Helplink Mental Health - Galway

Emer 

holds a MA Degree in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Institute of Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (IICP) and a Post-graduate Diploma in Adult Guidance and Counselling from National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM). Emer is a member of the Irish Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) and is currently pre-accredited with the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). Emer adopts a person-centred and integrative approach to counselling which focuses on the individual needs of each client.

Concillia is a pre-accredited member of the National Association of Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy. She holds an M.A. in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences, along with a B.A. (Psych) from NUIG and Diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling Psychology. She is currently undertaking a post-grad Diploma in Integrative Adolescent Psychotherapy. Concillia practises as an integrative therapist, working alongside the client to find the best approach for their needs.

Aoife holds a MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy (First Class Honours) from the Irish College of Humanities and Applies Sciences in Limerick. She has also completed level 7 modules in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills and Practices, Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Theoretical Perspectives in Therapeutic Engagement in Practice. Aoife works as both a counsellor and radiation therapist separately and has a particular interest in the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment on the individual or their loved ones. Aoife’s MA dissertation focused on the psychosexual experiences of women following pelvic radiotherapy and is interested in the role of fear and anxiety in sexual wellbeing within this context and outside of it. Aoife has completed workshops in inner child techniques and has completed ASIST training for suicide intervention. Aoife is a pre-accredited integrative therapist with a broad range of knowledge of theories and techniques that are used to tailor an approach to suit the individual client. Aoife welcomes all client issues. Is féidir le hAoife seirbhís iomlán a chur ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge.

Alexandra qualified with an MA in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2022 from ICHAS and is an accredited psychotherapist with APCP. Her Primary degree is a BA (hons) in Early Children’s Studies and also holds a Higher Certificate in Psychology.  She is nearing completion of a Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychology with Children and Adolescents with IICP. She works from a compassionate, reflective, holistic framework which incorporates ‘New wave CBT’ methods.

With children, Alexandra works in a gentle, compassionate, playful and creative way, incorporating play materials, art and sandtray, to help children express and work through their feelings.  She has extensive experience working with young children in a school setting prior to her training as a psychotherapist.

Mary holds a MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied sciences (ICHAS) as well as a BA (Hons) in Psychology from the National University of Galway (NUIG). She is a pre-accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapist (APCP). Mary has six years of experience advocating and working with victims of crime and has worked with people from various diverse backgrounds and age groups. She adopts an integrative approach when working with clients using a combination of therapeutic approaches such as humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioural, psychodynamics, and compassion-focused therapies. Mary works from a collaborative, strengths-based approach, assisting and supporting clients to be the author of their own lives. She has experience working with clients experiencing anxiety & social anxiety, stress, depression, Identity, LGBTI+ issues, trauma, and more.

Lisa holds a BA (honours) in Counselling Skills and Psychotherapy Studies from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied sciences (ICHAS). She is an accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). She has several years experience working in mental health charities providing counselling. She works with all age groups from 16+.

She will support you in developing and enhancing your coping skills with the ultimate aim of enhancing your mental wellbeing. Lisa will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to work through any issues you may need support with. Lisa works with an integrative approach which means she will use various approaches depending on your needs. Mostly using cognitive behavioural therapy and person centred therapy and sometimes using mindfulness techniques or psycho-educational tools where beneficial.

Martin holds an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied sciences (ICHAS). He is a pre-accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). He has several years’ experience working within mental health organisations within the community, voluntary and public sectors. Martin is integrative in his approach using mainly a Person-Centred model, but is also informed by the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) approaches to psychotherapy. Martin works to build a strong therapeutic relationship with clients to help allow change to occur. Martin works with clients in an informed and transparent manner. Martin works with adults and is unable to offer formal clinical diagnoses to clients.

Michelle holds a Master’s in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from ICHAS and is pre-accredited with the APCP. She also has a Diploma, Degree and Higher Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and has been working in this area since 1996, supporting individuals across various aspects of mental health. She believes this experience enhances her work as a counsellor. Additionally, Michelle holds a Diploma in teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. She has trained in Mentalisation-Based Therapy and Decider Skills for managing emotional dysregulation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques for managing low mood and anxiety. Michelle adopts a person-centred, integrative approach, tailoring different therapeutic methods to meet each individual’s unique needs.

Michelle holds a B.A. degree in Counselling Skills and Psychotherapy Studies from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) as well as a B.A. in Sociological and Political Studies and Economics (N.U.I. Galway). She is an accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). Michelle has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and couples and is also a workshop facilitator for Helplink.

Petrova holds a Higher Diploma in Marriage and Relationship counselling from St. Patricks College Maynooth and has been working as a couples and relationships counsellor for many years. Petrova’s experience includes working with domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma & PTSD, bereavement, infidelity and addiction. Petrova is pre-accredited with NAPCP. She uses a person centred and often integrative approach tailored to suit the clients needs. Petrova will provide an empathic, compassionate safe space for clients to explore their boundaries, needs and goals.

Louise holds a MA in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) as well as a B.A. in Applied Social Studies and Social Care (Waterford Institute of Technology). She is a pre-accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (APCP). Louise has over 10 years’ experience working in the social care field as a social care manager. She specialises in working with young people leaving the care system and people at risk of becoming homeless. She has supported children, adolescents and adults who have experienced challenges in their lives. Louise adopts a Trauma Informed and CBT approach with her clients.

Kathryn Kelly M.A., is a fully accredited and experienced art psychotherapist. She is an Honours graduate of the Master’s Degree in Art Therapy at CIT and holds a B.A.Hons Degree in Fine Art from GMIT. Kathryn has worked with children, young people and adults in a range of art therapy settings, including palliative care, disability and chronic illness support. She has an extensive background in visual arts, art education and community art. She is a professional member of IACAT, the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists and adheres to its regulatory code of ethics. Kathryn uses a client centred approach, combining art making and psychotherapy to explore difficult issues and encourage personal development in a safe therapeutic space. Art therapy can be beneficial in helping with anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, self-acceptance and many other issues.

Karel qualified as a Play Therapist and Psychotherapist from the Children’s Therapy Centre (CTC) (Diploma in Play Therapy & Psychotherapy) in 2011. She is a accredited member of the Irish Association of Play Therapy and Psychotherapy (IAPTP). In the last seven years she has been working in her own private practice with children and teenagers with various challenges. Karel’s experience includes working with children with Autism, Anxiety, Behavioural problems and children who have experienced trauma, abuse, bereavement and loss. She also has extensive experience in dyad work with parents and children. In addition this this she has completed a two year programme in Systematic Constellation Therapy, incorporating the traditional teachings of Bert Hellinger. Karel has also completed the Principles of Art Therapy Certificate with CTC.

Anne is a graduate of St Nicholas Montessori College Ireland & has many years experience working with children. She holds a primary degree in Education & Training (NUI, Galway) along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Practice Based Play Therapy, awarded by NUI Galway & the Academy of Play & Child Psychotherapy (QQI Level 9). Anne is a member of Play Therapy Ireland & her work is guided by Play Therapy International’s Ethical Framework. Anne is supervised, insured & Garda Vetted.

Liam holds a level 8 B.A. (Hons) degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Science (ICHAS) since 2017 and a B. Comm. Degree from NUIG since 1989. Since 2016, he has completed over 500 hours of training in HSE-audited addiction group therapy, psychoeducational modules and individual counselling at Saoirse Addiction Treatment Centre, Limerick. He became an accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists (APCP) in 2019 and joined Helplink in June 2019.

Gary holds a BA in Counselling & Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies, a BA Level 8 in Counselling & Psychotherapy (First Class Honours), and a Level 9 Certificate in Addiction Studies (Gambling), all from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences in Limerick. He is a fully accredited member of the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI) and the National Association for Professional Counselling & Psychotherapy (NAPCP).

Ciara holds an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Integrative Modalities) from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS). She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology & Sociology, a QQI level 5 Certificate in Psychology and Counselling, a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Essential Counselling Skills, and a Professional Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring. She is pre-accredited with National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP). Ciara’s therapeutic style is integrative which is completely tailored to the client’s needs and goals. Ciara has worked with long-term clients, and short-term clients and feels that her experience as a coach compliments her work as a counsellor.

Heike Felzmann has a Masters level degree in Psychology (Dipl.psych.) from the University of Hamburg, a BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy from PCI College, and a MSc in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy from Trinity College Dublin. She is accredited with IACP. Her experience includes working with clients with a wide range of mental health difficulties, with a particular interest in working with neurodivergent clients and clients with chronic mental health issues. She works from an acceptance-oriented CBT perspective.

Ronan qualified as a counsellor from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) in Limerick in 2022.  He also recently completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Gambling studies and Addiction Recovery at ICHAS. He is a fully accredited member of the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland. Ronan is involved in his local community on various committees, organising fundraising. Ronan works on our Gambling and Gaming Addiction Program.

Enda has spent the last decade working with adults and young people internationally in a therapeutic and trauma informed way. Enda has 10 years of training and experience to help inform best practice for his integrative approach to counselling. Enda is completing his second master’s degree with ICHAS in Counselling & Psychotherapy to help him further understand the complexity of everyone he meets in his respective day to day practices. Enda has worked with a youth and family support charity in Galway for the past 5 years and delivers intense 1:1 and family support. Enda considers the individual and their unique needs. Promoting self-care, self- esteem building and compassion, Enda applies, and integrative approach tailored for each client. The Modalities used in Enda’s approach range from CBT, person-centred, solution-based therapy and psychodynamics -suiting everyone’s unique needs. 

Martina is a third-year student at ICPPD College, pursuing a BA in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is a student member of IACP and has completed workshops in Safe Talk, Children’s First, and ASIST training. Additionally, she is a facilitator with HUGG, a suicide bereavement support group, for the past two years. Martina supports clients on their healing journey within a holistic framework, providing a compassionate, non-judgmental, and confidential space. She fosters self-esteem and takes a person-centred approach while integrating techniques from CBT and mindfulness. Her work encourages growth, self-awareness, and self-discovery, guiding clients toward healing and a more authentic, fulfilling life.