Mary Barrett

Mary Barrett BA. Rel. Sc. and Education, BA Psychology, MA Counselling and Psychotherapy, Dip. Special Ed., Cert. Mindfulness, PSI

“If you allow yourself to be the person you are then everything else will come into rhythm” John O’Donoghue

I have always had an interest in how people think, feel, behave and learn. This drew me towards the area of psychology, which in turn drew me towards counselling and psychotherapy.

My experience has taught me of the importance of viewing each person as an individual despite their presenting issue. I use an integrative approach drawing on a variety of theories and techniques including person centred, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and psychodynamic techniques.

I believe counselling to be a treatment where each counselling session is a safe and regular space for a person to think and talk about themselves and the world they live in.

We are all capable of solving our own problems and finding our own peace of mind. Sometimes we need to understand why we are feeling, thinking or behaving in a certain way. Life can throw situations our way which may seem unmanageable; my aim as a counsellor is to support each person as they gain an insight and understanding into these difficulties, while also supporting them as they make any changes needed to make themselves feel better. It is a privilege to be present in a process where people bring about real changes in their lives.

Counselling can provide support for a wide variety of issues including;

• Depression
• Postnatal Depression
• Anxiety/Panic Attacks
• Grief, bereavement and loss
• Addiction
• Relationship difficulties/breakdown
• Suicide
• Self harm
• Abuse – sexual, physical, emotional
• Coping with disability
• Self-esteem
• Redundancy
• Post – traumatic stress and trauma

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” George Bernard Shaw