My journey to becoming a psychotherapist: When I left school in 1982 I was uncertain of who I was and what I wanted to be.  I studied law and became a solicitor, not from any burning ambition but because I was guided in that direction by significant others in my life.  During the fourteen years I practised in Ballinasloe I found myself drawn towards wanting to help clients at a more personal level than the role of legal adviser allowed.  Some studies in youth ministry led me into School Chaplaincy, and I worked as Chaplain and part of the Pastoral Care team in Garbally College, Ballinasloe, for eight years.  That work brought me into contact with students experiencing difficulties in their lives.  I initially studied psychology to help me in that work.  Those studies deepened my interest in psychotherapy and gave me a desire to work in this area, and a sense that it fits with who I am.

My training: I completed an M.Sc. in Integrative Psychotherapy through Dublin City University, from September 2013 to June 2017.  That training included extensive work on my own personal awareness and personal development.  It also included many hours of therapy over each of the four years on personal difficulties I have experienced in life.  Prior to that, I completed a diploma in the Psychology of Counselling, through the National University of Ireland, Galway.  Earlier again I completed a module in counselling as part of a Master’s degree in School Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, through St. Angela’s College, Sligo.  I have also completed levels one and two training in Emotion-Focused Therapy through Strathclyde University, Glasgow. I commenced private practice in September 2017.