Frequently Asked Questions

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Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or a young person in your life, the first step for me is to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and supportive.

For Adults (18+)

The first session is a chance for us to meet and begin to understand what’s bringing you to therapy. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with — this time is for you. We’ll talk about what you’re hoping for, how therapy might support you, and whether we feel like a good fit to work together.

There’s no pressure to commit right away. The first session is as much about you getting a feel for the process as it is about me getting to know your needs.

For Adolescents (14–17 years)

Beginning therapy as a young person is a big step, and I work to make the process feel as safe, transparent, and empowering as possible for both the young person and their parent(s) or guardian(s).

How It Works:

• Initial Meeting (with parent and adolescent):
  Our first session will usually involve the young person and their parent(s) or caregiver(s). This helps us all to get on the same page, hear each other’s concerns, and ask any questions about how therapy works.
   
• Follow-Up One-to-One Session:
  After that, I’ll often meet with the young person on their own. This gives us space to begin building trust, talk through expectations, and explore how they feel about coming to therapy. We'll also talk clearly about confidentiality — what is shared stays private, within appropriate limits of safety.
   
• Ongoing Therapy:
  If we agree to continue, sessions will usually be one-to-one with the young person. I’ll keep parents updated appropriately and collaboratively, always with the adolescent’s comfort and consent in mind.

Therapy can offer young people a place to be heard without pressure or judgment. I aim to support them in exploring what’s going on, finding their voice, and developing tools to navigate life’s challenges.

Sessions are 50 minutes long. Weekly or bi-weekly sessions are generally recommended, especially in the early stages as they help create consistency and support the therapeutic process. That said, it’s really about what works best for you. We’ll discuss what feels manageable and realistic for your life and find a pace that suits your needs, budget, and availability. 

I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed sessions are charged in full. This is because that time has been set aside just for you, and at short notice, it’s very difficult to offer the slot to someone else. I understand that life can be unpredictable, so if something genuinely unavoidable comes up, I’ll always do my best to be flexible and understanding.

Yes, what you share in therapy is confidential. We’ll talk about confidentiality in detail during our first session as part of the therapy contract, where I’ll explain how your information is protected and the few rare exceptions where confidentiality might need to be broken (for example, if there’s a serious risk of harm to yourself or others). I’m always open to answering any questions you have about confidentiality at any point in our work together. 

 There are several parking options near my office at Cornmarket Row, Limerick City:

• Cornmarket Square Car Park: This is the most convenient option. When you park here, from floor 2 of the carpark you can take the lift directly from the car park up to floor 6 where my office is located. It’s a secure, multi-story car park just steps away from the building. Please note that parking charges apply. You can find more information on pricing and opening hours at Q-Park Cornmarket Square.
   
• Other Nearby Parking: There are plenty of on-street metered parking spaces and other public car parks nearby, including Ellen Street Car Park, Henry Street Car Park, and Harvey’s Quay Car Park. These are all within walking distance of the office, and parking charges apply: https://www.q-park.ie/en-gb/cities/limerick/cornmarket-square/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
   

Yes, I offer both in-person sessions at my Limerick City office and online therapy, which can be a convenient option if you’re unable to attend in person or prefer the comfort of your own space. 

 You can book directly through my Appointment Page,  or get in touch via phone, email, or the contact form if you don’t see a suitable time. 

There’s no set timeline—therapy is unique for everyone. Some people find a few sessions helpful, while others choose longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly to see what’s working best for you. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or in immediate danger, it’s important to seek urgent help right away. 

• In an emergency: Please call emergency services (112 or 999) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
   
• If you’re struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide: Reach out to a trusted person, a crisis helpline, or emergency services. In Ireland, you can contact Samaritans at 116 123, or Pieta House at 1800 247 247 for confidential support.
   
• If you need support outside of session times: Consider local crisis support services or helplines—they’re available 24/7 to listen and help.

Who attends the first session?

The first session is usually attended by the adolescent and at least one parent or guardian. It’s a chance for everyone to be heard and to ask questions about the process. Depending on the situation, we might decide to speak separately for part of the session.

Will parents/guardians be kept informed about what’s happening in therapy?

I understand that parents often feel anxious or uncertain when their child starts therapy. I aim to strike a balance between involving parents and respecting the young person’s need for a confidential space. I will let you know how your child is engaging, and I’ll involve you if there are concerns about their safety or wellbeing. However, I don’t usually share the details of what is discussed in sessions unless your child wants me to. Confidentiality is key to building trust.

Can I speak to you without my child present?

Yes. At the beginning (and at key points during therapy), we may have brief check-ins to talk through how things are going from your perspective. You’re always welcome to share any concerns or updates with me outside the session via phone or email.

What if my child doesn’t want to come to therapy?

It’s not unusual for young people to feel unsure about starting therapy. I aim to meet them where they are — gently, respectfully, and without pressure. Sometimes it helps to start with a single session to explore what it might be like. If a young person is resistant, I’ll work with both them and their parent(s) to decide on the best approach forward.

How long does therapy last?

This varies depending on the young person’s needs. Some attend for a short period to work through a specific issue; others stay longer for ongoing support. We’ll check in regularly to review progress and decide together what’s most helpful.

What kinds of issues do you work with?

I work with adolescents facing a wide range of emotional and relational challenges, including anxiety, low mood, identity struggles, self-esteem, school or peer difficulties, family conflict, and more. If you’re unsure whether therapy is the right fit, I’m happy to have an initial call to talk it through.