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Our Therapists

Alison power — kilkenny

About:

Alison is the founder & Chief Psychotherapist of WoodsGift Counselling Services and the Chief Group Supervisor at Cois Nore, Kilkenny. 


Alison is an experienced and compassionate therapist. Steeped in research her approach is integrated psychotherapy when working with children and adolescents. Drawing on modalities such as CBT, Narrative and Gestalt Therapy. 


With over 15 years of clinical experience in the mental health field, she is dedicated to helping young individuals navigate a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, low self-esteem, and behavioural difficulties.


Her interventions are tailored to each child’s developmental stage and individual needs, ensuring a personalized, supportive, and engaging therapeutic experience that fosters growth, self-confidence, and emotional well-being

 

Qualifications:

✔ Accredited 

✔ BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

✔ Diploma in Personal & Business Coaching

✔ Diploma in Integrative Supervision

✔ Currently completing a Master’s in Child and Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Passionate about changing how we see and treat neurodivergence


Approach:

Committed to ongoing professional development, Alison integrates the latest research and therapeutic techniques to provide the highest standard of care. Passionate about early intervention and mental well-being, She is dedicated to helping young individuals build the skills they need to lead fulfilling and resilient lives.  


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 

Schedule with Alison

Patrick Plant - Wicklow

About:

Patrick is a fully accredited Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor (IACP) with a deep commitment to emotional healing and personal growth. A graduate of IICP, he also holds specialist training in areas such as Child and Adolescent Counselling, Family Therapy, Mindfulness, Dream Work, and Trauma. He integrates both modern therapeutic approaches and holistic traditions, including Shamanic Counselling.


He offers sessions online and from a private, welcoming office in West Wicklow, drawing on experience from respected centres including Insight Matters, Relationship Matters, and Ballymun Child and Family Resource Centre


Approach

Patrick works in a client-centred and integrative way, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of the individual. He combines approaches such as EMDR, CBT, EFT, NLP, and mindfulness to support clients in navigating anxiety, trauma, abuse, self-harm, relationship challenges, and life transitions.


Qualifications:

✔ Bachelor of Science in  Counselling & Psychotherpy 

✔ Profesional Certificate in Family Therapy

✔ Profesional Certificate in Mindfulness 

✔ Profesional Training in Child and Adolescent Counselling

✔ Accredited


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 

Patrick Hamill — DUBLIN

About:

Patrick is a qualified psychotherapist. In his role, he works with clients over the age of 18 from diverse cultural, social, and age backgrounds. He provides assessment, support, and therapy for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, compulsive behaviors, social anxiety, bereavement, and trauma related to childhood abuse and neglect. 


Qualifications:

✔ BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy  

✔ QQI Level 9 Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  

✔ Accredited


Approach

Patrick’s formal training has provided him with an integrative, multicultural approach to therapy. He draws from humanistic and existential psychology, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, while incorporating psychoanalytic elements and mindfulness practices when appropriate. His approach is adaptable to each client’s needs, with a strong emphasis on collaboration. Central to his practice is a therapeutic partnership where goals are established together, and progress is regularly reviewed through both informal and formal feedback. 


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 

Schedule with Patrick

Kellie Farrell — KILKENNY

About:

Kellie is the assistant counsellor at Woodsgift Counselling Services. Her passion for this work stems from her own journey with mental health challenges. Experiencing the transformative power of therapy firsthand inspired her to help others find healing through their own journeys of self-discovery and growth. She understands that life can be overwhelming and that it takes courage to seek support. She is deeply committed to helping clients find mental clarity, inner peace, emotional strength and fulfilment in their lives.  


Qualifications:

✔ BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Pre-Accredited 


Approach:

Kellie believes in creating a warm, welcoming space where clients can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. She formulates an individualised approach tailored for each client depending on their needs. 


Kellie applies an integrative approach and uses psychodynamic theories like Adlerian Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy which explore how our past experiences influence our current thoughts, feelings, behaviours and emotional struggles. This is blended with theories and techniques from Reality Therapy, Existentialism, CBT and other therapies which help to equip clients with self-awareness and practical tools for meaningful change. 


Kellie supports clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, eating disorders, or those striving for a greater purpose in life. The goal is to improve self-awareness and foster emotional healing - Through empathy, compassion and trust.


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 


Benefits:

✔ Low Cost Counselling 

Schedule with kellie

EMMA PARKINSON — KILKENNY

About:

Emma’s practice is grounded in empathy, compassion, and inclusivity, recognizing that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective and meaningful therapy. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered in their personal growth. Emma facilitates a collaborative process that integrates the innate wisdom of clients with evidence-based perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of client experiences. Her ultimate objective is to support clients in reconnecting with themselves and cultivating authentic, fulfilling ways of living.


Emma adopts a tailored, client-centered approach, drawing from a range of established therapeutic modalities, including Person-Centred Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). By integrating these evidence-based frameworks, she ensures a flexible and individualized approach that fosters long-term psychological well-being and resilience.


Approach:

Emma's diverse educational background, combining the humanities with therapeutic expertise, allows her to offer a well-rounded approach to therapy. Her qualifications reflect a commitment to both academic excellence and a compassionate, client-centered practice. 


Qualifications:

✔ Currently completing a MSc in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy
✔ Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy
✔ Certificate in Psychology
✔ BA in English and Art History 


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 

Schedule with Emma

David O'Halloran — Limerick

About:

David's screenwriting background, naturally brought him into the world of narrative therapy.Were his clients are invited to tell their story. 


Narrative therapy encourages self-reflection, personal exploration, and the creation of new, more accurate and healthy stories about oneself. 


David has worked at all the major private schools in the country, The Institute of Education, Bruce College, Yeats College and Limerick Tutorial College.


Qualifications:

✔ BSc Psychotherapy & Counselling

✔ BSc Psychology & English Literature
✔ MA Screenwriting
✔ Med ( Masters in Education )
✔ Diploma Adolescent Psychotherapy

✔ Pre-Accredited 


Approach

Integrative approach, predominately humanistic. Speciality interest, ADHD & Adult ADHD


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

Schedule with David

MAIRÉAD DOYLE — Kilkenny

About:

Mairéad holds a BA in Sociology and Psychology, Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapeutic Studies and is currently in the final year of a four-year BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. As a dedicated trainee psychotherapist, Mairéad works with clients aged 18 and over. Having personally experienced the growth and positive change that psychotherapy can bring, Mairéad is passionate about supporting others as they move toward healing and self-discovery. With a strong belief that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes, Mairéad combines professional training with genuine empathy to help clients embrace new possibilities for their lives.


Approach:

At the core of Mairéad’s practice is a person-centred approach, which prioritizes empathy, respect, and understanding. To best meet the unique needs of each client, Mairéad integrates different approaches including choice theory, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This flexible and tailored approach helps clients recognise what they truly want from life and supports them in making the necessary changes. Therapy with Mairéad offers a compassionate space to navigate life’s challenges, fostering resilience and self-awareness in an open and supportive setting.


Qualifications:

✔ Currently completing the final year of a BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy

✔ Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapeutic Studies

✔ BA in Sociology and Psychology 


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ In-Person

Schedule with MAIRÉAD

Farrah Tayob — Dublin

About:

Farrah is a qualified Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist, fully accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). She adheres to the code of ethics and practices outlined by this regulatory organisation. Farrah works with children, adolescents, and adults, offering a therapeutic approach that is holistic and tailored to the individual. Her practice is rooted in collaboration with clients, supporting them in creating meaningful change, empowerment, and personal fulfillment. 


Approach

Farrah’s approach to treatment is guided by the unique individual who walks through the door. She places a strong emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship, recognising it as central to the direction and effectiveness of the work. Farrah adopts an integrative approach selecting what best supports each client’s unique needs.


She creates a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their present experiences. In collaboration, Farrah and her clients work toward meaningful change aligned with the client’s goals and aspirations.


Qualifications:

✔ Bachelor of Science in Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Higher Diploma in Integrative Adolescent Psychotherapy

✔ Diploma in Psychology (Psychoanaytic)

✔ Master of Arts in Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (In Progress)

✔ Accredited


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 

Schedule with Farrah

Loreena Dowdall — KILKENNY

About:

Loreena spent over 20 years in financial services before pursuing her passion for psychotherapy. She earned a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2015 and is an accredited IACP psychotherapist. She later qualified as an Adolescent Psychotherapist and recently completed additional training in couples counseling. 


Approach

Loreena uses an integrated therapy approach, offering a warm, non-judgmental space. She supports teens navigating modern challenges, helping them explore their experiences and find their own answers with compassion.


Qualifications:

✔ BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy 

✔ Diploma in Integrative Adolescence Psychotherapy

✔ Diploma in Couples Counselling

✔ Accredited


Client Support:

✔ Teens

✔ Couples 


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 

Schedule with Loreena

Low Cost Counselling

ALAN RHATIGAN — KILKENNY

About:

Alan is a highly skilled and approachable therapist, currently in the process of achieving full accreditation with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). With a deep commitment to supporting individuals, he works with adults navigating a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, stress, and addiction. 


Approach:

Alan takes a client-centered, empathetic approach, ensuring that each person receives the care and attention they deserve. He recognizes that seeking therapy can be a significant step, and his goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their difficulties and work towards meaningful change. 


Through his professional expertise and compassionate manner, Alan strives to help clients regain control, build resilience, and achieve emotional well-being. 


Qualifications:

✔ Currently completing a Master's in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (IICP)

✔ Working towards full IACP accreditation


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 


Benefits:

✔ Low Cost Counselling 

Schedule with Alan

Joe Loughrey — KILKENNY

About:

Joe spent 36 years in the financial services sector and is now pursuing his passion for mental health, studying Integrated Counselling and Psychotherapy with IICP. He also holds a diploma in Community Studies from NUI Maynooth.


Drawing from personal experience with infertility and adoption, Joe brings empathy, inclusivity, and a strong belief in multiculturalism to his work. He has supported suicide and addiction awareness initiatives with the HSE and remains active in community wellbeing projects across Kilkenny.


Approach:

Joe takes an empathetic and client-focused approach to counselling, rooted in inclusivity and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey. He uses an integrative model, drawing on person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, attachment, and choice theories to support clients dealing with anxiety, bereavement, and loss.


Informed by personal experience, Joe places particular emphasis on identity and belonging. He works with clients navigating cultural differences, family dynamics, and societal expectations, helping them explore their values, beliefs, and sense of self in a safe and supportive space. His approach fosters resilience, clarity, and greater self-confidence.


Qualifications:

✔ Studying BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy

✔ Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Studies

✔ Diploma in Community Studies

✔ IACP Student Member


Ways to Connect:

✔ Online Zoom

✔ Telephone

✔ In-Person 


Benefits:

✔ Low Cost Counselling 

Schedule with Joe

make your Appointment

You can contact us using the below phone number or send an email requesting an appointment 

WoodsGift Counselling Services LTD

7 Patrick St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 HT9T, Ireland

Ph: +353 83 842 0546

Email us

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WoodsGift Counselling Services LTD

Tel: 083 842 0546

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Now Open in Dublin & Wicklow

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