Background
I have been working in private practice for over ten years. During this time I have developed my knowledge and competence continuously, through various studies.
My professional career began as a general registered nurse in Germany in 1978. Since 2000 I am on the active register with An Bord Altranais.
My medical background served my work as psychotherapist with regards to physical ailments. My specialized knowledge as a neurological nurse provided me with understanding for neuro-psychological issues particularly in the areas of neuro-developmental and neuro-sensory issues that are involved in neuro-diverse complex and diverse issues regarding our functioning in everyday life, school and academic development.
In 2005 I obtained a BSc(Hons) in psychology from the Open University. This deepened my understanding of our cognitive and social development and what happens in various stages of human development from infancy to mature age. Of particular interest during my studies emerged the presence of birth-related trauma for unborn and newborn infants, issues around prematurity, how it may affect future development and how it affects the parent-child relationship in the future.
In 2013 I was awarded a BA(Hons) from the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) in Counselling and Psychotherapy studies. This 4 year part time program included widespread subjects of family systems, Gestalt orientated training alongside psychoanalytic, humanistic and integrative principles informing the work of a counsellor and psychotherapist.
The academic work was consolidated through placements in Social Service Center in Henrystreet, Limerick, as well as in counselling centers like Oakwood, Dooradoyle and MyMind in Limerick. These placements provided diverse topics and issues that led clients to seek counselling and psychotherapy. My medical and psychological training proved valuable additional understanding particularly in the neuroscience of trauma in all its various facets, affecting a person’s life, (attachment, developmental, relational and long term trauma to name a few).
My intention to deepen my knowledge in aspects of attachment and development in conjunction with a deeper understanding of neuro-diverse development in contrast to neuro-normative development led to a Higher Diploma in Adolescent Gestalt Psychotherapy that I obtained in 2015 through the Blackfort Institute in conjunction with Dublin Counselling and Therapy Centre (DCTC). During that time I gained professional experience with Smiles-School Completion Programme, various secondary schools, The Northside learning Hub in Limerick city.
Vision
It is my firm belief that when we receive unconditional regard and acceptance from another person that we will thrive and open up to resources that enable us to overcome traumatic and adverse experiences we made in the past and in the present and hope to break with in the future.
This conviction I hold dear for the process of therapy and as a core foundation for my role as facilitator. It means that in a therapy session the client can focus on their thoughts and views regarding themselves, personal relationships with others, situations and outcomes in the presence of a person that is genuine and congruent, in person and to the therapeutic process. It is the core foundation in a person-centred therapy (Rogers) that accepts the human condition of the client without prejudice and judgement.
My training afforded me knowledge in a number of other concepts, for example Gestalt therapy, which focusses on a person present life and how the client has drawn specific conclusions and behaviours to make sense of people and situations. Another construct is Transactional analysis that focusses on the adult presence in the client’s personal expression to encourage and autonomise this development, should there be to much of the child/parent expression informing decisions, actions and behaviour.
These are just a few examples of different schools of thinking in psychotherapy. Throughout my life i observed learning from my personal life experiences and the numerous ongoing training opportunities that enable me to stay updated with recent research, personal development and professional conduct.
Overall I am aware at all times of confidentiality of all client contacts and all my sessions In my face-to-face or online contact I am observing the same code of conduct of confidentiality and client safety. My regular contact with my supervisor is assuring of this.
