gatelodge

At various stages in our lives, we are likely to meet difficult issues where we struggle to find the coping skills to manage. Often supportive family and friends are able to help us find our way. Sometimes however, the issue is too close to those around us, and so there is the need to talk with someone outside of our own circle of people.

Coming to counselling can offer clients a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space, where they can explore their issues within the safely of this unique relationship. Often, being listened to in that particular way, enables us to feel accepted and valued, and this is the beginning of the journey. Because of the very nature of why clients come to counseling, there are likely to be times when the process may seem challenging and perhaps painful. Therefore, the idea of commitment both on the part of client and therapist in this joint venture is a vital ingredient, as together they invest energy, interest and trust in their task.

Alongside the challenging times, clients are likely to be able to acknowledge glimpses of their particular strengths and resources, as they pave their way towards finding their own answers, identifying alternative ways of dealing with their issues, and ultimately leading more peaceful, meaningful and fulfilled lives.

 Philomena McGroarty is a Counsellor who is accredited with both BACP and IACP and is registered with UKRCP. She is also a qualified supervisor offering individual and group clinical supervision to counsellors and practitioners from the caring/helping profession, with an emphasis on reflection, reflexivity and restoration. She has a broad and varied private practice (Individuality), with interests ranging from working creatively with children and young people to working with adults in response to a myriad of situations. For detailed information please visit her website at www.individuality.org.uk.

“I believe that we are all individuals with a unique set of values, qualities and beliefs. Therefore, how we relate to and perceive the difficulties which affect our lives, are influenced by these unique factors. My approach is about building an in-depth picture of who clients are, aside from and in conjunction with their issues. As together we build this panoramic view, clients are empowered to identify, acknowledge and challenge lifelong patterns/beliefs and come up with options and solutions, leading to a more satisfying way of living. Some of the techniques used might involve relaxation, schema exploration or stress management.”

In addition, she is one of the few TIR Facilitators in Ireland.
TIR- Traumatic Incident Reduction (now called Mindfulness) is a relatively new and exciting way of working. Trauma is a vast and varied area, and the word itself can often be misleading. Aside from an identifiable traumatic crisis, the idea of various recurring themes ie rejection; or beliefs ie never feeling good enough etc can play havoc with our lives. Irrespective of the nature of the trauma/theme/belief held by the client, TIR offers a specifically structured therapeutic intervention, aimed at reducing or eliminating the devastating impact and affects thereof.

For more information on TIR (Mindfulness), please visit the website www.tir.org/metapsy.

Full details of my training and contact details can be found on my website: www.individuality.org.uk.

Contact details:

028 71359811 (h)
07936 410 414 (m)
philomena@individuality.org.uk (e-mail)
www.individuality.org.uk (website)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a form of therapy which operates on the premise that much of the distress that people experience in their lives is influenced and reinforced by behavioural and cognitive patterns that have developed over time. Cognitive behavioural therapists believe that it is possible for all of us to change our behaviour and cognitions (thoughts/images), if taught the appropriate skills and techniques. Therefore, the aim of CBT is to teach people to become their own therapists by recognising, understanding and modifying the negative and unhelpful patterns of behaviour and thoughts active in their lives.

It is a focused and practical therapy which has been shown to be effective across a range of psychologically distressing conditions including depression, anxiety, low self esteem, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety. CBT is supported by a solid body of evidence and research and is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of depression. It continues to develop and integrate new methods and approaches which contribute to its overall effectiveness.

Marie Keegan is an experienced counselor who has been working at The Gatelodge for five years. She has a particular interest in working with those with depression, low self-esteem, bullying and work relates stress.

Contact details (Marie):

Mobile: 07796186889