Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Cork
If you are considering therapy, you’ve probably spent a lot of time trying to understand what is happening to you. You may have searched online, spoken to friends, or found yourself caught in the same worries over and over again.
CBT offers a different approach.
Rather than simply talking about problems, CBT helps us understand patterns that keep them going. Together we develop a shared understanding of what is happening, why it makes sense, and what can be done differently.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, health anxiety, or persistent self-criticism, CBT aims to help you make meaningful and lasting changes that extend beyond the therapy room.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the most researched psychological therapies available. It is recommended by the HSE for a range of common mental health difficulties and is supported by decades of research for problems including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, depression and health anxiety.
At it’s core CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours are closely connected. When we are struggling, it’s often because we have become caught in patterns that made sense at one time, but are now keeping us stuck.
What does CBT involve?
No two people experience anxiety, OCD, or other mental health difficulties in exactly the same way, so therapy shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all process. While every course of CBT is tailored to the individual, sessions often involve:
Exploring the situations that trigger distress.
Understanding the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours.
Identifying patterns that may be keeping the problem going.
Developing practical strategies that fit your goals and daily life.
CBT is an active, collaborative form of therapy. Rather than simply talking about problems or being given advise, we work together to understand what is happening, test ideas, and fin dapproaches that genuinely make a difference in your life.
What is therapy like with me?
Choosing a therapist is about more than choosing an approach. The relationship we build is an important part of therapy, and I believe the best outcomes come from working collaboratively.
You are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to bring psychological knowledge, evidence-based CBT, and curiosity to help us understand what is happening together. I won’t assume I know the answer before I’ve understood the problem. Instead, we will work together to build a shared understanding of what is keeping your difficulties going, and use that understanding to guide therapy.
My aim is to help you make sense of your own experiences, develop practical skills, and become your own therapist over time.
While CBT is structured, it should never feel rigid. Every person is different, and therapy should reflect that. Sessions are collaborative, practical and tailored to your individual goals, helping you build confidence in managing difficulties long after therapy has ended.
What can CBT help with?
CBT has a strong evidence base for a wide range of mental health difficulties. While no single approach is right for everyone, it can be particularly effective for understanding and changing the patterns that keep emotional difficulties going.
I primarily work with people experiencing:
Anxiety
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Health Anxiety
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety
Stress and Burnout
Low Self-Esteem
Perfectionism
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There is no set number of sessions, as everyone’s circumstances and goals are different. Some people find that between 8 and 20 sessions is sufficient, while others may benefit from a longer course of therapy. We will regularly review your progress and decide together what feels most helpful.
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No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment. You are welcome to contact me directly if you would like to arrange an initial consultation or ask any questions before getting started.
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Yes. I offer both in person appointments in Carrigaline and Fermoy, as well as secure online therapy for clients throughout Ireland.
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The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We’ll explore what has brought you to therapy, discuss your goals, and begin developing an understanding of the difficulties you are experiencing. There is no pressure to share everything straight away, and we’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable to you.
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Confidentiality is an important part of therapy. There are, however, some legal and ethical exceptions, such as where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else, or where required by law. These will be explained fully before therapy begins.
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No. While thoughts are one part of CBT, therapy also explores emotions, physical sensations, behaviours and the situations you find yourself in. Often, meaningful change comes from challenging patterns of behaviour rather than simply trying to think differently.
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During our first appointment, we’ll discuss what you’re looking for from therapy and whether CBT is likely to be a good fit. If another approach appears more appropriate, I will discuss this with you.
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Yes. I work with adults and teenagers (14 years+). If you are looking for support for a young person, please feel free to get in touch to discuss whether my service is suitable.
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The easiest way to get started is by getting in touch via my contact page or by emailing me directly. I’ll respond as soon as I can and answer any questions that you have before arranging a session.