Biographies

Maura is a fully qualified and experienced Relationship Counsellor and Psychosexual Therapist.

She has 20 years experience in working with Relationships and 15 years experience as a Psychosexual Therapist.

She trained with Relate (UK) and is accredited by C.O.S.R.T. (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists).

She also has a Degree in Psychology.

Working Ethos
Maura works in an integrative way, taking the whole person into account. She utilises a range of theoretical approaches, which is always determined by the needs of the client.

In Psychosexual Therapy the main theory used is Cognitive Behavioural , but she introduces other approaches as the need arises.

Relationship Counselling:
Over the last 20 years Maura has worked with couples and individuals that present with difficulties in their relationships. These difficulties have included communication breakdown, affairs, parenting, sexual difficulties and separation to name but a few.

Separation is an area Maura has a lot of experience in. She has worked with couples where one partner wants to end the relationship, and with individuals who are dealing with the loss and grief associated with the ending of a relationship.

Psychosexual Therapy:
Psychosexual Therapy is used to work with specific sexual difficulties experienced by couples and individuals, where medical causes have been ruled out. There is an initial assessment process, which enables the therapist to tailor the programme to meet the client’s need. The difficulties Maura has worked with over the last 10 years are:

Vaginismus – penetrative sex is impossible, partial, and/or painful.
Dyspareunia – painful sexual experiences for male or female.
Premature/Delayed Ejaculation – ejaculation occurs before penetration or quickly on penetration, or ejaculation takes too long or does not happen at all.
Erectile difficulties – difficulty getting and/or maintaining erection.
Anorgasmia – inability to achieve orgasm.
Desire levels – when there is a loss of desire of low desire that causes a problem for the couple or individual.

While the above are specific problems, there can also be some non-specific concerns, but regardless of what the problem is, the area of sex and sexuality is not easy to talk about. It is very personal and private. Maura is experienced in helping clients to be more comfortable and at ease in talking about these sensitive issues.

The fee for Relationship Counselling & Psychosexual Therapy is €70.

Declan is an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

He holds a Diploma in Counselling, a Professional Certificate in Art Therapy skills and has completed an intensive course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

He is also ASSIST trained.

Working Ethos
Declan works as a person-centred and humanistic counsellor. He works in a non-judgemental and empathic manner, which seeks to develop and build a safe and trusting relationship with clients.

While always holding to the core values of Person-centred therapy, where appropriate he will introduce other therapeutic approaches including Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – click these links for more information on these therapies.

“‘It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried.'” – from On Becoming a Person, Rogers, Carl R. (1961)

Declan has gained valuable experience while working in a voluntary position with both Northside Counselling Services and Pieta House (the centre for prevention of suicide and self-harm).

He works with both adults and adolescents to address a wide range of issues.

He has experience in dealing with issues of self-harm, suicide ideation, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, panic attacks, anger, loss and grief.

The fee for general counselling is €60