Teenagers

People often say “school days are the best days of your life”, but the reality is that school can be difficult, stressful, isolating and overwhelming. For some, school days are among the most challenging times in life.

Being a teenager is not easy. Your body is changing, and even if those physical changes began years ago, you might still feel like you do not quite fit in. You are not a child, and you are not fully recognised as an adult. You are somewhere in between.

Friendships can shift as classes are divided or if you move to a different school from your primary school friends. Small things can feel huge, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. Asking for help is the first step toward finding solutions.

Some teenagers feel like no one understands what life is like for them. Many attend therapy not because something is seriously wrong, but because they want to be heard. Some want to learn how to express themselves clearly at home or at school, without feeling angry or frustrated. Therapy can be a space to explore communication that is calm, confident and assertive.

Others want to feel more comfortable socially, learn to manage anxiety or explore how to feel happier in their own body. Some seek support following a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD, trying to understand what it means for them and how best to navigate life going forward. Therapy can help with all of this because it is always good to talk through what is on your mind.

At exam time, especially during CAO choices, parents often apply pressure. They may believe they know what is best for you, including which subjects to study, what career to pursue or who you should be friends with. You may have different ideas, and those differences can cause conflict or stress.

Teenagers come to therapy for many reasons including eating difficulties, self-harm, anxiety, sleep issues, overthinking, bullying, low mood, questions around sexuality or identity or just a sense of not fitting in. Everyone is different. Sometimes therapy sessions can feel tiring, so I often shorten appointments to suit your energy and focus.

I love working with teenagers. The skills you learn now – like managing anxious thoughts, expressing emotions or building confidence – are the same skills you will carry into adulthood.

Adults

Therapy can be helpful during times of crisis or as a way to heal after trauma. It can also be useful when things are going well but you want to understand yourself more clearly or make sense of how you think, feel or react.

Adults attend therapy for all sorts of reasons including relationship difficulties, loss, stress, burnout, parenting, self-esteem or trauma. Some come to talk through abortion, infidelity, addiction, health issues or anxiety. Increasingly, people also come following a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD – seeking support to understand themselves better, manage life with more clarity and explore how their diagnosis impacts their relationships or daily functioning.

Therapy is a space where you can reflect, explore and gain insight. It helps you to understand why you feel stuck and how to move forward. It is not just an hour-long meeting each week. It is a process of healing, learning and growth. Sometimes I suggest articles to read or exercises to try between sessions to help with reflection.

Some people attend therapy in person in Cork city. Others prefer the flexibility of online sessions. I adapt my approach to meet your needs because every person is different.

Therapy gives you space to feel heard, acknowledged and supported. You may want to explore difficult events, unwanted habits or emotional patterns. You may want to feel more settled, more confident or more in control.

Therapy offers a fresh way of looking at life. It helps you figure out what is holding you back and what needs to change.

Ask yourself: are you waking up each day feeling content to be yourself? If not, what needs to shift?

Do you want to feel happier or more at peace? Are there thoughts or emotions you want to make sense of? Would it help to talk to someone in confidence?

Therapy might be the beginning of something deeply worthwhile.

If you would like to get in touch, please click here to contact me.