Work with me | Multiple Perspectives | Dublin & Online Psychotherapy

What is my approach ? How do I work ?

I use a pluralistic approach : this means that I believe that not one type of therapy suits all, and that depending on who you are, what your current needs are and how far along you are on your journey to get to know yourself, different tools may be more or less appropriate.

My practice incorporates solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), humanistic and centered person therapy, as well as mindfulness and sophrology*.

My approach is mainly based on the systemic strategic approach developed by the Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto. It is a brief therapy approach that consist on focusing on the issue your are experiencing here and now, try to figure out what you and people around you tend to put in place to resolve it and why it doesn't work, before experiencing other ways to approach it.

I also work a lot around one's own sensitivity and emotions : many people are finding it difficult to name and/or feel emotions. Connecting with your own body and emotions is a key element to get to know and understand yourself better. Thus, I find it interesting to explore this in therapy.

What to expect on our first encounter...

If it is your first time in therapy or you are curious about how I run sessions, here is a little introduction. First things first, do you want tea or coffee ? It is important to me that you feel comfortable in this space that is yours for the time of each of our sessions. When you are ready, I will ask you if you prefer to tell me what brought you here today or if you rather that I ask questions to open the conversation. We will take the time to get to know each other, and discuss further how we can work together.

By the end of this first session :

if I feel that we are a good fit for each other, I will offer you the option to think about our encounter and come back to me to let me know if you want us to work together or not.
On the other hand, if I feel that someone else may be in a better position to help you, I will explain to you why and will give you the contact details of other therapists you may want to contact. I will stay available to you until you find someone that suits you and your needs.

Remember that whatever your decision is at this stage, it is ok : finding someone that you are comfortable with is a key element of therapy, and I will never be upset if you decide that I am not this person for you : listen to your needs and what your gut tells you.

Work with me...

Becoming aware of your own subtleties is a life-long process, but at some stages of your life it can become crucial to have a closer look at your preferred (usual) ways of interacting with yourself, others and the world, as it may be closely linked to some difficulties you encounter. I know this can be scary, but I will make it a priority to ensure that you are comfortable with the process every step of the way and that we follow your own rythme.

What are my specialties ?

High Sensitivity

High sensitivity was first described by Elaine Aron (1997) and concerns about 30% of the population. Highly sensitive persons (HSPs) tend to experience bigger emotions, be very empathetic, think deeply about things, and have an increased awareness of their environnement (sounds, lights, smells, people, moods, etc...). Their depth of processing can lead them to overstimulation and then saturation.

HSPs may feel that they are different, a bit out of step and misunderstood by others. It can be difficult for them to deal with the constant stimulation from their internal and external environment. They may find it hard to entertain relationships that are not meaningful. Even though high sensitivity is often portrayed as something negative, this trait is also a great resource once you get to know it and find coping strategies that suit you as an individual. Therapy can be a way to explore this trait further.

Perinatal Period

Even though society tends to present a very linear and happy transition to parenthood, I have learnt during my midwifery training that a multitude of journeys exist. Some individuals struggle to become parents (e.g. infertility, disability, same sex couples, etc...) while others hadn't planned a pregnancy at this time of their life and may have to make a choice. Some may struggle mentally during this transition, finding it hard to adjust to this new chapter of their life (e.g. anxiety regarding birth, postnatal depression, etc...). Others may be going through grief (from early miscarriage to perinatal death).

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, the perinatal period is a period where individuals (both men & women) tend to be more vulnerable on a mental health point of view. Don't be afraid to reach out.

Multiculturalism

Living abroad can be very enriching and teach you a lot about who you are, but it also brings its own challenges. In this new environment, understanding one another can be difficult, even when language isn't an issue. Being away from home can lead to loneliness or homesickness. Interacting with others requires efforts due to language but also different social norms & interactive modes. Building relationships that suits you may take more time. At home, you may see relationships that were important to you change or fade, you may feel like you're missing out, and that you are slowly becoming a stranger to this environment that was once so familiar to you. After a while, you may start feeling that nowhere fully feels like home anymore, or that both places do. Regardless of the difficulty you are encountering, you are not alone. Therapy can help you adjust, find solutions you hadn't though about, and progressively help you feel more comfortable in yourself and in your life.

Sophrology

Sophrology is a psycho-corporal approach that aims to increase one's own awareness through relaxation and listening to what they feel in their body. To do so, breathing exercices and muscular relaxation are combined with visualisation exercices.

It can be useful for the following :

self-confidence & self-esteem
be serene in your everyday life
emotions & stress management
pain management (chronic pain, labor)
pregnancy & labor preparation
sleep disturbances
preparation for performances, exams, driving test, etc...
management of phobias
impulses management (eg food)
and many other reasons...

Sophrology aims to provide you with tools that you can use autonomously. Each exercice that we do together will have a specific intention to reach step by step your overall goal. I will provide you with memos of each exercice so you can practice them at home.

A note about confidentiality...

All interactions we have in the setting of therapy are considered confidential. This includes the content of our sessions but also requests by phone, scheduling, appointment note and progress notes I may take during our sessions. You are entitled to request access to these notes at any point. You may choose to give me permission to release any or specific information about you to any person or agency that you designate. Disclosure of information will be discussed in advance with you and only happen with your consent.

However, there are a few limits to this confidentiality agreement, situations where I am legally obliged to disclose information to a counterpart :

If I learn of or believe that there is physical or sexual abuse or neglect of any person under 18 years of age, I must report this information to child protection services.
If I learn of or believe that an elderly person, or disabled person is being abused or neglected, I must file a report with the appropriate state agency that handles elder abuse.
If there is evidence that you are a danger to yourself and I believe that you are likely to kill yourself unless protective measure are taken, I may be obligated to seek hospitalization for you or to contact family members or others who can help provide protection.
If I learn of or believe that you are threatening serious harm to another person, I am obligated to report this. This can be in the form of telling the person who you have threatened, contacting the police or placing you into hospitalization.
In some legal proceedings a judge may issue a court order. This would require the therapist/counsellor to testify in court.