Private Clinic

If you wish to make an appointment please email me at info@stellaomalley.com. Ask as many questions as you like, as it is important that you feel comfortable before making an appointment.  Costs: Each counselling session costs €200 and lasts roughly 50-60 minutes. If you are currently facing financial challenges, I can offer a reduced fee.

Comments from clients

'Perhaps the most significant thing about psychotherapy for me was to learn how to live mindfully, to enjoy the present, instead of worrying about the past or the future.'

‘Stella helped me maintain my sobriety by helping me learn to enjoy life’.

‘I was amazed to discover that I actually enjoyed attending Counselling. I had delayed making an appointment for many years and then when I finally went I was delighted to find out that it can be an interesting, thought-provoking and enlightening process. Counselling is certainly not all doom and gloom.’

- Specialising in -

  • Mental health & well-being

  • Anxiety & Stress

  • Parenting Issues

  • Gender and sexuality

  • Addiction

  • Depression

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Frequently asked questions

  • Is it confidential? Yes. Everything you say is strictly confidential and your details will not be shared with anyone else.

  • What does counselling or psychotherapy involve? Everyone is different and therapy will depend on individual needs, but I generally use a Person Centered Approach within a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) framework. When appropriate I integrate other styles of therapy including a psychodynamic approach within the counselling context. I work on a 1:1 basis, however I also work as a facilitator in group therapy and couples therapy.

  • What are the different types of counselling and pyschotherapy? There are many different styles of counselling and psychotherapy, and different therapists work in different ways depending on which style they are trained in. It could be argued that counselling is basically either directive or non-directive. Directive counselling is often Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - the counselor may suggest some course of action or can set some 'homework' or tasks for the client. Non-directive counselling is often called the Person Centered Approach - when the client takes the lead in what is discussed and the counselor refrains from giving advice or direction.

  • What is Integrative Counselling?  Increasingly, many counsellors in Ireland use Integrative Counselling. This means that the counselor includes a variety of approaches depending on what is best for the client and the issue.

  • Will I have to talk about my childhood? Perhaps but not necessarily. Many people believe that therapy always involves returning to your childhood and analysing your parents. I don’t necessarily work that way; instead I tend to focus on the present and what changes are necessary for you so that you can choose to live a more effective and fulfilling life.

  • Why should I attend therapy? Many people attend therapy for different reasons. Most people should attend therapy at some stage in their life. It is a courageous and pro-active decision to attend therapy. Unfortunately many people believe that they can, and therefore ‘should’ cope alone. Why? This world is an amazing, bewildering, surprising yet disturbing place. For those of us who have the opportunty, it is arguably our responsibility to at least try to live a life that feels authentic – and if you aren’t content in your life it is your choice to either ignore it or to attend to it by attending therapy.

  • How long will the therapy take? I am aware that some people are afraid that therapy won’t suit them and it might cost them lots of money. Therefore I offer one free trial session if you are nervous about attending therapy. Therapy can take months or you can also choose to go for brief therapy where you may want to attend for 8 sessions. We discover the goals you would like to achieve in the first session and we focus on these goals.

  • How often are the sessions? Once a week is ideal however it depends on the client's circumstances. Each session lasts one hour.

  • Do I need a therapist who specialises in a specific area? Some therapists specialise in certain areas e.g. addiction, bereavement etc. You may prefer to work with someone who specialises in a given area or you may instead prefer to work with some with whom you feel you can relate to or has been recommended to you. There is no right or wrong answer, it's your decision and it is better if you trust yourself when you choose your therapist.

  • When can I book an appointment? Appointments can be made at a time to suit your needs. Please contact me directly to discuss your specific requirements.

  • How should I pick a therapist? It is very important that you feel at ease with your therapist. I recommend that you consider different therapists before making an appointment and consider whether you think you would feel comfortable with their approach. Follow your gut instinct; personal recommendations are very useful however different people have different needs in a therapeutic relationship.

  • Do I need a referral from my doctor? No, you can visit a psychotherapist without a referral from your doctor if you wish.