Psychotherapy Training and Accreditation

Dermot holds a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from PCI College. He has a Professional Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and a Certificate in the Therapeutic use of Mindfulness. He has also completed training with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in Issues of Sexual Violence: The Counselling Process. Dermot holds an MA in Pastoral Leadership awarded by DCU and a BA in Theological and Philosophical Studies, from The Milltown Institute. He is currently pursuing an MA in Creative and Play Therapy at the Children’s Therapy Centre.

Dermot is an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). He works under the code of ethics of the Irish Association of Play Therapy & Psychotherapy (IAPTP).

Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approach

Dermot’s training and theoretical approach is humanistic and integrative. He incorporates the theoretical approaches of person-centred psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness into his therapeutic style. Dermot believes that the relationship between the therapists and client is crucial for effective therapy. He is influenced by the work Carl Rogers, who writes, “When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified; or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for. The gentle and sensitive companionship of an emphatic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another.”

Counselling Experience and Areas of Interest

Dermot has been a practicing psychotherapist since 2009. He has gained extensive experience in supporting children, adolescents and adults with issues including depression, anxiety, social anxiety, abuse, sexual violence, loss and bereavement, relationship difficulties, lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. He has experience working with trainee counsellors and psychotherapists completing their required therapy hours. Dermot has experience in many different settings, including working in hospital, prison, and in primary and secondary education. As a registered trainer with NBSCCCI, Dermot regularly runs training workshops in child safeguarding policies and procedures in compliance with Children First: National Guidance. He is a member of a child safeguarding advisory panel and he has extensive experience in best practice guidance in child protection and safeguarding of children.