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Talking with a therapist who actively listens to what you say can help make sense of your experience and find answers that are right for you

Sensible, down to earth and respectful psychotherapy

Fully accredited with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

Comfortable, peaceful and accessible therapy room in Blackrock, Co Dublin

How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

About Stephanie

I am an accredited Psychotherapist with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and a Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

I have particular experience of working with bereavement, loss, depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship problems, mood disorders, suicide, self harm, eating disorders, pregnancy related issues, stress, redundancy, sense of meaninglessness, personal development.

In my work, I strive to be warm, real and spontaneous. I will engage with you emotionally and intellectually, whilst also giving you the space to think about life in your own way and at your own pace. I feel privileged to learn about your unique ways of making sense of the world.

I initially trained as a Psychologist in France. Established in Ireland since 2005, I then achieved an Advanced Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy. I did most of my clinical training at Pieta House, centre for suicide and self-harm prevention.
I currently work in private practice at Bloom Therapy in Dublin & Blackrock and I am still involved with Pieta House. I also have an additional 8 years experience in career guidance, life coaching and human resources.

 

 

How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

The Therapy

Integrative therapy
Integrative therapy means that I have been trained in different disciplines and have evolved a style of therapy which reflects this whilst being my own.
I would qualify my approach to therapy as being warm, respectful and creative.

My work as a Psychotherapist revolves around four main approaches:

  • Humanistic
  • Psychodynamic
  • Existential
  • Mindfulness-based Cognitive

I hold the core belief that each individual has the ability to develop personal resilience and to become a fulfilled human being. Yet at times, negative experiences get in the way of achieving our full potential and at the worst we feel stuck.

During therapy, I aim to provide a safe place where you feel accepted and can talk in confidence without being judged. By enhancing qualities such as choice, creativity and responsibility, I strive to create an environment where you will find your own solutions to the current struggles. This leads to a process of change, which takes place over the sessions.

Integrative therapists believe that no single approach works for every client in every situation. As humans we each think, feel and react in different, unique ways. The relationship between the therapist and the client is a crucial element in therapy. So, once we establish some trust, I can work with you to produce a unique therapy that is suited to your needs.

In practice
Session last 50 minutes and are held on a weekly basis. There are regular reviews of the therapy every few sessions.
Therapy over a period of months rather than weeks often enables you to get deeper self understanding and a greater ability to make meaningful changes to your life.

The therapy will challenge you, but will ultimately respect your unique way of understanding and living your life.

How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

Articles

How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

It can be a big deal deciding to engage in Counselling and perhaps a daunting task to find a counsellor who will be able to help you, but you feel you are ready. So, what’s next?

Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland is not yet a regulated profession although we are leaning towards it. So first on your list is to check the credentials of the therapists that you are considering. A good way to do this is to ensure they are accredited with a recognised organisation such as the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) or the Irish Association Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP).

Now, you have shortlisted a few names and you would like to get in touch. There are a number of questions you can ask which will help you to choose a counsellor. This article outlines 8 of these questions. Please note, the words “therapist”, “counsellor” and “psychotherapist” are used interchangeably.

1. What does it feel like for you to sit with the therapist? Do you feel safe and comfortable? Is the person down to earth and easy to relate to, or does he feel cold and emotionally removed? Is the therapist a “know it all” or arrogant? Sure, for many of us going to a therapist for the first time is a bit anxiety provoking, and it’s important to recognise that. But, if a counsellor doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, that’s okay. It can take a few attempts before finding the right person but it is well worth it as it will widely determine the outcome of therapy.

2. Can the counsellor clearly define how they can help you to solve whatever issue or concern has brought you to therapy? An experienced counsellor explains how she can help, is able to give you a basic “road map,” to her approach and can even give an indication of how you will know when therapy is finished.

3. Does the counsellor seek regular peer supervision? An important professional activity for any wise counsellor is regular supervision with peers or consultants. Supervision serves a number of purposes, such as, reviewing cases (respecting confidentiality), receiving advice, getting unstuck, discovering one’s own blind spots, etc. Consultation provides a counsellor with a necessary reality check, a degree of objectivity, and feedback. Even the best therapists benefit from the help of others.

4. Is your therapist asking you for regular feedback? Is she checking on how you feel you are progressing? Does she give you the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns you may have? Do you feel you empowered within the therapeutic process? Furthermore, can your therapist accept feedback and admit mistakes? A healthy therapist is open to feedback and to learning that something he said hurt or offended you. Good therapists are willing to look at themselves, to check their feelings, and to honestly and openly recognise if they were wrong.

5. Does the counsellor encourage dependence or independence? Psychotherapy doesn’t solve your problems; it helps you to solve your own. Likewise, psychotherapy doesn’t soothe your overwhelming feelings; it helps you to soothe your own. Like the old proverb, therapy is most powerful when it helps people to learn to fish for themselves rather than rely on another to feed them. If your counsellor provides wisdom, answers, or emotional support without encouraging you to access your own resources, it is more likely you will become dependent on your therapist to help you feel better, rather than on yourself.

6. Has your therapist done his own therapy? One of the best ways to learn how to help someone to heal is to do your own therapy and to experience the healing process firsthand. Thus, therapists who have been in their own therapy benefit from this as a learning experience and are probably better equipped to help because of it.

7. Does the counsellor make guarantees or promises? It’s important for a therapist to provide hope, but not absolute unconditional guarantees. If you have the will to change and put in the necessary time and energy, healing is possible. Most of our wounds and defences are the result of what has happened to us and to those around us. Healing can happen quickly in psychotherapy but only after getting safely through the protective layers. There are numerous factors at play in the therapy process which may contribute to or interfere with healing; some of which we are conscious, others of which we are not.

8. Does your psychotherapist adhere to ethical principles such as confidentiality, boundaries, duty of care or continuous professional development? There are numerous ethical guidelines designed to keep counsellors from harming clients. As psychotherapists, there is one major ongoing ethical obligation which, put as it simplest, is that we are always acting in the best interests of our clients. Ultimately, a therapist should be there to meet your counselling related needs for empathy, understanding and support.

Some of these questions can be answered on a first phone call and others will be better answered during the initial session. Remember that this first meeting is a real opportunity for you to decide whether you want to go further with that person or not so make good use of it and have your questions ready!

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How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

It can be a big deal deciding to engage in Counselling and perhaps a daunting task to find a counsellor who will be able to […]

How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

Fees

The fee for a session is €80 (including the initial session).

I have a 48 hour notice period for cancellations.

Sessions last for 50 minutes, and we usually meet once a week.

How to choose the right Counsellor for you?

Contact

You can email me at stephanie@bloomtherapy.ie or telephone me on 087 6757610 to arrange an initial session in Blackrock, South Dublin. I will take some details and text or email you to confirm the session and directions.

Initial session
The initial appointment enables us to decide whether it will be helpful for us to work together. It carries no obligation. We will discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you would like from therapy and the key issues arising from this. The first appointment is a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The practice is located in Blackrock, Newtownpark Avenue.

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How to choose the right Counsellor for you?