Jennifer Sweeney
B.A. (Hons.) Psych., M.Sc. Couns. Psych.
| I am a psychology
graduate, holding a Masters in Science degree in Counselling Psychology
from Trinity College, Dublin. I am a graduate member of the PSI
(Psychological Society of Ireland) and the BPS (British Psychological
Society) and carefully abide by their code of conduct and professional
ethical guidelines. I am committed to the upkeep of my continuing
professional development and engage in regular clinical supervision for
my practice. I believe the foundation of therapy lies in the quality of the relationship established between therapist and client. By establishing a warm, respectful and accepting environment based on support and confidentiality, I feel that a trustworthy atmosphere can be created whereby clients can feel secure enough to work on their problems and difficulties. Working collaboratively, both therapist and client can attend to the individual needs of the client, striving towards the growth and development that often emerges from times of crisis. In order to best inform my practice, my work draws on an assimilative integrative approach to therapy (incorporating Humanistic, Gestalt and Psychodynamic principles). I believe that when the core principles of empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard are established and when a nonjudgmental and authentic relationship is entered into with the client, then personal growth and exploration are better facilitated. I believe that a relationship of acceptance reduces the need for defensiveness and this allows the client to dare to explore new ways of feeling and behaving in a safe and supportive environment. I also believe that by incorporating Gestalt principles into my practice, I am further enhancing the work by attending to the ‘wholeness’ of the client, while addressing bodily experiences, emotions, rationality, as well as meaning-making, in the here and now. Furthermore, I think that personal change tends to occur when we become aware of what we are, as opposed to trying to become what we are not and I feel that this awareness and acceptance can bring about significant alterations in form and function for the client. I believe that exploring the effects of a child’s unmet needs and the resulting developmental difficulties, that may have occurred, can enhance awareness for clients about how past events can impact current functioning. I further trust that by providing a non-directive and experiential focus on the present, I can give a balanced and holistic approach to my work. I have experience working with both adults and children and have worked with a wide variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression, work related stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, life changes, trust issues, emotional numbness, abuse (sexual, physical and emotional), domestic violence, learning and developmental difficulties, grief, self-esteem issues, suicidal ideation and self-harm.
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