session will be considered missed and will be cancelled. If you fail to cancel, you will be charged the full fee for this missed session. 

If you are late attending your session, we will still end at the original time for the session. Special consideration will be given in exceptional circumstances and where it is practical.