Services | Cogs Psychotherapy

EMDR:

Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is

an approach most commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress and trauma, but it can also be helpful for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, panic and phobias.

It works by helping the brain reprocessing how distressing memories are stored, so that they feel less emotionally charged and less triggering in the present. This is done through the use of bilateral stimulation, which usually involves guided eye movements (visual) back and forth across a field of vision. This movements aid the brain's natural ability to heal , allowing the memory to be desensitised and linked with more balanced and adaptive beliefs. Bilateral stimulation can also be auditory (alternating sounds to the left and right ear), or tactile (alternating physical sensations, such as tapping shoulders or thighs).

I have completed Levels 1&2 EMDR training with EMDR All Ireland and will be completing Level 3 in November 2025. I plan to integrate EMDR more fully in my practice more in 2026 as I will be working towards accreditation.

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is often used as an umbrella term for over 30 different approaches that explore the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. By developing awareness of these patterns, we can start to make meaningful change.

In my approach, this comes from a place of curiosity, rather than judgement, as we understand how your mind works and find strategies that support your way of thinking and being, without trying to ‘fix’ who you are.

While CBT is known as an active, tools-based therapy, it also offers space to explore past experiences and understand how they’ve shaped belief and responses that influence your life today.

I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my practice, having completed additional training in this area. ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that helps us learn how to make space for difficult thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to eliminate them, whilst taking meaningful action in our lives.

What to expect:

Treatment usually starts with an assessment session, this is a chance for us to get to know each other, to explore what brings you here in a supportive and non-judgmental space. We’ll talk about your current challenges, background, and hopes for therapy. This helps me understand your unique experiences and tailor our work together in a way that best supports you.

The assessment phase often extends out over the first few sessions and may involve the use of visual diagrams to map out and understand your symptoms. This is not only a helpful way to start understanding what you are experiencing, but also helps us create a treatment plan.

If we are working with EMDR, the structure may differ as it can involve a more in-depth history taking process, and identifying specific memories or experiences for reprocessing. We will also spend time developing resources that you can use to feel grounded and other techniques that may be of use prior to the deeper processing work.

Sessions are typically weekly, and last for 50 minutes. Some sessions are up to 90 minutes if needed.

If I feel that another type of therapy may be a better fit for your needs or goals, I’ll discuss this with you. What’s most important is that you receive the right support for you.

You’re welcome to arrange a free 15-minute discovery call if you’d like to find out more.
Sessions are available online across the UK and Ireland, or in-person in Avoca, Co. Wicklow.

Equine Facilitated Services:

Equine Facilitated Learning or Equine Facilitated Therapy

Horses have been recognised for their therapeutic benefits for many years and the interactions that we can have between equines can be used to facilitate therapeutic interventions. Horses are sensitive animals who live wholly in the present moment and interactions with them can encourage us to look inward to explore our own human behaviour and better understand our thinking patterns and emotions. The non-judgemental nature of horses can create a safe space for individuals to explore and address emotional challenges.

Some key components of equine therapy / interactions might include:

Observing and reflecting: participants are often encouraged to observe the behaviour of the herd and reflect on their own emotions and reactions. Working with horses can help individuals to express and process emotions. These experiences can offer a powerful experience that talking in the clinic room may not do.
Grounding techniques: practising mindfulness-based exercises are of great benefit, especially when outdoors, in addition to this, horses can teach us a lot about being mindful, as we can observe how horses live in the present moment, rather unlike humans can have tendency to live in the future, or ruminate on the past. Interacting with horses can encourage individuals to be more mindful and present. This can be particularly beneficial to those dealing with trauma or stress.
Interacting with the horse: this might include participating in activities with the horse, such as grooming, or feeding and in some cases leading the horse if appropriate. These interactions can have a range of benefits, such as learning communication skills and assertiveness, to building trust and setting boundaries.

Our sessions take place in a peaceful, natural setting surrounded by open space, trees, and animals. This calm environment can support grounding and emotional regulation, and may be more appealing for clients who find traditional therapy rooms overwhelming or hard to engage in.

I have trained with Athena Herd Foundation, Level 2 and Level 4 Equine Facilitated Interactions, and am an accredited ACCPH Member (registration number 00002900). This can be offered from Avoca, Co Wicklow, Ireland.