Galway
ANNE CAHILL (Play Therapist): Anne is a graduate of St Nicholas Montessori College Ireland & has many years experience working with children. She holds a primary degree in Education & Training (NUI, Galway) along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Practice Based Play Therapy, awarded by NUI Galway & the Academy of Play & Child Psychotherapy (QQI Level 9) and a HETAC National Diploma in Montessori Education, with Special Ed, Psychology & Gaeilge. Anne is a member of Play Therapy Ireland & Play Therapy International. Her work is guided by Play Therapy International’s Ethical Framework. Anne is supervised, insured & Garda Vetted. As well as practicing privately, she has worked with children in various schools, with Helplink’s School Completion Programme, and with the Galway Traveller Movement. Anne is engaged with Continuous Professional Development. She is a Certified Play Therapist and also a Practitioner in Child & Parent Attachment having trained in this with Big Toes Little Toes Ireland (https://bigtoeslittletoesirl.com)
LOUISE CREAMER (Youth Counsellor): Louise holds a MA in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) as well as a B.A. in Applied Social Studies and Social Care (Waterford Institute of Technology). She is a pre-accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). Louise has over 10 years’ experience working in the social care field as a social care manager. She specialises in working with young people leaving the care system and people at risk of becoming homeless. She has supported children, adolescents and adults who have experienced challenges in their lives. Louise adopts a Trauma Informed and CBT approach with her clients.
JULIE CULLIGAN (Addiction Counsellor): Julie trained with the International Addiction Counsellor Training Program and qualified as an Addiction Counsellor, with a Diploma in Addiction and Addiction studies, Minnesota Model, Tipperary and Cork. Julie has 16 years experience of working in an Addiction Treatment Centre, where she has gained all her experience in the Addiction field and is accredited with ACI. She has been in the Addiction field since 1998. Julie also has a Certificate in General Counselling, NUI, and she also trained in Anger Management with Move Ireland.
KAREL DALY (Play Therapist): Karel qualified as a Play Therapist and Psychotherapist from the Children’s Therapy Centre (CTC) (Diploma in Play Therapy & Psychotherapy) in 2011. She is a accredited member of the Irish Association of Play Therapy and Psychotherapy (IAPTP). Karel’s experience includes working with children with Autism, Anxiety, Behavioural problems and children who have experienced trauma, abuse, bereavement and loss. She also has extensive experience in dyad work with parents and children. In addition this this she has completed a two year programme in Systematic Constellation Therapy, incorporating the traditional teachings of Bert Hellinger. Karel has also completed the Principles of Art Therapy Certificate with CTC.
MELISSA GRIFFIN (Counsellor): Melissa holds a BA Level 8 in Counselling & Psychotherapy (First Class Honours) from ICHAS in Limerick and has full accreditation with the Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists of Ireland (APCP). She is an integrative therapist practicing with different theories suited to the client’s needs and has a person-centred approach to each individual welcoming all and any issues. Her aim is to provide a safe place to explore one’s self and enable growth. She has worked with ages 18–58 with a range of different issues such as anxiety, grief, negative thinking, PTSD, depression, insomnia, stress and more. She has experience as a support worker supporting women affected by homelessness with trauma informed care. She has extensive experience in counselling with Domestic Violence and has a particular interest in working with people who have suffered abuse and sexual violence. She has also completed specialised training with Rape Crisis Network Ireland.
CLIODHNA HARTIGAN (Play Therapist): Clíodhna holds a Post Graduate Diploma in practice based Play Therapy and a Post Graduate Certificate in therapeutic play skills, both awarded by NUI Galway and the Academy of Play and Psychotherapy (QQI Level 9). She also graduated with a Bachelor (Hons) degree in Arts with children Studies from NUI Galway ( QQI Level 8 ) and is currently completing a post qualifying certificate in clinical supervision.
Clíodhna is a member of Play Therapy Ireland meaning that she adheres to strict codes of practice, including carrying out clinical supervision and continuing her professional development. Having worked in the early years sector for a number of years, She has a keen interest in early intervention and understands the importance of using a child’s language ‘play’ within the therapy process. Clíodhna has experience working with children in both educational and therapeutic settings and has a passion for helping children to become the best version of themselves. She is available for play therapy appointments for children with a range of difficulties aged 3-12.
EMER GARVEY (Counsellor): Emer
AOIFE JENNINGS (Counsellor): Aoife holds a MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy (First Class Honours) from the Irish College of Humanities and Applies Sciences in Limerick. She has also completed level 7 modules in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills and Practices, Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Theoretical Perspectives in Therapeutic Engagement in Practice. Aoife works as both a counsellor and radiation therapist separately and has a particular interest in the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment on the individual or their loved ones. Aoife’s MA dissertation focused on the psychosexual experiences of women following pelvic radiotherapy and is interested in the role of fear and anxiety in sexual wellbeing within this context and outside of it. Aoife has completed workshops in inner child techniques and has completed ASIST training for suicide intervention. Aoife is a pre-accredited integrative therapist with a broad range of knowledge of theories and techniques that are used to tailor an approach to suit the individual client. Aoife welcomes all client issues. Is féidir le hAoife seirbhís iomlán a chur ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge.
KATHRYN KELLY (Art Therapist): Kathryn Kelly M.A., is a fully accredited and experienced art psychotherapist. She is an Honours graduate of the Master’s Degree in Art Therapy at CIT and holds a B.A.Hons Degree in Fine Art from GMIT. Kathryn has worked with children, young people and adults in a range of art therapy settings, including palliative care, disability and chronic illness support. She has an extensive background in visual arts, art education and community art. She is a professional member of IACAT, the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists and adheres to its regulatory code of ethics. Kathryn uses a client centred approach, combining art making and psychotherapy to explore difficult issues and encourage personal development in a safe therapeutic space. Art therapy can be beneficial in helping with anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, self-acceptance and many other issues
MICHELLE McGAULEY-LEE (Counsellor): Michelle holds a B.A. degree in Counselling Skills and Psychotherapy Studies from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) as well as a B.A. in Sociological and Political Studies and Economics (N.U.I. Galway). She is an accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). Michelle has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and couples and is also a workshop facilitator for Helplink.
CLAIRE McREDMOND (Counsellor): Claire has an MA in counselling and Psychotherapy and is pre-accredited with BACP. She has worked as an Assistant Psychologist in the HSE and the Irish Prison Service, working with clients individually as well as leading groupwork programmes. She has a particular interest in child sexual abuse prevention and has recently presented her MA research on non-offending Minor Attracted Persons at the National organisation for the Treatment of Abusers (NOTA) International conference in Leeds. She works with clients in a compassionate, empathic, and non-judgemental way, helping to guide them towards their goal. She strongly believes that the relationship between the client and therapist is fundamental to therapeutic change.
ALEXANDRA MONAGHAN (Counsellor): Alexandra holds a BA (honours) in Early Childhood Studies and a Higher Certificate in Psychology. She is currently undertaking an MA in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Science (ICHAS). She works from a compassionate paced holistic framework which incorporates principles of positive psychology practice.
TERESA NILAN (Counsellor): Teresa Nilan (Counsellor) holds a B.A. degree in Holistic Counselling and psychotherapy from ICPPD, and also a B.A. and H.Dip Ed. From NUI Galway. She is a pre-accredited member of IACP. As well as a background in training and education, Teresa has worked extensively in Mental Health Recovery for the past number of years, with Aware, Shine and most recently with Galway Recovery College. Areas of work in therapy that Teresa works with include sexual abuse, anxiety and depression. She works with a client centred strengths approach, using compassionate mindfulness techniques and CBT, encouraging personal responsibility and empowerment in clients.
MARY O’CONNOR (Counsellor): Mary holds a MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied sciences (ICHAS) as well as a BA (Hons) in Psychology from the National University of Galway (NUIG). She is a pre-accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapist (APCP). Mary has six years of experience advocating and working with victims of crime and has worked with people from various diverse backgrounds and age groups. She adopts an integrative approach when working with clients using a combination of therapeutic approaches such as humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioural, psychodynamics, and compassion-focused therapies. Mary works from a collaborative, strengths-based approach, assisting and supporting clients to be the author of their own lives. She has experience working with clients experiencing anxiety & social anxiety, stress, depression, Identity, LGBTI+ issues, trauma, and more.
LISA RYAN (Counsellor): Lisa holds a BA (honours) in Counselling Skills and Psychotherapy Studies from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied sciences (ICHAS). She is an accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). She has several years experience working in mental health charities providing counselling. She works with all age groups from 16+.
She will support you in developing and enhancing your coping skills with the ultimate aim of enhancing your mental wellbeing. Lisa will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to work through any issues you may need support with. Lisa works with an integrative approach which means she will use various approaches depending on your needs. Mostly using cognitive behavioral therapy and person centered therapy and sometimes using mindfulness techniques or psycho-educational tools where beneficial.
Online Counselling
EVA-MARIA DUNNE (Youth Therapist & Addiction Counsellor): Eva-Maria is a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and is a graduate of PCI College Dublin and Middlesex University, with an honours Bachelor of Science in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Level 8). Eva-Maria also holds a diploma in Addiction Counselling and has worked as an addiction therapist for Cuan Mhuire. She has many years of experience working with adolescents in an educational setting and has over 15 years experience of volunteering with youth groups. She is currently undergoing her Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy. She is an integrative therapist practicing different theories suited to each individual need, she is solution focused and person-centred. Eva-Maria also holds a qualification in training and development. Eva-Maria is an avid athlete, with three world titles in kettlebell sport and coaches youth groups in the sport.
CLODAGH FITZGERALD (Counsellor): Clodagh holds a MA Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Bachelors Degree in Social Care and is currently pre-accredited with the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). She has completed workshops in Therapeutic Play, Safe Talk and ASIST. Clodagh promotes a Person Centre Approach in counselling and her areas of interest are anxiety, loneliness, depression and trauma.
CARA GIBBONS (Counsellor): Cara holds an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS). She also holds a BSc (hons) in Psychology from Queen Margaret University Edinburgh and an MSC in Health Psychology from NUI Galway. She is accredited with the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP), and pre-accredited with the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). Cara’s therapeutic style is evidence-based and integrative, providing counselling that is tailored to individual’s needs.
NATALIE KAVANAGH (Counsellor): Natalie holds an MA (1st class) in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) and is a pre-accredited member of the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP). She provides person-centred counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to long- and short-term clients, both adults and adolescents, and tailors her services to meet their needs. Natalie has engaged with a varied client base on issues including anxiety and depression, chronic stress, grief and loss, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, and sleep disorders. She has also completed a placement at Ireland’s National Rehabilitation Hospital and has particular interest in working with those in recovery following injury or trauma. Natalie is also one of Helplink’s online couple counsellors.
EILÍS NÍ MHEARRAÍ (Counsellor): Eilís holds an honours degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Institute of Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, Dublin (IICP). She also has experience of teaching, academic research and project management in the voluntary and public sectors. Eilís adopts a Person-Centred and Choice Theory approach to counselling and tailors sessions to suit the needs of the client. To name but a few of the difficulties that clients may be experiencing, Eilís has particular experience with bereavement, depression, burnout, anxiety, relationship and workplace issues. She is an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). Eilís speaks English and Irish.
Is féidir le hEilís seirbhís iomlán a chur ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge.
EMMA TYNAN (Counsellor): Emma holds a MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish Counselling of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) and is accredited with the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). She also holds a BSc (hons) in General Nursing. While working in a DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) school, Emma gained experience counselling adolescents. Emma provides an integrative style of counselling that focuses on the individual needs of each client.
Mayo
TERESA BURNS (Counsellor): Teresa holds a level 8 B.A. (Hons) degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Science (ICHAS) since 2014. In 2007 she also completed a Certificate in Counselling Skills from the National University of Ireland, (NUI) Maynooth. Furthermore, in 2008 Teresa completed 60 hours bereavement counselling/support training in the Family Life Centre Castlebar and she completed 100 hours of training with Mayo Rape Crisis Centre. She holds accredited member status with the Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists (APCP) since 2016. Teresa works with adolescents, adults and couples and is also a workshop facilitator for Helplink.
ADRIAN FAHY (Counsellor): Adrian graduated with an honours degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from PCI College. As a therapist he worked with the students of Limerick Institute of Technology, both young and mature, for four years. Here he sat with clients through challenges like anxiety, depression, loss, family issues and low self worth. As a pre-accredited therapist with IACP, Adrian works in accordance with their code of ethics. He practices an eclectic style of therapy, tailoring his approach to meet the individual needs of each client. He also specialises in emotional and binge eating.
CHLOE GREHAM (Youth Counsellor): Chloe is a fully accredited psychotherapist and holds a BA (Hons), HDIP in Psychology, MA Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, SMT. She is a member of the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy, and the Psychological Society of Ireland. Chloe has full membership with the Irish Forum for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Chloe works using an integrative approach to therapy- drawing on different psychological perspectives and works psychoanalytically where appropriate. Chloe uses person centred therapy for clients when speaking through their problems. Chloe provides a safe space to allow a truly transformative experience of the client in a confidential and non-judgemental way. Chloe is experienced working with children, adolescents and adults.
MARY GRIFFITHS (Play Therapist): Mary has a background in nursing with qualifications in midwifery and community health. Mary’s work history over time moved towards special needs education while working in Australia with a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders. On returning to Ireland, Mary trained with Early Childhood Ireland as an Early Years Educator gaining a Level 6 Major Award and has experience in the primary school and early year’s sector. Mary has a Post Grad Diploma from Sydney University in Community Nursing; and a Post Grad Diploma in Practice Based Play Therapy from NUIG in 2021. Mary sees clients from age 3 to 12 years old.
Irish Abroad Service
CIARA FOLEY (Counsellor): Ciara is an MA student in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Integrative approach) with the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences. Ciara holds a Certificate in Introduction to Counselling & Psychology from Plunket College of Further Education and a BA in Psychological Studies & Sociology from the National College of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM). She is also a student member of the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP). Ciara has experience working with clients for individual sessions face to face and online. Ciara adopts a person-centred and CBT approach with her clients.
MARK ISTOMIN (Counsellor): Mark is an MA student in Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences in Limerick (ICHAS). He holds a BA in Psychological Studies & Philosophy from the National College of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and an MA in Psychology from the University of Limerick (UL). Mark has experience working in residential care setting as a social care worker and key worker. Mark adopts a CBT based and person-centred approach with clients and is a student member of the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP).
CONCILLIA JACKSON (Counsellor): Concillia holds a B.A. (Psych) from NUIG, Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Diploma in Counselling Psychology and is currently completing her M.A. in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Integrative) with Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences. She has worked in mental health services for over 15 years.
DEBBIE KELLY (Counsellor): Deborah is currently doing an MA in counselling and Psychotherapy with the Irish college of Humanities and Science in Limerick. She has a BSC in Psychology from University of Limerick. She is currently working with the Brothers of Charity, a disability service in Clare where she has experience in Social care and also as a key worker. As her studies are mostly CBT modalities she will focus on a more CBT approach. She is also a student member of the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy.
CORMAC LYONS (Counsellor): Cormac is a graduate of the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences where he achieved a Master’s Degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Throughout his time practising, he has worked with clients aged between 18-60. He has helped clients cope with various mental health issues like depression and anxiety as well as other issues such as anger and stress management. Cormac’s dissertation was focused on the attitudes that men living in Ireland have towards
seeking professional mental health help and has completed various workshops on topics such as EDMR.
RITA McGREAL (Counsellor): Rita is in her second year of a MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She holds a MSc in Occupational Psychology and BSc in Social Psychology. In addition Rita is a qualified psychometric test user and registered member of the British Psychological Society since 2011. Rita has a background in Social Care practice and education and has experience of working families and with young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and self-harm. Through her Occupational Psychology training Rita holds a particular interest in working with individuals experiencing workplace anxiety, bullying and career direction concerns. Rita has lengthy personal experience of working in both the UK and Australia and experience of working with Irish communities overseas in these countries.
Gambling Problem Counselling Service
KEVIN HOGAN (Addiction Counsellor): Kevin holds a BA Hons degree in counselling and addiction from the Tralee Institute of Technology and is an executive director (treasurer) of the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI). Kevin is fully accredited with the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland is a member of the accreditation committee and has a wide range of experience in the addiction field.
LIAM O’GRADY (Addiction Counsellor): Liam holds a level 8 B.A. (Hons) degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Science (ICHAS) since 2017 and a B. Comm. Degree from NUIG since 1989. Since 2016, he has completed over 500 hours of training in HSE-audited addiction group therapy, psychoeducational modules and individual counselling at Saoirse Addiction Treatment Centre, Limerick. He became an accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists (APCP) in 2019 and joined Helplink in June 2019.
JULIE CULLIGAN (Addiction Counsellor): Julie trained with the International Addiction Counsellor Training Program and qualified as an Addiction Counsellor, with a Diploma in Addiction and Addiction studies, Minnesota Model, Tipperary and Cork. Julie has 16 years experience of working in an Addiction Treatment Centre, where she has gained all her experience in the Addiction field and is accredited with ACI. She has been in the Addiction field since 1998. Julie also has a Certificate in General Counselling, NUI, and she also trained in Anger Management with Move Ireland. Julie joined Helplink in 2023.