Caring & confidential therapy in Sligo
About Me
Niamh O'Sullivan MSc, MIACP
I am a fully qualified psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am a pre-accredited member of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and I abide by its Code of Ethics and Practice. I work with adults (age 18+) and provide 1 to 1 sessions in person and online (Zoom).
What is Pluralistic Therapy?
The principle of pluralistic therapy is that different people are likely to benefit from different therapeutic approaches at different points in their lives. Pluralistic therapy is led by evidence from research and takes an integrative approach based on the client’s needs and preferences. It holds the belief that clients have significant knowledge on what may be most beneficial for them in therapy and in making changes in their lives.
My Approach
The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship
I consider the relationship between us to be the most important part of the therapy process. I try to really understand your experience and validate your feelings in a compassionate and non-judgemental way. My hope is that you will feel a strong sense of trust between us as we move through your therapy process. Current research confirms that the relationship between the client and the therapist is central to therapy being effective for clients.
From a place of trust, we can establish and work on what it is you would like to get from your time in therapy. I truly believe that you hold the solutions to your own challenges, and I can help to facilitate an exploration of your world so that you can seek out the solutions that best suit your approach to life.
Therapeutic Methods
As a pluralistic therapist, I can draw from a range of different therapeutic methods and theories to help support your personal exploration. Depending on your preferences, this could include drawing on elements from:
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Reality Therapy/Choice Theory
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Attachment Theory
- Transactional Analysis
- Existential Therapy
- Inner Child Work
I recognise you as an expert in your own life and I aim to empower you by providing you with information on the therapeutic approaches I take. This allows you to be fully involved in your own personal development, both inside and beyond the therapy room.
My Experience
I have experience exploring the impact of various life experiences and challenges with clients including loss and grief, illness, self-esteem issues,
life transitions, neurodiversity, relationships, family of origin issues,
childhood trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression and addiction. You may also have something not listed here that you would like to explore.
I am also open to exploring big or existential issues that may be impacting your life at this time. Examples of this may include spirituality, climate change,
global conflict, technology, migration, identity or feminism.
My Interests
Neurodiversity
Psychotherapy as Social Change
Psychedelic Therapy
The concept of neurodiversity describes differences in the way people's brains work, acknowledging that there are normal variations within the human population in how individuals perceive and respond to the world.
Neurodivergent populations can suffer poor mental health
disproportionately to the general population. While it is very important to acknowledge and address this significant reality, I am also very interested in how neurodivergence can be freed to flourish and reframed as a strength.
Psychedelic Therapy
Psychotherapy as Social Change
Psychedelic Therapy
I have a significant interest in this new and ancient way of working therapeutically with psychedelic substances.
I can work with clients who are using or considering using psychedelic medicines for ritual, exploration or recreation. In this context, I can work from a harm reduction perspective in preparing clients and helping to integrate experiences.
I do not endorse the use of substances that are currently under legal restriction.
I have published research exploring the views of psychotherapists in Ireland on psychedelic therapy and i am interested in working to address the stigma related to these substances and ease concerns that therapists and clients may have.
Psychotherapy as Social Change
Psychotherapy as Social Change
Psychotherapy as Social Change
I am interested in the ways in which psychotherapy can influence social and political change.
I believe that therapists' collective shared knowledges about individual human experiences and their wider contexts can help to inform changes in communities and societies at large.
Fees, Reimbursement & Cancellation Information.
Session Fee
- €70 per 60-minute session.
- Payment can be made by cash, Revolut or bank transfer.
Health Insurance
- Many private health insurance policies will reimburse part of your counselling and psychotherapy fees if you are with a registered therapist.
- The amount covered depends on your individual insurer and policy.
- As a registered member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), I can provide detailed receipts to support insurance claims.
Tax Relief
- Counselling and psychotherapy with a registered therapist may qualify as a health expense with Revenue.
- More information is available from Revenue or from Citizen's Information.
- I can provide detailed receipts to support relief claims.
Cancellations
- If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 48 hours’ notice.
- Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, may be charged in full.
Phone
Location
089 459 0326
Location
Location
Location
My therapy room is on Wolfe Tone Street, close to Sligo train station.