East Clare Community Co-operative
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Family Support Services
What is Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counselling is a talking therapy that enables a person to talk about any issues that may be troubling them. A counselling session offers a safe and confidential place in which a client can explore difficult feelings that may be confusing, stressful or painful. Psychotherapists are trained professionals who assist those who are suffering with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, negative behaviour patterns, debilitating feelings, and various other mental conditions.
The East Clare Community Co-op works from the definition of counselling as provided by the Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP). The Counsellor relationship respects the client’s personal values, autonomy and capacity for self-determination, forming the basis for confidentiality and is essential for establishing such relationships. The counsellor/psychotherapist offers a collaborative helping relationship in which the client can explore specific issues and develop more satisfying and resourceful ways of living.
What is Art Therapy
Art therapy is an allied mental health profession. iacat-accredited art therapists use art media and creative interventions to encourage self-expression and reflection within a therapeutic relationship. The aim is to improve mental health and maintain emotional well-being. Art therapy can promote growth and positive change in people of all ages and abilities. Art therapists work with a wide variety of client groups and in different settings including, but not limited to, education, mental health, statutory and voluntary organisations, healthcare and social services, as well as in private practice.
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What is Play Therapy
Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). As well as relieving symptoms the goal of play therapy can be to build self- esteem and self-awareness, improve ways of expressing emotions, help improve communication, and to help improve relationships. It helps children learn how to develop skills to cope with problems that sometimes occur in childhood and adolescence. The Therapist works collaboratively with children and their parents offering support and guidance through the challenges of childhood, adolescence and the changing life cycle.
Although everyone benefits, play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old (Carmichael, 2006; Gil, 1991; Landreth, 2002; Schaefer, 1993). Teenagers and adults have also benefited from play techniques and recreational processes. To that end, use of play therapy with adults within mental health, agency, and other healthcare contexts is increasing (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005; Schaefer, 2003). In recent years, play therapy interventions have also been applied to infants and toddlers (Schaefer et. al., 2008).
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What we can offer
New online zoom counselling available from our Family Support Services
Private Counselling/Psychotherapy Sessions, Play Therapy & Art Therapy by fully qualified & accredited counsellors.
Confidential & Private Therapy Rooms.
Reduced rate/subsidised therapy sessions available.
This is an essential service within HSE guidelines during the current Public Health Emergency.
Therapists
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MELANIE BROWN MA,MIAHIP
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist
Phone: 087 1277232 or Email: melbrownplay65@gmail.com
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Melanie Brown holds a MA Degree (1st class honours) in Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy & Play Therapy and a Professional Diploma in Adult Psychotherapy. Melanie is an experience psychotherapist for child, adolescents and adults; utilising play therapy, creative therapy, talking therapy and parent mentoring to meet individual client’s developmental needs. Melanie is accredited with IAHIP, and provides a safe and confidential space for clients of all ages to work through their difficulties, and become more empowered and fulfilled in their lives.
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Melanie Brown, psychotherapist, is now resuming face to face work here at the East Clare Community Coop. She is taking bookings for parent consultations, play therapy with children ages 3 to 12, and creative/talking therapy with adolescents age 13 to 18. Melanie also works with adults face to face, and online platforms are an option for this work. Sessions cost 60 euro with a sliding scale, and Tusla subsidies are available for families through the East Clare Community Coop.
Please note - there is now a Covid-19 safety document that clients must consent to before beginning therapy at the East Clare Community Coop.
To make an appointment, you can contact the East Clare Community Coop at ecfamservices@gmail.com or you can contact Melanie directly on:
Mobile: 087 1277232
Email: melbrownplay65@gmail.com
Melanie is providing both online and face to face Counselling/Psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults, and is also providing parental support.
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EMILY WALSH MIACP, MIAHIP
Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist
Phone: 085 2083455 or Email: emilyodpsychotherapist@gmail.com
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Emily Walsh is a Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapist. She studied psychotherapy at the Tivoli Institute and child and adolescent psychotherapy at the IICP. Emily is a fully accredited member of the IACP and the IAHIP. Emily provides a safe space for adolescents and adults to explore issues such as anxiety and depression through talk and creative therapies.
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Due to Covid-19 Emily is currently practicing out of her Killaloe Clinic. If you are in need of subsidised therapy for Adults or Adolescents please contact Emily on above phone or email. Alternatively, contact the East Clare Co-op family support services on ecfamservices@gmail.com.
Emily is now offering zoom online counselling and phone counselling.
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MARGARET CURRAN, IACAT, EEIA
Art Therapist
Phone:0871338218 or Email: info@margaretcurranarttherapy.ie
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Margaret Curran is an Art Therapist with extensive experience in a variety of settings including addiction treatment, educational disadvantage and disability, working with adults and children.
Margaret is a Creative Supervisor and a qualified Art Facilitator with over ten years’ experience working in the Mental Health Services.
Professional accreditation is through IACAT (The Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists) and she is a member of EEIA (The Eco-psychology and Eco-Therapy Association of Ireland).
Margaret offers Art Therapy through the Co-op Family Support Services to adults and adolescents who wish to explore and process their emotions and behaviours through creative expression, within a safe and confidential framework.
No artistic skill is required.
Margaret offers subsidised and Private Therapy
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT
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Contact our Family Support Services via the contact form below
Or Email:
ecfamservices@gmail.com or Phone: 085-1290446
Alternatively you can contact the therapists directly. Contact details for each therapist is listed above.
We are continually updating and re-viewing our services. Please provide feedback for the service you have received. The information you provide will be in held under data protection guidelines and only used as a guideline to further improve our services.
