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.
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.