Deirdre Ryan-Glass

As an integrative counsellor, I offer individuals the benefit of a person centred approach alongside foundational training in transpersonal psychotherapy and shadow work.  As your therapist, it is my job is to provide you with the conditions that help you find clarity and regain perspective after troubling experiences so that you can uncover what has hurt or held you back and tap into what is true and aligned for you now. The journey of recovery is best when with a therapist who can competently support you to find answers within yourself rather than imposing theirs and advising. Experiencing active listening, non-judgement and empathetic understanding are all vital for this process.  

I am dedicated as a counsellor to support individuals who are suffering due to challenging life experiences or circumstances to over come. My ultimate goal is for you to free yourself from pain so that you can tap into your potential and happiness once more. It is important to share that I come to this role as someone who has an understanding of being both a client with experience of recieving support in my own life journey and as a professionally qualified and trained individual that can be alongside you in your process. 

You matter. Every individual matters and at some point in life, everyone needs time, space and a kind ear to help figure things out. It is important to do this as humans, to be supported when needed, to learn self care and develop inner resilience in order to meet life with aliveness and meaning.

How does counselling help?

I know from direct personal experience and from holding clients as a professional counsellor, the relief that comes in knowing that you are not alone, that there is nothing that cannot be spoken. The benefit of sharing your situation with someone non-judgemental, feeling understood, received, accepted and listened to without reaction is one of the most restorative aspects of the counselling process. This is the validating and healing response that is needed to heal trauma.

How does counselling actually work?

Counselling is not just about coping and managing symptoms, it is about co-regulation; experiencing safety in relationship with another, in this context-the therapist/counsellor. Counselling offers this experience of safety, feeling accepted and free of judgement which supports our nervous system to down regulate from stressful and anxious states (trauma response). Feeling safe is key to treating trauma, difficult feelings and emotions. This in turn enables the individual to deal with symptoms, experiences and conditions such as depression or anxiety. 

The Experience of a safe space and being fully heard:

Experiencing safety, empathy, acceptance and trust has a profound affect in terms of helping us to repair our lives. Such safety enables us to re-wire our nervous systems and tackle issues such as anxiety and depression. We can begin to notice the unconscious defence strategies we developed in response to experiences of trauma, neglect, adversity and other life challenges which can cause further suffering. Examples of these strategies playing out are self harm, witholding or ignoring strong emotions, avoidance of situations we percieve as challenging. All of which diminish our quality of life. Counselling can offer a life line towards positive change.

Embarking on the counselling journey is an act of self compassion that ultimately frees you up to be you, to move beyond survival to thrival and to live a meaningful and productive life.

My promise as your therapist

As a qualified therapist, my promise is to hold your story with compassion, awareness and kindness and treat you with respect using the skills and insight required to support you to find your own answers as an individual. I am here to remind you of your infinite worth, to keep you aware of your unique potential and your ability to overcome.

How I operate:

I currently offer Walk and Talk therapy outdoors, phone and online sessions.

As an experienced outdoor facilitator in mental health and well being programmes, I am finding more and more people choose Walk and Talk therapy. It really serves as an equalizer and removes apprehension around being inside and seated when this might not be a natural choice. Sessions really can be tailored to your need  i.e. online one week and walk and talk another.  Please visit www.walkandtalkmoray.com for blogs and further information.

First session:

During our first session, I will check in with you around agreements that offer confidentiality and safety for your counselling process. After an agreed period we can check in again as to how the counselling relationship is working for you and review how things are going. If you need additional support, I will recommend this. Please get in touch via email dee_therapy@outlook.com, text or phone 07512492360 to schedule an appointment and see if I can be of support.

Walk and Talk outdoor talk therapy

• £45 for 60 min session
• sliding scale for low waged/non-waged individuals. Please enquire.
• Unattended sessions or sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will need to be paid by the client.
• Sessions can be pre-paid in blocks by bacs or on the day of each session.

Sessions can be tailored according to your needs....Walk and Talk outdoors, mix and match with some sessions indoors over the phone or online. I am happy to work with you, in the way that works best for you.

Trainees are offered a free first session in support of their learning process.

I encourage all who come to me for therapy to know that by engaging in this journey, you are the one leading your process of recovery. To recover from life's shocks and wounding equals empowerment. With my support, you will gain clarity and insight for your well being that will enable you to action in your life the changes that will ultimately help you to thrive.