We provide psychological assessments for adults, and adolescents and children. We also provide psychological therapy and Neurodiversity training and support for corporations and businesses, parents, and schools.

A mentoring service is also available to trainee Counsellors and Psychotherapists, and trainee Counselling Psychologists. Fees for this service are available upon request.

Yes, there is much evidence pointing to its effectiveness. Lambert’s review of the research to date concluded that the average treated person is better off than 80% of those without counselling (2005). Earlier reviews by Smith and Glass collating 475 controlled studies across 18 therapy types, also revealed an average treated person was better off than 80% of those who had not participated in psychotherapy (Smith et al., cited in Barkham, 2003, p.34).

Appointments are strictly by arrangement via by contacting us at 083 351 1775. Due to the busy nature of our service, we are not always available to answer your call, but please leave us a voicemail, text, or email and we will endeavour to respond to your query within 2-3 working days.

Please note that we do not operate a walk-in clinic. We are not an emergency service and if you are in crisis, you should make immediate contact with your GP and/or present at the Accident and Emergency Department of your local hospital. Support for those who are in crisis is also available through Pieta House at 1800 247 247

Yes, a free 15 minute free consultation can be undertaken over the phone or via Zoom. This enables us to address some of your queries, and it also allows you to get a sense of whether you would like to schedule an appointment and/or work with us on an extended basis.

Our initial meeting will lay the ground work for future therapy sessions. In addition to information gathering, the structures of the work will be laid out, providing an opportunity for an in depth explanation about the processes involved. Your motives for attending counselling will be outlined and reference will also be given to the hopes and goals you envisage from the work.

It is standard during this time for us to take some brief notes, but this will be the only occasion on which we will do so. The fee for your first appointment is charged at the same rate as all future sessions. If you are satisfied that you would like to continue at this point, we will verbally contract to meet for a minimum of six sessions.

There is no such thing as a typical therapy session! You are free to set your own agenda and bring whatever you want to therapeutic space. If a person is unsure of how to unravel their thoughts, we will make some suggestions about how we can approach and explore their issues – but autonomy for the direction and focus of the work remains entirely with the client.

Sometimes we will continue a piece of work from the previous week, whilst other times clients will no longer feel this is necessary, due to work undertaken both inside and outside of the therapy room! We review the work completed every six sessions, but this is also an ongoing process. Occasionally it may also be appropriate for us to refer a client to another service, but this is always fully explained and discussed with the individual.

If there is a problem or issue that you perceive to be interfering with your quality of life, then therapy may be beneficial for you. Once you establish contact, we can arrange a brief chat to ascertain your options. Alternatively, others prefer to arrange an initial session via our online booking system and commence work at the earliest possible opportunity.

The cornerstone of the work undertaken in Counselling and Psychotherapy is the therapeutic alliance between the client and the therapist. Developing trust in this relationship is crucial for the quality of work entered into and the client’s process. Nevertheless, in accordance with the Children First 2015 Act and IACP and PSI guidelines, there are a couple of exceptions or limitations to the confidentiality between the therapist and client. These conditions will always be outlined at the outset and typically concern information disclosed about personal safety (mainly direct threat to life) and/or alleged abuse or neglect

For privacy purposes case notes containing very brief factual summaries of each session are stored electronically. Client files are the property of Waterford Counselling Centre (and our parent company Big Picture Psychology Limited). Information is retained for seven years for adults, and until a minor reaches the age of 25.

Please note that stringent measures have been taken to protect our clients’ privacy and data, and we have endeavoured to select and employ a highly reputable company with an established track record in this field. We are therefore unable to accept any further responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality (due to unsolicited contact made via any means of electronic communication, or otherwise).

We are all wired in a differently, and we process our problems and issues at a different pace, at different points of our lives. It is therefore impossible to declare a textbook quota of therapy sessions, as being the correct number! Some people may attend therapy over a prolonged duration, whilst for others, two sessions may suffice.

This may be largely dependent on the nature of the issue that brings you to therapy, your levels of emotional resilience, and your access to practical external supports and resources. Generally, it is recommended that a person attends a minimum of six weekly sessions, before reviewing how they might proceed from there with their therapist.

Yes, our approach and commitment to the therapeutic process is exactly the same as if we were working face-to-face with a client. Video sessions (Telehealth) are provided via Zoom, and pricing is the same as in-person appointments.

Therapy sessions are 50-55 minutes in duration for adults, and approximately 45 minutes for those aged under 18 years.

Appointments take place on a weekly basis usually at the same time and on the same day. This regularity is very important for productive therapeutic work. However, it is sometimes possible to arrange ad-hoc appointments whilst some people’s schedules may be better suited by Zoom sessions.

Appointments are easily arranged via our online booking system and/or by giving us a call.

• Adult Therapy with Psychotherapist (55 mins) €90
• Child/Adolescent Therapy (11+ years) with Psychotherapist (45 minutes) €90
• Play Therapy €95
• Art Therapy €95
• Parent Consultation with Psychologist (1 hour) €160
• Child/Adolescent Therapy (11+ years) with Psychologist (45 mins) €120
• Adult Therapy with Psychologist (55 mins) €120
• Couples Therapy with Psychologist (60 mins) €130
• Mentoring Trainee Counsellors/Psychotherapists/Counselling Psychologists P.O.A
• NOTE: Aside from Play Therapy & Art Therapy, we facilitate both in person and online options for all categories of therapy listed above
• All fees are payable in advance.
• Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice forfeit 50% of the fee.
• Appointments cancelled within the final 24 hours forfeit the entire fee.

Revolut and Card payments (Mastercard or VISA) can be made via Stripe, through our online booking system.

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) payment is an additional option and often utilised for assessment payments.

Payments must be received in advance of all appointments – Please see our Payment and Cancellation Policies beneath.

Upon booking your assessment or therapy appointment, complete fees are immediately payable. However, it may also be possible to book an assessment with a deposit of at least half the amount, on the proviso that the entire balance will be paid before the assessment process begins.

If payment is not received within 24 hours, appointments for assessments or therapy may be allocated elsewhere.

We request an absolute minimum of 48 hours’ notice for cancellation of appointments. A fee of 50% will be charged for appointments cancelled 24-48 hours before scheduled attendance.

Full fees are payable if an individual cancels within 24 hours of their appointment, or if they fail to attend.

Psychology and/or Psychotherapy sessions are usually eligible for tax relief. We recommend following up directly via the following link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/health-expenses/what-are-qualifying-expenses.aspx

Eligibility for a full or partial refund is dependent on the cover offered within your individual private health insurance policy. Contact your insurer for exact details of your specific entitlements.

Yes, our Autism and/or ADHD reports are recognised by the HSE, the Dept. of Education, the Dept. of Social Welfare, and other relevant bodies.

No, we accept self-referrals as well as direct referrals from GPs and other professionals.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept medical cards or offer discounted rates at present.

No, our reports are not intended for legal, medico-legal, or forensic purposes.

Ethically, we cannot guarantee that an Autism and/or ADHD assessment will result in a diagnosis. However, we commit to employment of a wholly comprehensive approach and appropriate consideration of differential diagnoses for every client undergoing assessment processes.

Factors such as the young person’s age and personality can help your decision-making process. For instance, some children have higher comfort levels when they are informed about what to expect, whilst others are inclined to feel nervous if they are told in advance.

Young people aged 13+ years old will be asked by us to provide their consent, so it is therefore necessary for you to have a brief chat to let them know that they will be attending an assessment and/or therapy.

Overlooking Ballybricken Green, our practice is superbly and centrally located at 32 – 33 Ballybricken, Waterford City X91 KT1D.

Ballybricken is one of the most historic and characterful areas of Waterford City, consisting of an eclectic mix of residential and commercial properties. For instance, La Alegria Café is almost on our doorstep, whilst John Roberts Square and City Square Shopping centre (at the heart of Waterford’s shopping district) are a pleasant 500m stroll away.

Our newly refurbished offices occupy the entire first floor above Power’s Pharmacy, and clients can discreetly access our premises, via our independent front door on Green Street at the side of the pharmacy.

Please note that wheelchair access to the first floor is not currently available.

Metred parking is widely available at a very reasonable rate directly outside our offices on Ballybricken Green. Alternatively, cheap rates are also available less than five minutes’ walk away on the Lower Yellow Road, the Glen, or at the SuperValu/Hypercentre Carpark.

Yes, the bus stop just outside of our practice is extensively served locally, upon Routes W1, W2, W4, and W5.

For those travelling from locations outside of Waterford City, the Bus Station and Plunkett Rail Station are within walking distance, at just c. 500m away and c. 800m away respectively. Taxis are plentiful at both venues and typically take just 3 minutes to reach us.