Salthill & Galway Psychotherapist
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling, sometimes called “talk therapy,” is a conversation or a series of conversations between the counsellor and client. When you see a Galway psychotherapist, counselling usually focuses on a particular problem. After this I then suggest taking steps decided by the client to address this problem. The problem is then often discussed in the present tense without too much attention to past experiences. Note also that you do not have to be in crisis to benefit from counselling or psychotherapy. However, it can be a great support or resource at times of crisis.
Psychotherapy, like counselling, is based on a healing relationship between the therapist and client. Psychotherapy takes place over a series of meetings between the therapist and client over a longer timespan than counselling. It enables you to deal with deeper, more long-term issues that may have their roots in your past, (e.g. traumatic issues from childhood) which are affecting our present life.
Psychotherapy is different to counselling in that, instead of narrowing to one specific issue, it considers overall patterns, lingering issues and recurrent feelings. The process of psychotherapy also requires openness to exploring the past and its impact on the present. The aim is to resolve underlying issues which influence ongoing problems. Your Galway psychotherapist helps to resolve past experiences as part of the building a foundation for a satisfying future.
Well-qualified and experienced psychotherapists are comfortable in ‘holding’ strong feelings, traumatic memories and working with the client in a non-judgemental and therapeutic relationship.
How many sessions do I need?
Booking just one session is a step in the right direction. The timespan over which counselling takes place is different for each individual. As a result, this can vary from a few weeks to several months or longer. At all times the individual has the choice to bring counselling to an end. The time of ending is usually discussed in advance to enable the therapeutic relationship to come to a fruitful end.
What is the fee?
The fee is €70 per session.
For those who would like to attend but the cost of counselling is difficult, I offer a limited number of sessions at reduced fees. A special rate is available to students training to become psychotherapists.
What happens at the first session?
The first session provides an opportunity to explore what the individual needs from therapy. This session is also used to explain the counselling process and discuss confidentiality, fees, the cancellation policy and weekly appointment times.
Do I see the same therapist each time?
Yes. In counselling and psychotherapy the relationship is central and it is important to maintain the trust and connection made between both counsellor and client.
How long do sessions last?
Each standard session lasts for one hour.
Where are you located?
Counselling and Psychotherapy sessions with Mary are located in Ross House, Merchant’s Road, Galway, or in Salthill if you prefer.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by texting, phoning or emailing me at:
Tel: 086 8110648 Email: mary.kilrainehannon@gmail.com