More than ever, we need to pay attention and check in to how we are coping during this lockdown. As we enter the third lockdown, we cut short our Christmas celebrations and our contact with friends and family. We can start to feel strange or in ways that are unexplainable, and we are not sure […]
Managing your mental health during Christmas. Whether or not Christmas is part of your life, your mental health might be affected by it happening around you. It is often a time when we feel more pressure, and our mental health can be challenged. You might feel lonely because everyone around seems to be happy. You […]
What is Self-Compassion? When we think of compassion, we usually imagine it as something directed towards others. Compassion is both that wish we have for others to be free from suffering and the causes of suffering and the associated sense of happiness. “Compassion requires both sensitivities to the suffering of others and a deep commitment […]
The many physical symptoms that co-exist with anxiety, such as blushing or stuttering in social anxiety, or those associated with feelings of panic such as palpitations or feelings of breathlessness, are what often drive individuals to seek help. However, intrusive thoughts can also be present with anxiety and can be equally debilitating. What is an […]
The government message is that we are all in this together. While it is a call to awareness and action it seems to be an inaccurate description of reality. The simple fact is that while we are all experiencing a pandemic, this experience is a very individual one. While one person may be enjoying the […]
As the name suggests Integrative therapy combines (integrates) different forms of psychotherapy. What are the main ideas behind Integrative Psychotherapy? The Integrative approach works with you in your uniqueness. The Integrative approach allows for flexibility and can offer something tailored specifically to meet your needs and issues. The Aim of Integrative Therapy? The Integrative process […]
Many research attributes loneliness with older people and while this is a common issue, it is important not to forget that everyone, at any age, can experience loneliness that can have a real impact on their lives. In a recent online survey by Eurofound, found that despite comparatively high overall levels of life satisfaction and […]
Firstly, take a deep breath and keep breathing. You may be feeling disappointed or unsure about the future and what it holds for you right now, this is ok and a normal response to your situation. But before you go into catastrophising thinking (thinking about the worst-case scenario), I will remind you that there are […]
Do you want to know how to look after your mental health? People often take their mental health for granted until they begin to struggle. They often only take action themselves or see a friend or family member struggling. An important part of keeping healthy is to take care of your mental health: Get plenty […]
Do you want to learn tools to help you reduce your stress and help you manage anxiety? Join Bogdan, qualified and experienced Psychotherapist as he demonstrated this simple and effective tool to control our anxiety and stress levels. Click here for video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=291468958598231 Why does breathing help? Breathing techniques are not just ‘mind tricks’, they […]
Thinking of attending Psychotherapy or Counselling and wondering what would the benefits be to you. We have written down 12 benefits that might be helpful to known. Helps you put yourself first All too often people put others first and as a result can leave themselves tired and sometimes resentful. Therapy gives you a space […]
Lets talk about anxiety💜🙌 On the 8th of July Anne Devlin and Shaunna Impey, Psychotherapists and Founders of City Therapy, Dame Street answered viewers questions on Anxiety. Watch this live video for free (28mins) 1. What is Anxiety 2. Is Anxiety the same for everyone? 3.What is the difference between regular anxiety and anxiety disorders? […]
How emerging from the Lockdown is not necessarily a relief for someone with anxiety Written by Anne Devlin, Psychotherapist at City Therapy The current pandemic followed by the lockdown and now the easing of the lockdown restrictions has been an emotional roller coaster ride for many. I was recently researching anxiety and one thing that […]
Dealing with Anxiety and Depression in Uncertain Times
Psychotherapy can help you manage your worried mind and ease anxiety. Anxiety and worry is a normal part of life. It is perfectly natural to worry about an upcoming interview, presentation or first date. Problems arise when this natural level of worry becomes persistent, excessive and uncontrollable. If you answer yes to the question ‘is […]
Top foods to improve your mood By Sandra Lawes, Nutritionist Sandra@nurturewithin.ie If, like many of us, you have over indulged a tad during the lockdown, it may have left you feeling a bit ‘blah’. Lack of energy and motivation is one of the biggest problems with depression. Luckily changes in your diet can significantly affect […]
Is online therapy as good as face to face therapy? I have recently had to move my business online and while it was something I was already considering it was certainly made more urgent by Covid-19. Online therapy comes under different names like teletherapy or telemental health and although it seems quite recent to many […]
Practical tips to help you manage back to work anxiety Blog by: Anne Devlin Psychotherapist and Director of City Therapy While a break from work is essential for our mental health the extended break for some due to Covid-19 is bringing up anxiety and negative feelings at the thoughts of returning to work. The ‘working-from-home’ […]
Learning from my 82 Year old Aunt: Tips to help you combat Boredom during Isolation By Anne Devlin, Psychotherapist I recall a conversation I had last year with an elderly aunt and what I learned from her is proving very valuable now considering the current Covid-19 pandemic. The back story to this conversation is as […]
Isolation – Being, Feeling and Combating
By Anne Devlin
Supporting family from a distance during COVID_19 crisis: Looking at the things I can control By Shaunna Impey, MIACP 6th of April 2020 I was delighted to have the opportunity to present an online webinar last week to an international company with over 60 nationalities. The topic Supporting Family Members and Loved Ones Abroad is […]
The COVID_19 outbreak is a challenging time for most people, if not all of us. We are living with uncertainty and finding ways to manage increased fear and anxiety. It is important to recognise that minding your well-being during this time is just as important as other aspects of your life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here are my […]
Clients experience of therapy Like many people I started therapy when I felt very lost and lacking direction in my life. I wasn’t sure what to expect before I started therapy but I had heard friends talking about the relief they had felt by just talking to someone who didn’t know them and who listened […]
Choosing the right therapist? Not sure what therapist would be the right fit? Not sure which approach would suit your needs? Here are a 4 few tips that will help guide you; Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Therapeutic Relationship is essential. If a friend, family member recommends a therapist, it is […]
7 Myths about Counselling and Psychotherapy 1. There is no difference between counselling and psychotherapy Counselling is normally considered short term and looking at a specific issue, whereas, Psychotherapy is considered long term and the therapist may look at the early childhood experiences and how this has influenced the current issues. 2. Therapy is for […]
Have you or a friend just been through a Breakup? Here are some ways ideas that might help you through it Although a relationship is no longer healthy, a breakup can be extremely tough and painful because there is loss, not just of another person but also of the extended family, future plans, your identity, […]
Do you know how you might support a friend with Cancer? Every person with Cancer is different and their needs and wishes are different, below are some general suggestions about how you might show support Ask first: It is important to ask your friend’s permission before giving advice, asking questions or even before visiting. It […]
Let go There is a term called the ‘Sunk-Cost Fallacy’ which basically means we are more likely to hold onto something if we have invested a lot in it, whether that is a relationship, friendship, job or a place you live. We do an inventory on the time invested and this can keep us in […]
Story behind it. “I’ll give you something to cry about” // “Act like a man” // “Real men don’t cry” Growing up in Ireland in the 1970/80s there was still the lingering John Wayne attitude towards the Irish male and ‘crying’ or even showing most emotions. It just wasn’t done. Of course you were allowed […]
Setting Personal Boundaries As the saying goes ‘Good fences make good neighbours’ So what are boundaries? And why are they important? Personal boundaries are guidelines, limits, rules that an individual creates to identify permissible ways for other people to behave towards them. Setting limits for acceptable behaviour from those around you. Because personal boundaries are […]
Tips for Dealing with Culture Shock The moment you land in your new study abroad country you will be busy taking in the newness around you. You might be enthralled and captivated by the sudden friendliness of the people around you. Or perhaps you are noticing a lack of friendliness, the difference in how […]
FOMO (Fear of missing out) when studying abroad Moving to a new country and experiencing a different culture can be really thrilling when studying abroad. The planning, the anticipation and the stepping outside of your comfort zone often carries you along on a wave of excitement until a niggling and uncomfortable sense of […]
Pre-existing medical conditions and medication. Having a pre-existing medical condition should not negatively impact your study abroad experience once you are prepared. It can often be the case that people might not feel the need to continue their medication when they go abroad,. They often feel that ‘things […]
LGBT+ and Exploration Another aspect of studying/living abroad is having the space to contemplate your sexuality and gender as many LGBT+ students have discovered. Ireland is becoming more progressive having been the first country in the world to introduce same-sex marriage by popular vote as well as the gender recognition act in 2015. That being […]
Anxiety There are many things while studying abroad that can trigger anxiety. Everything is different; the food, the culture, your peer group, how you communicate with family and indeed less contact with family and friends. These things individually can be anxiety provoking so all together they can become quite overwhelming. Do you recognise yourself in […]
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‘The Final Chapter’ This was the final step. The final tablet. The last time taking antidepressants. I really enjoyed completing this painting. I wanted to create a piece that would make a lasting impression. Stand Out. That would close down my first solo exhibition. This painting gave me the permission to re-visit various events as […]
‘Safe Place’ Everyone needs a safe place. It could be the seat in a park looking out over the river. It could be your bedroom. It could be when you’re out on the open road, driving. It could be when you’re with your best friend. Either way, it can and does have a different meaning […]
‘Lack of Control’ My entire body was going through hell. I could not control it. So I wanted to take back some power by doing a painting that I could control every movement, colour, brush stroke and design. It was a tedious painting but I was able to apply my mind and stop focusing on […]
LGBT+ Counselling & Psychotherapy Written by Christine O’ Hea “The moment that you feel, just possibly, you are walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your heart and your mind, and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself…That is the moment, you might be starting to get it right” ― […]
El manejo de las emociones es tan importante como el cuidado de nuestro cuerpo para estar saludables Author: Camoa Bastidas Estamos acostumbrados a buscar atención médica cada vez que nuestra salud física se ve afectada, pero ¿qué hacemos cuando los problemas y las situaciones que nos rodean se convierten en una carga mental muy pesada […]
Sandtray therapy ‘Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.’ Carl Jung As psychotherapists we journey with people from all walks of life, often coming in through the door with quite a diverse racial, ethnic and cultural background. Some speak English as a second language but regardless, it […]
My experience of Self Doubt…….. So, I moved from a very lovely full-time secure position to working for myself full-time. While I might, as a fully trained psychotherapist, have all of the tools and supports in place to help me through major life transitions, I am still human and I have self-doubt….. this is how […]
Starting Therapy – Whatever reasons you have for going to speak to someone it can be less daunting if you have some idea what to expect. The first thing to note is that going to therapy is a brave step. In the past it may have been viewed as ‘Self Indulgent’ or ‘Selfish’ but more […]
10 Tools for your De-Stress Tool Kit We all get stressed from time to time. Below are some tips and tools you can bring into your every day to help you manage your stress. Blue Dots Stick little blue dots in different locations, for example on the top corner of your phone, on your […]
The power of vulnerability Author: Michael Hofmann, Grad. Dip Counselling & Psychotherapy When we hear the word vulnerability we immediately tend to associate weakness, lack of confidence, low self-esteem and reduced assertiveness with it. All those terms indicate a rather negative perception of vulnerability and create a fear in us that others might take advantage […]
Body Image Body image is the perception a person has in relation to their physical self. This perception is also, and more importantly, linked to the thoughts and feelings the person experiences as a result of that perception. These feelings are not only negative they can also be positive or a combination of both. How […]
First Consultation Free Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many people, stress is so common that it has become normal way of living. Stress is an every day fact of life. Stress isn’t always bad. In fact, stress is not only desirable it is also essential to life. In small […]
Information on Depression ““Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My heart is broken.” ” — ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem […]
Do you find yourself getting into frequent arguments and fights? Would you describe yourself as having a short fuse? Anger is a healthy and normal emotion, but when anger is explosive and spirals out of control it can have serious consequences. Uncontrolled anger can negatively impact personal relationships, your state of mind and your health. Understanding the real reasons […]
Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem are issues that can affect everyone, however, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) individuals can have other sources of mental distress which are experienced just because of their sexual orientation. Teenage years for many gay and lesbian youth can be extremely difficult and underpinned by feelings of shame, fear, feeling […]
Coping with Grief and Loss Understanding the Grieving Process Losing someone you love or care intensely about is extremely painful. Experiencing many difficult emotions is common and it can feel as if the sadness you are going through will never let up. These reactions are normal in response to a significant loss. Although there is […]
Interesting thoughts on how to be happy
According to Aoife Boyle founder of Whitespace Meditation and Mindfulness trainer at City Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre the benefits of a regular mindfulness practice are many, as the world of science continues to reveal more of the good stuff through researching the effects of what happens in the brain when we meditate. (FMRI) To name […]
Mindfulness can be a benefit to anyone, but the following people may find it particularly helpful: Those who are carers or in the caring professions; When we are looking after others, it can be very difficult to make time for ourselves. Those who have a history of reaped bouts of depression; mindfulness many not prevent […]
