Qualified psychotherapist providing one to one and online therapy to adults over the age of 18 in Cork City. Currently working towards accreditation with the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy(IACP).
Being an integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist means that I work with many different theoretical models and will choose what works best for the client from a range of modalities. Those I use most in my approach to therapy are Person centered theory, Gestalt, Internal family systems, ego states, psychodynamic theory, attachment theory and mindfulness. I believe in the principles of compassion and curiosity, without judgement, when sitting with my clients.
Sharon O’Brien
HC. Dip. BSc. Hons. Counselling & Psychotherapy
Support services
I work with those who experience difficulty in the following areas: Grief, bereavement, anxiety, addiction, depression, low mood, relationship and family issues etc.
Common Questions
· Who is counselling for? Counselling is about dealing with whatever is going on in your life; whether that be depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, or any number of other issues; or it can simply be a source of extra support for you. This is your space, and whatever you choose to bring is welcome, even if that’s as undefined as “something just isn’t right”.
· I don’t know what’s wrong / I don’t know what I’d talk about. You don’t need to have an explanation before you start. One of the goals of counselling can be to discover what exactly has brought you to the therapy room. And you won’t be expected to justify or explain yourself; even just being in the room is enough to make a start.
· Will I have to talk about my deepest childhood memories? No-one can force you to talk about a subject or area you don’t want to go to. Counselling is a collaboration between counsellor and client, and its direction is guided by your needs and desires as client. One of the first tasks in counselling is to explore what you want to get out of your sessions, including which areas are on and off limits.
· Going to counselling means I’m weak / I’ve failed. The idea that you must shoulder your hardships alone is a common one; but this belief can leave a person feeling isolated and burdened. In fact, we are all human, and all need the support of others sometimes. Reaching out is a sign of strength, growth, and resilience; of new beginnings rather than endings.
· It’s just talking / it won’t do any good. Face to face therapy has been shown to be effective by many pieces of research and clinical trials. Studies show consistently that the most important factor in therapeutic change is the relationship between client and therapist. Thus the question becomes not whether psychotherapy works (it does), but whether a particular therapy or therapist is working for you; and that is something you can only assess for yourself. If you feel you might benefit from counselling or psychotherapy, the chances are good that you will.
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Sharon O’Brien Counselling & Psychotherapy is registered under the Reg. of Business Names Act, 1963. Company Registration No. 706555.