How we work
We understand that people develop ways of coping for a reason. Responses that now feel overwhelming, confusing or difficult often began as understandable adaptations to earlier experiences. Rather than asking what's wrong with you, we're interested in understanding what happened, how you've come to experience yourself and the world, and what might now be possible.
We work collaboratively. You are the expert on your own life, and therapy isn't about being told what to do. It's a process of exploring your experiences together, making sense of patterns that may no longer serve you, and finding new ways of relating to yourself and others.
What therapy looks like
Therapy is not about being judged or expected to have the right words. It is a genuine conversation between two people, built on trust, curiosity, and respect.
We explore whatever feels most important to you. This might include difficult emotions, relationships, past experiences, recurring patterns, or challenges you are facing in your life now. Together, we begin to understand how these experiences have shaped you and how they continue to influence your life today.
Sessions typically run for 60 minutes, usually at the same time each week, in person in Cork, though this can vary depending on what works for you and your therapist. Some people come to therapy with a clear focus already in mind. Others arrive without quite knowing what they need yet, and that's a perfectly good place to start.
There's no set number of sessions, and no fixed way therapy has to unfold. Some people work with us for a few months, others for years. What matters most is that the pace and shape of therapy fits you, not the other way around.
The first few sessions
The first few sessions are a chance to get to know one another and see whether the relationship feels like the right fit, for both of you. Just as importantly, they're a chance for you to decide whether you feel comfortable with your therapist and the way they work.
Together, we'll start to explore what's brought you to therapy, what you're hoping to get from it, and what feels most important in your life right now. There's no expectation to share everything straight away. We work at a pace that feels manageable and respectful of your needs.
Your therapist will also talk through the practical side of things with you, including confidentiality, session frequency, cancellations, professional boundaries and what you can expect from therapy. Where it's relevant, we'll also talk about any additional supports that might help make sure therapy is suitable and safe for you.
You're welcome to ask questions at any stage. If we think another therapist or service would be better placed to support you, we'll talk about that openly, and help you find the right care wherever we can