WHY PSYCHOTHERAPY?

What is the journey about?

KNOW THYSELF

We all experience losses and setbacks in our lives. Emotional and physical pain. We may have lost a sense of direction and wait for something to happen. The aim of therapy is to open up a space where you can make sense of what is happening and see what choices are available to you. It can help you develop awareness and self-understanding, support you at difficult times, help you reconnect to your own strengths.

PANTA REI

“Everything flows” in ancient Greek, nothing stays the same. It’s like water in a river, always moving, always changing. We change all the time and we are never the same. Therapy can help accept change in your life. It can help make sense of what is happening and take responsibility for what you can control, let go of what you can’t, accept all of yourself and fully embrace life.

MAKE A CONNECTION

It is a strange world we live in. We are all connected through many wired and wireless devices, we can travel the cyberspace, the space and the earth as we have never done before and we can still feel at times so utterly and inexplicably alone. Therapy can help reestablish a meaningful connection to yourself, the others and the world and live more fulfilling relationships.

What to expect

Integrity

Respect

Impartiality

Psychotherapy requires active participation on both sides, client and therapist, with the focus on the relationship built together. You will find a safe and non-judgemental space where you will feel supported in talking about yourself and in exploring difficult issues. Therapy aims to help you find in yourself the resources and the strengths to make meaningful changes and to live a more fulfilling life. Healing will come as part of a process of growth and self-acceptance.

PSYCHOTHERAPY IS NOT LIKE GOING TO A DOCTOR
IT IS NOT DIRECTIVE
IT IS NOT ABOUT FIXING

Antonella Riciniello

Antonella Riciniello

Psychotherapist and Councellor

“There is no certainty; there is only adventure.”
Roberto Assagioli

Psychiatrist and pioneer in the fields of humanistic and transpersonal psychology

“… sooner or later she had to give up the hope for a better past.” (from Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death)
Irvin D. Yalom`

Existential psychiatrist, emeritus professor of psychiatry at Stanford University and best selling author

People are like stained – glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Swiss-American psychiatrist, pioneer in near-death studies

Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.

Carl Jung

Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist who founded analytical psychology

Getting Started is Easy

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Free 20 Min Chat

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1st Session!

SOME QUESTIONS

and hopefully some answers…

 

Mindfulnesss

Q. What is Mindfulness and how can it help me?

A. Mindfulness can be described as the quality of being present in the here and now. It is about paying attention to what is happening without judgement. It is about making space to everything that is part of our experience in that moment.

Mindfulness is the application in our day-to-day life of that attitude of openness, awareness and non-reactivity we cultivate in a mindfulness meditation practice. Here is a good article about the difference between Mindfulness, Mindfulness Meditation and Basic Meditation.

Mindfulness has had a fantastic growth in the last few years and it can be practised in many different ways. That is why it can be difficult at times to navigate all the information available, find your own way to practise it and make it work for you. I can guide you through different ways to cultivate mindfulness and help you discover what suits you best to increase your awareness of the present moment.

Psychotherapy, psychology and psychiatry

Q. I am very confused, what is the difference between psychotherapy, psychology and psychiatry?

A. Psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists have all had professional training to help people with mental health issues but there are significant differences among the three disciplines.

Psychiatry is a medical speciality. It is the study of mental disorders, their diagnosis and management. It often but not always involves the prescription of medication.

Psychology is the study of how the mind works, and how people act and interact. A clinical Psychologist will have a degree in psychology.

Psychotherapy supports people at times of emotional distress or crisis. There are different approaches in psychotherapy which include:

  • cognitive behavioural therapies
  • psychoanalytic therapies
  • psychodynamic therapies
  • systemic and family psychotherapy
  • arts and play therapies
  • humanistic and integrative psychotherapies
  • hypno-psychotherapy
  • experiential constructivist therapies

A psychotherapist may have undertaken intensive and specialised training in the area, or may come from a psychology or psychiatry background and have undertaken further training in psychotherapy.

Is it expensive?

Q. I never had therapy before and I know it is quite expensive. How many sessions would I need to get better?

A. Even though there may be a common denominator to many issues, each individual is different. Therefore it is difficult  to estimate how long therapy will last, In our very first sessions together we will identify the issues you feel are more pressing, discuss your expectations about coming to therapy and identify some goals for the work together which may give you a sense of what getting better really means to you. You may also get a sense of progress after each session.

Irish Health Insurers usually offer refunds for a certain number of sessions of psychotherapy and counselling per year, if the therapist is accredited with IAHIP or IACP. Always check with your health insurer to make sure they cover therapy. Income tax relief may also be available.

Will psychotherapy fix me?

Q. I often feel there is something wrong with me. Will psychotherapy fix me?

A. We may feel broken and have lost our sense of oneness. You will find those broken pieces in therapy and make a new whole, but the process that will make that possible is not fixing, it is compassionate healing. Therapy is not directive. It aims to help you find in yourself the resources and the strengths to live a more fulfilling life.

What is CBT?

Q. I have heard a lot about it. Is that what you do?

A. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of many psychotherapy approaches. At its core there is the basic tenet that the way we think influences our feelings and our behaviors. By identifying negative and distorted cognitions we can lift our mood and make significant changes in our lives. As an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, I tailor the sessions based on my client’s individual needs, and CBT is one of the many approaches I would use.

Counselling and psychotherapy

Q. I see those terms used interchangeably. What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

A. Both counselling and psychotherapy provide professional help and support to people in times of change or crisis. Counselling may focus more on providing immediate support with pressing, contingent issues and may be more limited in time. Psychotherapy tends to explore deeper, more long-term issues that may have originated in the past.  Their underlying principles are the same. They both have their foundation in an empathic and confidential relationship provided in a safe and non-judgmental space.

Contact Me

Ask a question or book an appointment below. For emergencies please see below.

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15 + 7 =

087 746 5200

Oscailt, 8 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

antonella@thebluecouch.ie

In the case of an emergency please contact your GP or Local A/E Department.

Useful Numbers and Information

HSE Find a GP
HSE Mental Health
GP Out of Hours Services

For emergency services, contact 999 or 112

Pieta House

Preventing suicide and self-harm
Free phone 1800 247 247 every day 24 hours a day
Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply

Aware

A national support helpline for issues relating to depression and anxiety
Free Phone: 1800 80 48 48 (seven days a week, from 10am to 10pm)

Samaritans

Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free phone: 116 123