Fiona Doherty

About me

As a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist I tend to work with a goal orientated, solution focused approach. However, I recognise the importance of being able to offer an eclectic mix of counselling skills in order to meet the unique needs of each individual and their circumstances.

The diversity of human nature dictates that a variety of approaches helps to address different clients' emotional, behavioural and social problems. This may involve focusing on the here and now, the past or the future; it may involve a strong directional component or gentle challenging of underlying presumptions...

I think the linchpin within counselling work is the effective collaboration between counsellor and client which is so necessary to make positive progress. This comes about with the ability to appreciate and respect each individual, their mental and moral makeup and their experiences in life.

I have experience working with adults and young people who have suffered from domestic abuse on all levels where clients have worked through post-traumatic stress, low self belief, anger, anxiety, depression and isolation. I have worked with adolescents in a school setting suffering from a variety of issues including:

• anxiety
• depression
• stress
• anger
• trauma
• eating disorders
• and low self esteem.

I have also worked for an organisation dealing with loss and bereavement where the effects of grief may be unexpected or complicated.

I have a previous background as a Registered General Nurse, the latter part of my career spent working in an Accident and Emergency department. Delivering care involved constantly adapting to suit the needs of the patient on a physical level. The care of their emotional needs was obviously important but time was a limiting factor. As a counsellor I have found that similar skills are required but with emotional well being as the priority. This has given me a great sense of fulfilment and balance as I have been able to approach clients from a different perspective and focus on their psychological needs as a priority.