Frequently Asked Questions
Which treatment is best for me?
I believe that a clinical formulation is as important as a clinical diagnosis. It is therefore important for me to know you from your perspective and to collaboratively develop a treatment plan with you, that you feel will benefit you. For example, some people may have a very concrete way of thinking and would find Cognitive Behaviour Therapy helpful in working through their difficulties. Others may prefer a less structured approach to understanding their difficulties. In the case of someone looking for a more holistic method, mindfulness-based approaches might suit them better. The most important aspect of any psychological treatment is that you feel safe, heard and respected. Research shows that client-therapist relationship is most important in the drive towards healing.
Where to begin?
I recommend two initial sessions, for assessment, formulation, and developing a treatment plan. During the assessment, you will be invited to answer standard psychological assessments of depression, anxiety, and quality of life. This is followed by a conversation about your background, family history, recent triggers, and main concerns. I also explore your values and aspirations for the future. How your physical and mental health is important to you. Throughout the formulation, I collaborate with you to create a panoramic view of how past experiences and actual challenges are impacting your current mental and physical health. Based on the formulation, a treatment plan is presented, which may include talk therapy, SMART goals, psychoeducation, and coping skills tailored to your needs. Treatment plans are time-focused and will have clear milestones and opportunities for re-evaluation. Throughout the treatment, I will check on progress by evaluating specific actions agreed on in the treatment plan.
PERSON-CENTRED
Our initial sessions will be dedicated to the assessment of your current wellness and mental health. Collaboratively we will develop a Psychological Formulation to develop a treatment plan to fit your unique needs and goals.
TARGETED
The treatment plan will address your needs with clear actions steps that will address body health and psychotherapeutic interventions that will address mental, emotional, and experiential blocks.
INTEGRATIVE
Since achieving wellness is more than just exercise and diet, I’ll be guiding you towards achieving psychological well-being. Physical health and mental health are two sides of the same coin and they are enmeshed with our sense of authenticity and self-efficacy. By integrating physical and mental health you are working towards self-actualization, meaning the fulfilment of your potential.
Is my information kept confidential?
All information is confidential and will be treated in accordance with the code of ethics of the Psychological Society of Ireland and the Irish Council for Psychotherapy.
How long does a session take?
A session will take 50 min
How many sessions do I need?
The number of sessions required will vary according to the treatment plan. The initial sessions are preliminary sessions, and will help both parties to assess compatibility.
What happens if I need to cancel my session?
Sessions can be cancelled with 24hrs notice.
Do I need a medical referral?
Psychological coaching and Psychotherapy are not a medical service, does not offer medical advice or prescribes. It can work parallel to medical advice but is not a substitute for it. Usually, patients are referred by doctors or nurses in order to help them succeed in adopting healthy behaviours. However self-referred clients are welcome to contact me.