
Responsibility Breeds Meaning.


My Story
I began my Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training in 2013 following the completion of my BSc in Psychiatric Nursing. During the course of his study, I developed a keen interest in research and worked alongside a Consultant Psychiatrist to develop an online training tool with the intentions of teaching mental health professionals how to deliver competent CBT.
During this time I also worked in St James's Psychology Dept. treating and managing complex cases. It was here that I developed an interest and understanding of Psychodynamic and Integrative Psychotherapy.
Following the completion of my Master of Science in Cognitive Psychotherapy I accepted a post in the Coombe Maternity Hospital where I developed the CBT Dept.
I am currently studying a Doctorate of Psychotherapy in DCU school of Psychotherapy. The focus of my DPsych will be mood disorders.
I aim to deliver relatively short courses of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to clients suffering from Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, interpersonal problems and people suffering from existential difficulties. I offer a non-judgmental therapeutic space that welcomes all clients.
My Qualifications
Education and Work Experience
September 2013
Mental Health Nurse
Following completion of my BSc Degree in Trinity College Dublin I went to work in an acute in-patient psychiatric unit in Dublin South Central. Here I learned how to triage difficulties, deal with challenging situations and also provide care for and develop a rich understanding of complex psychiatric presentations.
September 2015 - January 2020
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Following the completion of my Postgraduate Foundation in CBT in 2014 I quickly moved into the PG Higher Diploma Course in 2015, both courses in Trinity College offered me a rich understanding of psychological presentations. While here I was offered an amazing opportunity to be the understudy of the then Principal Psychologist. I treated a range of complex mental health problems using transdiagnostic and systemic based approaches.
2016 - August 2018
Research Assistant.
Following the completion of my PG Diploma I developed a keen interest in research where I was fortunate enough to work as a research assistant in Trinity College Dublin. Here, along with esteemed Psychiatrist and CBT expert, Dr Brian Fitzmaurice I began to develop an online simulation based education tool for the purpose of teaching mental health professionals how to effectively deliver CBT to clients.
February 2020 - Present
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist & Clinical Nurse Specialist
While completing my MSc in Trinity College Dublin in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy I accepted a job working at one of Ireland's largest maternity hospitals as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Mental Health and CBT Therapist. In my short time here I established the CBT department and have become active in research studies in mental health problems and continue to engage in research with Trinity College Dublin.
CBT Solutions Team
Dr Emma O'Byrne
Dr Emma O’Byrne is a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in anxiety, depression and relational issues. Dr. Emma obtained a BA Psychology from University College Dublin, an MSc Health Psychology from Middlesex University in London and her Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College Cork.
Clinically Dr Emma has a strong understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other therapeutic modalities that are molded together to ensure the highest quality of therapeutic service.
She is a graduate member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M13131) and works in line with best practice guidelines, as well as engaging in regular continuous professional development. Dr. Emma has a breadth of clinical experience working with a combination of adult and child/adolescent clients with a varying level of mental health difficulties from mild to severe. In all settings Dr. Emma has helped many clients come to an understanding of their problems and consequently has offered focused and practical support, as well as more in-depth therapeutic work, to improve the client’s mental health, wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Dr. Emma’s Doctoral Research was based on interventions that can support the attachment relationship and consequent psychological wellbeing of children and their caregivers. This work is published in the Journal of Infant Mental Health (O’Byrne, E., McCusker, C., & MacSweeney, S. (2022). The impact of the “Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up” program on attachment related parent behaviour – a systematic review. The Journal of Infant Mental Health), and will be presented at the World Association of Infant Mental Health Annual Congress 2023. Dr. Emma describes her learnings and take homes from this research as: change in even the most challenging circumstances is possible with the right support.
Alan Dignam
Alan is a highly skilled psychotherapist with a unique blend of gold standard clinical practice, lecturing and research. Starting with his BA in Integrative Psychotherapy before completing his Masters in Pluralistic Psychotherapy. Education is the key to delivering a high-quality psychotherapy practice to clients and this is one reason Alan is currently completing his Doctorate in Psychotherapy in Dublin City University. Academically Alan is heavily involved with therapist education and is a lecturer in psychotherapy IICP. Alan divides his time between his clinical practice and lecturing.
Alan is a fully accredited Psychotherapist with the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists(IACP) and have extensive experience treating and managing clients with complex mental health problems. Alan is also a keen researcher in mental health problems and has presented this research on numerous occasions to a national conference in Trinity College Dublin.
Alan has worked with hundreds of clients in over 2500 hours of clinical practice. During this extensive clinical experience Alan developed his specialty in treating anxiety disorders, low mood, and depression as well as relationship issues and developing a sense of purpose in his patients’ lives.
His clinical training is a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy through a pluralistic lens with psychoanalytic and other behavioural approaches. This allows Alan to draw on a wide range of psychotherapy techniques, skills, and insights to deliver a holistic and integrated treatment approach that is unique to each client. Alan is a highly diversified and skilled clinician that works in a goal focused way to ensure clients achieve what they want from therapy.
Dr James Sheerin
James is a Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping individuals with a history of trauma, relational difficulties, attachment issues, low mood, and anxiety. James completed his undergraduate studies at University College Dublin, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology. He obtained a Master's degree from Leiden University, specialising in Clinical Psychology. His academic journey culminated in the achievement of a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at University College Cork. James is a graduate of the Psychosocial Society of Ireland, and strictly adheres to the ethical, and best practice guidelines.
With a firm foundation in psychological theory and practice, James is well-versed in a variety of therapeutic modalities, allowing him to tailor his approach to the unique needs of each client. His primary focus is on helping clients achieve their highest level of psychological well-being. James’s therapeutic approach is founded in cognitive behavioural therapy, while also integrating other evidence-based psychological models (such as Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Mindfulness) subject to client need.
James has experience in various child, adolescent, and adult services, and strives to provide targeted, practical support, while supporting clients to delve into comprehensive therapeutic work, aimed at enhancing their mental health, and overall well-being. In his doctorate, James completed specialist placements working with refugees and asylum seekers who experienced war-based trauma and PTSD, as well as forensic specialist placements working in the Irish Prison Service.
James’s doctoral research focused on people with intellectual disabilities and their perceptions of rights-restrictions in their daily care. He has published numerous scientific research papers. James is committed to continuous review of contemporary research and emerging scientific literature. This pursuit of new knowledge and dedication to ongoing professional development are testament to his proactive approach to staying abreast of the latest advancements in clinical psychology, ensuring that he continually integrates evidence-based practices into his work.
Dr Aoife Clancy
Dr Aoife Clancy is a Clinical Psychologist with an interest in anxiety, low mood, trauma, relational issues and health-based difficulties. Aoife’s studies began at University College Cork where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology. She obtained her Master’s degree in Psychological Science at the University of Limerick and completed her Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College Dublin. Aoife is a graduate of the Psychological Society of Ireland, and adheres with best practice guidelines in her clinical work.
She has experience working in child and adolescent services, community adult mental health teams, disability network teams and in various hospital and neuropsychology settings. She has worked with diverse populations, including adults, children, couples and families facing challenging life events, trauma and various psychological difficulties.
In her work, Aoife incorporates a variety approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-based approaches, as well as attachment theory and polyvagal theory. Aoife believes in tailoring evidenced-based approaches to meet an individual’s unique needs and to help create meaningful change in their lives. She aims to help clients to develop a deeper understanding of their concerns, and move effectively toward their goals.
Throughout her career, Aoife has been actively involved in research and stays up-to-date with advancements of psychological knowledge. Aoife’s doctoral research focused on the delivery and evaluation of school based mental health and wellbeing programmes, and she has also completed research in the areas of infant mental health and arts-based therapy.
For more information on services offered please contact below.
Psychological Services
Guidance On Every Step of the Way

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
In my therapy sessions, we’ll work to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behavior. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. I’m confident you'll benefit from the practical approach that CBT has to offer.
Psychiatric Consultation
Feeling a bit down lately and nothing seems to lift your spirits? It might be time to seek help from a licensed professional. My Psychiatric Consultation sessions help patients develop positive attitudes towards life’s most complex and challenging circumstances. Contact me today and let me help you find the best in yourself.

Benefit from my professional experience and wide range of psychological services.
FAQs
How long does each therapy session take?
Therapy sessions typically take from 50-55 minutes.
What is CBT useful for?
CBT has a large evidence base to show it is useful in the treatment of many mental health problems including Depression, Anxiety, OCD and many more.
What Should I Expect?
A warm, welcoming and non-judgmental space for you to discuss your issues and work with a therapist that listens to you and your needs.
How Do I Know I Need Therapy?
If you feel stuck in life or know something needs to change but not sure what or how, then therapy may be able to help you overcome those challenges.

Nathaniel Lambert
“Discussing positive experiences leads to heightened well-being, increased overall life satisfaction and even more energy”

A Bit About Therapy
Guiding You On the Path of Self-Healing
According to the American Psychological Association, Psychotherapists & Psychologists help people of all ages live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Through the use of various psychotherapy methods and collaborative treatment measures, my patients develop life-changing habits to help them cope with any of life’s various obstacles. My therapy sessions are designed to dissect personal issues and provide patients with effective tools to help them see the glass half full instead of half empty.

Treatments
Over the course of my career I have treated hundreds of individuals in over 3500 hours of therapy.
I have experience treating:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety
Health Anxiety
Specific Phobia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Low Mood
Complex Depression
Low Self Esteem
Existential Worries
Assertiveness Training
Developing Purpose in Life
Relationship Issues
Pregnancy Related Anxiety
Postnatal Depression
Perinatal OCD
I tend to meet weekly with clients over a period of time with a goal focused approach that enables clients to best tackle and overcome their challenges.