About

Sheila Lynch

Qualifications

• BA Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy attained in the Institute of Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Professional Certificate in the Therapeutic Use of Mindfulness
• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) HSE.
• Safeguarding Children.  (Clare Sports Partnership)
• Fully insured and pre-accredited member of the Irish Association of Counselors and Psychotherapists (IACP) working in accordance with the IACP Code of Ethics for Counselors and Psychotherapists.

Background

I originally worked and trained in the field of Environmental Health and I have also actively pursued self-awareness and self-development for over 25 years. Life experience and this personal interest led me to completing formal training as a counselor and psychotherapist. 

Whilst completing my BA degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy I also worked as a counsellor and psychotherapist in North Tipperary Services in Nenagh. There, I was dealing with a wide range of issues such as anxiety, addiction, depression, bereavement, domestic abuse and relationship issues. On completion of my BA, I continue to volunteer as a pre-accredited counselor and psychotherapist with Silver Arch Community Services in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. 

Approach

As a therapist, I use a humanistic and integrative approach.  This approach places great emphasis on the therapeutic relationship based on the core principles of trust, respect, safety and mutuality.  The integrative approach draws on various theories such as: Person-Centered, Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, Attachment, Existential, psycho dynamic and Transactional Analysis.  The approach used by the therapist has regard to the client’s presenting issue and the client’s way of relating to their issue.

  The person-centered approach has regard for the fact that all people can move towards their own full potential to live a fulfilled life.   According to Rogers, (1980) “Individuals have within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and for altering their self-concepts, basic attitudes, and self-directed behavior; these resources can be tapped if a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided”. This approach also places great emphasis on the therapeutic relationship based on the core principles of empathy, acceptance and genuineness.

As a therapist, I strive to attune to the spoken, the subtle and the unspoken and work to develop a deep level of understanding of clients.  Building the therapeutic relationship with clients is most important in the healing process.