Frequently Asked Questions

Imagine sitting down for the first time with someone who's here just for you - ready to listen, understand, and help you feel heard and seen. That first session is more than just an introduction - it's the beginning of a journey towards healing. 

It's a safe space where you can ask questions, speak your mind, and share your worries and hopes about what therapy might hold for you. 

I will ask some questions about your past and present, so that we can gain a deeper understanding of what led you here today. It's not just about gathering information - it's about creating a connection, a relationship built on trust and understanding. 

You have the freedom to end therapy whenever you feel it's right for you. 

However, I usually suggest committing to at least six sessions before deciding whether to continue, as it often takes a number of sessions to begin experiencing the full benefits of the therapeutic work. 

In cases of longer-term therapy, it's helpful to take time to prepare for a meaningful and supported ending when the time feels right.

Each session lasts between 40 - 50 minutes. In-person therapy takes place in Malahide, Co. Dublin. Online sessions take place via a secure telehealth platform.

Counselling is for those moments when life feels overwhelming - whether you're facing relationship struggles, stress at work, recent losses, or a deep sense of dissatisfaction you can't quite shake. 

It's about having someone by your side during tough transitions or times of crisis, offering you a safe, non-judgmental space to make sense of it all. 

Together, we can unpack what's been weighing on your mind, find clarity, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself during the process.

Psychotherapy offers deep, compassionate support for those who feel stuck in challenging emotions, unhelpful thoughts, or patterns of behaviour that seem impossible to break. 

It's about going beyond the surface to explore long-standing issues rooted in past experiences - whether from trauma, neglect, or painful memories. 

It can support you with struggles such as persistent anxiety, panic attacks, disordered eating, or the weight of depression. 

Together, we can gently unpack these difficult parts of your life in a safe and non-judgmental space, helping you gain clarity and understanding. Over time, psychotherapy helps you make sense of your experiences and find a path toward greater well-being, healing, and lasting change.

Yes - I am a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapist.

I've completed extensive training and continue to develop my practice through ongoing professional learning. You can find more details on my Qualifications and Training page.

I provide a supportive and collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace.

Together, we work to understand the deeper roots of what you're going through, helping you move toward meaningful change, increased self-awareness, and a stronger sense of self.

I support adults and adolescents experiencing a range of emotional and psychological challenges, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.

I often work with people who feel stuck in patterns such as prioritising others at their own expense, struggling to express their needs, or feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.

Yes, I work with people experiencing eating disorders, disordered eating, or a difficult relationship with food and body image.

I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we can explore what may be underlying these patterns and gently work toward greater understanding, self-acceptance, and balance.

Yes - I often work with people who feel stuck in low self-esteem, struggle to express their needs, or find themselves prioritising others at their own expense.

Therapy can support you in building healthier relationships, both with yourself and with others, and in developing greater confidence and emotional clarity.

Some of the areas I support include:

• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image
• Anxiety, stress, and depression
• Low self-esteem and identity-related challenges
• Relationship and family difficulties
• Trauma and PTSD
• ADHD and neurodiversity-related challenges
• Addiction and codependency
• Anger management and behavioural difficulties
• Bereavement and loss
• Coping skills and emotional regulation
• Domestic abuse and complex relationship dynamics
• Hoarding behaviours
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation

If you're unsure whether what you're experiencing fits into any of the above, please don't hesitate to reach out, and we can explore and make sense of it together.

Yes - I provide workshops, talks, and group sessions for schools, organisations, and community groups. 

Topics can include eating disorders, body image, emotional well-being, relationships, and mental health awareness. Each session is tailored to the group's needs, with a focus on creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment. 

For enquiries or bookings, please feel free to contact me directly:

atvira@outlook.ie