Services
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING
Ideally in relationships people strive to enhance each other through the giving, receiving and sharing of affection. However, in the real world relationships can sometimes be problematic and people might then need relationship counselling to help them work through their problems. Life stages and life changes can also add stress to relationships.
Problem areas may include:
- COMMUNICATION DIFFICULTIES
- MANAGING ANGER/CONFLICT
- COMMITMENT ISSUES
- AFFECTION/INTIMACY
- AFFAIRS
- JEALOUSY
- IMPACT OF PAST CHILDHOOD ABUSE
- SEPARATION/DIVORCE/BEREAVEMENT
- RE-CONSTRUCTED (STEP) FAMILIES
- LIFE/WORK BALANCE
- SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES
- COPING WITH PREGNANCY/NEW BABY
- POWER IMBALANCES
- SEX ADDICTION (INTERNET, PORNOGRAPHY, SEX)
PSYCHOSEXUAL THERAPY
It is common for individuals to experience a sexual problem or difficulty at some stage in their lives. Sometimes stress or other life events can highlight such problems and may even make them even more difficult to discuss. As a Psychosexual Therapist I help people to discuss their sexual problems in a caring and supportive environment and offer treatment or referral to other health professionals where appropriate.
Some of the sexual problems that I deal with include:
- DIFFICULTY ACHIEVING ORGASM
- VAGINISMUS or DIFFICULTY ACHIEVING INTERCOURSE
- DYSPAREUNIA or PAIN during INTERCOURSE
- ERECTILE PROBLEMS
- PREMATURE EJACULATION
- RETARDED or DELAYED EJACULATION
- LOSS of DESIRE
- SEXUAL ABUSE,
- SEXUAL IDENTITY AND ORIENTATION ISSUES
It is preferable for both partners to attend for therapy where possible but I also work with individuals. After an initial assessment appointment any further treatment would be explained. A treatment programme would be specifically designed and would then be carried out in the privacy of your own home. Therapy sessions are usually on a weekly basis, last around one hour and enable discussion with regard to progress.
SEXUAL ADDICTION
Sexual Addiction or Compulsive Sexual behaviour is usually described as a preoccupying and shameful secret carried by individuals. The consequences of such out of control behaviours can be extremely devastating and may affect others as well as self. People may feel powerless in breaking the cycle of addiction and this can be extremely difficult without help. As a Psychosexual Therapist with further training and experience of working with this issue my aim is to help clients understand their addictive behaviours and to hopefully break these destructive cycles of behaviour.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS MAY INCLUDE:
- USE OF PORNOGRAPHY
- USE OF INTERNET CHATLINES/SEX WEB SITES
- VISITING MASSAGE PARLOURS
- PAYING FOR SEX
- MULTIPLE PARTNERS/AFFAIRS
- COMPULSIVE MASTURBATION
- VOYEURISM
GETTING HELP Sometimes to be successful in life we have to ask for help from others. This is also true of sexual addiction where one may feel powerless to control the addictive behaviour. At an initial consultation, the problem and any treatment can be discussed in depth. Individuals and Couples are welcome to attend.
SUPERVISION
As a Supervisor I am able to provide one-to-one supervision and group supervision. I use an eclectic approach to supervision, drawing on various theories to help the Supervisee examine the particular individual needs of the client. I aim to provide a safe learning environment in which the supervisee can explore their work with a view to enhancing skills, knowledge and practice. I have past experience of supervising both in organisational settings and at a one-to-one level. I have an Advanced Diploma in Supervision Counselling and Psychotherapy awarded by PCI College, Dublin. I abide by the C.O.S.R.T Code of Ethics and Principles OF Good Practice for Supervisors of Sexual and Relationship Therapy.
APPOINTMENTS
Since relationships usually concern the couple it is best for both partners to attend together for counselling. Sometimes a partner may be reluctant initially but may then later decide to attend with you. If you are not in a relationship currently then the counselling may help you to work through past issues with a view to engaging effectively in future relationships. Counselling sessions are for an hour and usually take place weekly.
