Psychodynamic Counselling in Athy
People often come to therapy when the ways they have used to manage emotional pain are no longer working, or have begun to affect their relationships, confidence, and ability to feel at ease with themselves, yet something keeps pulling them back into anxiety, low mood, grief, painful relationships, or emotional instability. I work with adults who want more than short-term reassurance: they want to understand the deeper roots of their difficulties and begin to restore psychological stability, emotional balance, and lasting change.
People often come to therapy when the ways they have used to manage emotional pain are no longer working, or have begun to affect their relationships, confidence, and ability to feel at ease with themselves, yet something keeps pulling them back into anxiety, low mood, grief, painful relationships, or emotional instability. I work with adults who want more than short-term reassurance: they want to understand the deeper roots of their difficulties and begin to restore psychological stability, emotional balance, and lasting change.
I am a qualified counsellor and an accredited member of IACP. I work with clients in a person-centred way, focusing on the lived experience and current challenges that each person brings to the therapy space and integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches.
I am a qualified counsellor and an accredited member of IACP. I work with clients in a person-centred way, focusing on the lived experience and current challenges that each person brings to the therapy space and integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches.
I'm an accredited therapist with the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and have over 13 years of experience since graduating. I work from an Integrative approach combining several theoretical models such as person-centred, CBT and Minfulness but always keep the therapeutic relationship a priority. I aim to provide a warm, empathic, safe space for clients. I'm also a qualified trainer with a passion for mental health education and reducing stigma. I have delivered over 200 talks, presentations, webinars and media interviews in recent years. To learn more about me please visit https://www.alanfarrellcounselling.ie/
I'm an accredited therapist with the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and have over 13 years of experience since graduating. I work from an Integrative approach combining several theoretical models such as person-centred, CBT and Minfulness but always keep the therapeutic relationship a priority. I aim to provide a warm, empathic, safe space for clients. I'm also a qualified trainer with a passion for mental health education and reducing stigma. I have delivered over 200 talks, presentations, webinars and media interviews in recent years. To learn more about me please visit https://www.alanfarrellcounselling.ie/
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not quite yourself lately? Do you feel like you are on a "hampster wheel", loosing yourself while caring for everyone else. Maybe things look “fine” on the outside, but inside it feels a bit heavier or harder than it should. If that sounds familiar, you’re not on your own. I’m here to listen and help you make sense of things, so they don’t feel as heavy.
You might want to identify and work towards what you want for your life, talk through something that’s happening at the moment, or come to terms with experiences from your past that still feel unresolved. All of that is welcome here.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not quite yourself lately? Do you feel like you are on a "hampster wheel", loosing yourself while caring for everyone else. Maybe things look “fine” on the outside, but inside it feels a bit heavier or harder than it should. If that sounds familiar, you’re not on your own. I’m here to listen and help you make sense of things, so they don’t feel as heavy.
You might want to identify and work towards what you want for your life, talk through something that’s happening at the moment, or come to terms with experiences from your past that still feel unresolved. All of that is welcome here.
I use an integrative approach with tools to adapt to individual client needs. My commitment and awareness to my own journey in therapy led me into the area of mental health and helping others. I have over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality sector and have always valued working with people. I have experienced personal challenges, namely grief and my diagnosis of chronic health conditions. I am committed to utilising both my training and life experiences, by applying my knowledge and empathy to help others in their own journey.
I use an integrative approach with tools to adapt to individual client needs. My commitment and awareness to my own journey in therapy led me into the area of mental health and helping others. I have over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality sector and have always valued working with people. I have experienced personal challenges, namely grief and my diagnosis of chronic health conditions. I am committed to utilising both my training and life experiences, by applying my knowledge and empathy to help others in their own journey.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a Psychologist and Psychotherapist with more than 30 years experience, much of that in public service, HSE and NHS. I specialise in primary care counselling and psychotherapy, adult mental health assessment, therapy and referral, trauma therapy, EAP counselling, CBT and clinical supervision.
I am a Psychologist and Psychotherapist with more than 30 years experience, much of that in public service, HSE and NHS. I specialise in primary care counselling and psychotherapy, adult mental health assessment, therapy and referral, trauma therapy, EAP counselling, CBT and clinical supervision.
I integrate psychodynamic therapy, somatic awareness and EMDR where appropriate.
You may be capable and self-aware, yet still feel overwhelmed, detached or stuck. Relationships may feel intense or confusing. Perhaps you have been told you are too sensitive, too much, or overthinking. You might wonder why you react so strongly, struggle with rejection, or feel successful on paper but internally dysregulated. I work with adults navigating neurodivergence, including ADHD and autistic identity, Rejection Sensitivity, shame, personality patterns, attachment wounds, trauma and identity shifts. Together, we make sense of what is happening in your nervous system and create something more workable.
I integrate psychodynamic therapy, somatic awareness and EMDR where appropriate.
You may be capable and self-aware, yet still feel overwhelmed, detached or stuck. Relationships may feel intense or confusing. Perhaps you have been told you are too sensitive, too much, or overthinking. You might wonder why you react so strongly, struggle with rejection, or feel successful on paper but internally dysregulated. I work with adults navigating neurodivergence, including ADHD and autistic identity, Rejection Sensitivity, shame, personality patterns, attachment wounds, trauma and identity shifts. Together, we make sense of what is happening in your nervous system and create something more workable.
Many people experience some form of disruption in their mental wellbeing at some point across their life and may need some extra supports when managing this. Perhaps you may have experienced something very challenging, upsetting or traumatic, recently or in the past, which you are finding difficult to process. Alternatively, you may be feeling tired, frustrated with life and lacking motivation for those parts of life from which you used to take enjoyment. Emotional wellbeing can impact greatly on varying aspects of daily life, hinder the ability to carry out normal daily activities and can cause conflict with those close to us.
Many people experience some form of disruption in their mental wellbeing at some point across their life and may need some extra supports when managing this. Perhaps you may have experienced something very challenging, upsetting or traumatic, recently or in the past, which you are finding difficult to process. Alternatively, you may be feeling tired, frustrated with life and lacking motivation for those parts of life from which you used to take enjoyment. Emotional wellbeing can impact greatly on varying aspects of daily life, hinder the ability to carry out normal daily activities and can cause conflict with those close to us.
If you find your thoughts, feelings and emotions are limiting your enjoyment to engage fully in life because of past experiences, life's demands, uncertain Covid-19 times; you may need to talk to a trained professional to enable you to get experienced psychological support I work from the viewpoint of seeing each client as unique and autonomous providing a safe, confidential, non judgemental, respectful, supportive space to explore areas of concern at your own pace. This process enables you to explore different perspectives, develop coping skill in order for you to realise your full potential and improve your quality of life.
If you find your thoughts, feelings and emotions are limiting your enjoyment to engage fully in life because of past experiences, life's demands, uncertain Covid-19 times; you may need to talk to a trained professional to enable you to get experienced psychological support I work from the viewpoint of seeing each client as unique and autonomous providing a safe, confidential, non judgemental, respectful, supportive space to explore areas of concern at your own pace. This process enables you to explore different perspectives, develop coping skill in order for you to realise your full potential and improve your quality of life.
However, I integrate CBT techniques along with employing Psychodynamic therapy.
Hi, i work collaboratively with my clients on their journey of self discovery. As each individual is unique, the presenting problems/issues will dictate the modalities integrated. From the outset I work from a humanistic framework . At the heart of my therapeutic work is the need to create a safe and confidential space to enable the building of the therapeutic relationship. My hope is to help the client navigate, understand and process feelings and emotions. Thus, allowing the client to live a fulfilling and happy life that maximises the chance of reaching their potential.
However, I integrate CBT techniques along with employing Psychodynamic therapy.
Hi, i work collaboratively with my clients on their journey of self discovery. As each individual is unique, the presenting problems/issues will dictate the modalities integrated. From the outset I work from a humanistic framework . At the heart of my therapeutic work is the need to create a safe and confidential space to enable the building of the therapeutic relationship. My hope is to help the client navigate, understand and process feelings and emotions. Thus, allowing the client to live a fulfilling and happy life that maximises the chance of reaching their potential.
I practice humanistic & integrative therapy that includes techniques from multiple modalities of practices, like Person-centred, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Existential, Object relations, Attachment and Mindfulness.
During journey of our life we come across many challenges, some posed by external environment, some by our internal environment. We manage most of them by our coping mechanisms and problem solving skills. I believe everyone of us has the capacity to deal with our external / internal environment using our strengths / values / attitudes / communication to name a few. According to Carl Rogers we are on a continued path of becoming a person. In order to achieve this, self awareness becomes one of the most important factor. I consider myself privileged to to have accompanied my clients on their journey of their becoming..
I practice humanistic & integrative therapy that includes techniques from multiple modalities of practices, like Person-centred, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Existential, Object relations, Attachment and Mindfulness.
During journey of our life we come across many challenges, some posed by external environment, some by our internal environment. We manage most of them by our coping mechanisms and problem solving skills. I believe everyone of us has the capacity to deal with our external / internal environment using our strengths / values / attitudes / communication to name a few. According to Carl Rogers we are on a continued path of becoming a person. In order to achieve this, self awareness becomes one of the most important factor. I consider myself privileged to to have accompanied my clients on their journey of their becoming..
I work with individuals to help address a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties and stress.
There are many reasons why people come to counselling and psychotherapy. You may have a particular issue which is causing you distress or a number of issues that are troubling you. Whatever brings you to counselling, I aim to provide a safe, caring and confidential setting where you can explore what is relevant for you.
I work with individuals to help address a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties and stress.
There are many reasons why people come to counselling and psychotherapy. You may have a particular issue which is causing you distress or a number of issues that are troubling you. Whatever brings you to counselling, I aim to provide a safe, caring and confidential setting where you can explore what is relevant for you.
Hi, I’m glad you’re here. This is a warm, grounded, and professionally held space where you are welcome to come exactly as you are. You can take a breath, settle, and begin from wherever you are right now.
Together we explore what is happening for you and work towards greater clarity, healing, and lasting change.
My approach is integrative, relational, and tailored to you. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on what will best support you and your process.
Hi, I’m glad you’re here. This is a warm, grounded, and professionally held space where you are welcome to come exactly as you are. You can take a breath, settle, and begin from wherever you are right now.
Together we explore what is happening for you and work towards greater clarity, healing, and lasting change.
My approach is integrative, relational, and tailored to you. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on what will best support you and your process.
By looking at the emotional needs and wants I help clients to really understand the complexity of what is underneath the emotions they experience. We can present with a symptom like emotion such as fear, anger or people pleasing. However, when we fully understand where this comes from we become more aware, and with awareness, we then have the ability to make choices on how we want to proceed.
By looking at the emotional needs and wants I help clients to really understand the complexity of what is underneath the emotions they experience. We can present with a symptom like emotion such as fear, anger or people pleasing. However, when we fully understand where this comes from we become more aware, and with awareness, we then have the ability to make choices on how we want to proceed.
Paula O'Connor (MIAHIP) Reg ICP.
Paula holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Dublin Business School and is accredited by the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) and is also registered with ICP Irish Council for Psychotherapy.
Her therapeutic approach is humanistic and integrative, encouraging clients to explore their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being.
She forsters a warm and welcoming environment where clients can engage with curiosity and self-exploration.
Paula values the therapeutic relationship as a vital component of the healing process.
Paula O'Connor (MIAHIP) Reg ICP.
Paula holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Dublin Business School and is accredited by the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) and is also registered with ICP Irish Council for Psychotherapy.
Her therapeutic approach is humanistic and integrative, encouraging clients to explore their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being.
She forsters a warm and welcoming environment where clients can engage with curiosity and self-exploration.
Paula values the therapeutic relationship as a vital component of the healing process.
I have 15 years experience working with adolescents, adults, and older adults from diverse backgrounds, supporting people through the issues that bring most of us to therapy at some point — anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief and loss, addiction, and the relational patterns we find ourselves stuck in. Our job together is to identify what's getting in the way of the life you want, understand how those patterns took hold, and gently remove the inner and outer obstacles that are keeping you stuck. The focus is on real change, in how you feel, how you relate, and how you move through the world.
I have 15 years experience working with adolescents, adults, and older adults from diverse backgrounds, supporting people through the issues that bring most of us to therapy at some point — anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief and loss, addiction, and the relational patterns we find ourselves stuck in. Our job together is to identify what's getting in the way of the life you want, understand how those patterns took hold, and gently remove the inner and outer obstacles that are keeping you stuck. The focus is on real change, in how you feel, how you relate, and how you move through the world.
My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic to meet you where you are now and to help you build self acceptance and personal growth.
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your personal needs, process past traumas, explore personal belief systems and work through challenges and obstacles that may be preventing you from achieving contentment and self-belief.
My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic to meet you where you are now and to help you build self acceptance and personal growth.
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your personal needs, process past traumas, explore personal belief systems and work through challenges and obstacles that may be preventing you from achieving contentment and self-belief.
Experience in working with individuals and couples. Issues such such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self harm, suicide , disordered eating relational or family , parenting issues, ASD, ADHD and addiction.Guiding people looking to assess their circumstances, develop insight and understanding and make changes that work for them, helping them reach their full potential and develop fulfilling relationships.
I have an additional qualification in couples therapy and really enjoy supporting couples through difficult times and helping them create stronger relationships for themselves and their families.
Experience in working with individuals and couples. Issues such such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self harm, suicide , disordered eating relational or family , parenting issues, ASD, ADHD and addiction.Guiding people looking to assess their circumstances, develop insight and understanding and make changes that work for them, helping them reach their full potential and develop fulfilling relationships.
I have an additional qualification in couples therapy and really enjoy supporting couples through difficult times and helping them create stronger relationships for themselves and their families.
I have been working in different clinical settings and with clients from multiple age groups. My experience is with adults, adolescents and children and a wide range of difficulties and diagnoses, from depression to grief, anxiety, self-harming and suicide ideation.
I have been working in different clinical settings and with clients from multiple age groups. My experience is with adults, adolescents and children and a wide range of difficulties and diagnoses, from depression to grief, anxiety, self-harming and suicide ideation.
Hi, and welcome to my page. I am a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I am a pre-accredited member of the IACP. At certain points in life, we face challenges that leave us feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed—challenges we may struggle to overcome. My goal is to support people in working through these difficulties and to empower them with tools that help them continue their journey.
Hi, and welcome to my page. I am a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I am a pre-accredited member of the IACP. At certain points in life, we face challenges that leave us feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed—challenges we may struggle to overcome. My goal is to support people in working through these difficulties and to empower them with tools that help them continue their journey.
Psychodynamic Counsellors
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.