Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Dublin

Many children and teenagers experience struggles and challenges in their lives at different times that can have a profound impact on their life, fulfillment and their freedom of expression.These can include: Anxiety, Low Mood, Depression, Acting Out, Bullying, Low Self Esteem, Inhibition, Trauma, Anger and Frustration, Bereavement, Separation, Loss, Transitions, adjustments to new situations that may overwhelm, and families impacted by divorce or separation.

When this happens, a young person can benefit from seeing a Psychotherapist to help them learn more about themselves and make sense of their emotions and experiences.A psychoanalytic approach to understanding can help discover what is causing the difficulties which then in turn, can bring relief and reduce their worries and emotional difficulties. As feelings and emotions surface and are processed, the hold these feelings have over a young person reduces and better emotional regulation emerges. Through the therapeutic process of psychoanalysis, the true potential of the young person can be uncovered and it can help them feel more secure in taking their place in the world. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy works to understand and discover the influence of the unconscious on the emotional life of children and adolescents. Ailbhe has worked successfully with a wide range of emotional and behavioural issues and works with children from 3 to 21 years.

Qualifications:
MSc Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Trinity College Dublin
Clinical Dip. Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with the Irish Forum for Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Accreditatied member of IFCAPP and Irish Council of Psychotherapy

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"When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments — tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become" Louis Pasteur

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All About Therapy

Psychotherapy offers a place of safety and non-judgement for a young person. They can bring with them a whole range of feelings from rage to sadness, anxiety and despondency will be received with a thoughtful understanding. Either through playing or talking-more often for teenagers, psychotherapy aims to understand what is happening for the young person that is causing them to struggle or suffer. The young person can play or speak freely about whatever is on their minds. Through a psychoanalytic understanding, emotions and issues get worked through and understood, leading to healthier emotional development. A non directive approach is applied, meeting the young person where they are, with no expectations placed upon them. In this setting, the young person will learn about themselves, their identity and their patterns of behaviour. Links and connections and insights are made over the course of therapy that can to help to ameliorate emotional and behavioural challenges.
The sessions are 50 minutes long and occur weekly. Commitment to attending weekly is very important and it is good to think about whether this is something you can support your child with prior to undertaking therapy.
Prior to commencing therapy, I meet parent(s) or guardians for intake assessment in order to gather a history and information about the young person and what's been happening for them that is causing them difficultly.
I then meet with the young person for 3 to 4 sessions for assessment before agreeing that everyone is happy to continue onto therapy. This is to ensure that it is the right fit and type of therapy for your child.
I will link in with parent(s) every few weeks to discuss how things have been progressing and hear your thoughts so we can think together about your child. I will keep confidentiality of the details of sessions knowing that it is a safe place for your child to express themselves freely but will let you know in a general way how the work is proceeding. I work with ages 3 to 21 years.
If I have any safety concerns about self harm or suicidal thoughts I will notify parents and ask that they see a GP or attend hospital if it is very serious.

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