How the Mind Protects Itself: Understanding Psychological Defences
How the Mind Protects Itself: Understanding Psychological Defences
We all have moments when we say, “I’m fine,” when we’re clearly not, or brush something off without realising it. As a psychotherapist in Dundalk, I often notice these small signals in the therapy room, subtle ways the mind protects itself. Defences can soften the impact of difficult feelings, like an umbrella in a sudden storm, but if they become too rigid, they can limit how we relate to ourselves and others. In therapy, we can explore these patterns safely, gradually discovering new ways of being.
If you are looking for psychotherapy or counselling in Dundalk, you are welcome to get in touch.
Are You Looking for Therapy in Dundalk? Here’s How to Choose the Right Therapist.
Looking for Therapy in Dundalk? Here’s How to Choose the Right Therapist
Choosing a therapist in Dundalk can feel overwhelming, with so many approaches available from counselling to CBT to psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Beyond the method, the single most important factor in a successful outcome is the therapeutic relationship. A good fit is someone you trust, feel comfortable with, and who stays with you even in moments of difficulty. Therapy can help you understand recurring patterns, difficult emotions, and gradually find new ways to respond to life’s challenges and discover new ways of being in the world.
From Storytelling to Speaking Differently: The Art of Finding New Words for Old Stories in Dundalk
From Storytelling to Speaking Differently: Finding New Words for Old Stories
Dundalk has a long tradition of storytelling, where tales passed through generations shape identity, memory, and connection. In psychoanalytic psychotherapy, these stories—your family’s, your own, even the ones you’ve forgotten—are listened to with care, helping you discover new words for old narratives. By paying attention to hesitations, digressions, and overlooked moments, therapy reveals hidden meanings and opens space for new ways of understanding yourself and your life. This work honours Dundalk’s legacy of storytelling while offering fresh perspectives on the stories we carry, the patterns we repeat, and the ways we relate to ourselves and others.
Featured by Best in Ireland Among Dublin’s Practising Psychotherapists
Featured by Best in Ireland: Practising Psychotherapists in Dublin
I’m honoured to be included by Best in Ireland among Dublin’s practising psychotherapists. This recognition highlights the value of psychoanalytic psychotherapy’s distinctive listening—attending to the subtle, often unspoken layers of experience. I offer individual psychotherapy in both Dublin and Dundalk, helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and patterns that repeat.
The Function of the Psychotherapist/ Psychoanalyst in the Age of Self-Help
The Function of the Psychotherapist in the Age of Self-Help
In an era of self-help and self-improvement, psychoanalytic psychotherapy offers something deeper. Beyond advice or strategies, it provides a space where your words, patterns, and underlying motives can unfold. By listening carefully, a therapist helps reveal hidden patterns, loosen recurring difficulties, and create room for genuine, lasting change in your life.
Why am I anxious?
Why Am I Anxious? Exploring Anxiety with Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Anxiety isn’t just a symptom—it’s a signal. Through psychoanalytic psychotherapy, you can explore the personal meaning behind your anxious thoughts - That’s the value of asking, “Why am I anxious?”—gaining insight and relief in a space tailored to your unique experience.