Anxiety
Anxiety can be debilitating due to constant feelings of fear and panic. We can work together to understand what is causing your anxiety and develop effective strategies to help you take back control.
A safe space to talk
Sometimes in life we may feel overwhelmed by our emotions for a number of different reasons. Family and friends can be a great support at times like this but from time to time we need someone to talk to who is not directly involved.
“If I can provide a certain type of relationship, the other person will discover within himself the capacity to use the relationship for growth and change and personal development will occur.”Carl Rogers
Get to know me
About Me
Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Sharon Sheridan and I am owner of Aster Counselling and Psychotherapy in Leixlip. I have worked in the area of Mental Health Management for over twenty years. I have been professionally trained and am fully qualified in Counselling and Psychotherapy using an Integrative approach.
This approach comes from the belief that there is no one particular therapy that fits all people. As people, we are all different in our wants and needs and an Integrative approach allows me to tailor the counselling to suit your particular situation, drawing from a number of theories, methods and ideas.
I firmly believe that each person has within them all of the answers and resources to help resolve the difficulties they are going through. By working together in the therapeutic relationship, clients are given the opportunity to explore what it is that is causing them difficulty.
I am passionate about the work I do and I believe that each one of us has the right to be happy and experience psychological freedom. Going for Counselling takes courage and you have already taken the first step.
My qualifications include:
- BA Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Diploma in Social Studies.
- Certificate in Adult Guidance.
I am also trained in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).
I am a fully accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to their code of ethics.
A supportive process
How I Work
I offer one-to-one Counselling and Psychotherapy to adults aged 18+.
Finding a therapist you connect with is an integral part of the therapeutic and healing process. I feel that it is really important that you feel comfortable with me. So how do you know if we are a good fit?
I understand that when you first make contact, it is probably a huge and possibly daunting choice for you and I will do my very best to put you at ease. I will get some basic information from you. If I feel I can help you, we will both agree a suitable date and time for your first session. If I feel that I am not the best person to help with your particular needs, I will try to refer you to the appropriate service.
Your session will last approximately one hour and will give us the opportunity to get to know one another. You will also have the chance to ask me any questions you may have. I will get to know your story in a little more detail, and we can discuss what you feel brought you to want to begin counselling. From there, I will explain to you how your counselling might look going forward.
We will also discuss confidentiality and the limits in the session, and I will give you information on my code of ethics. After six sessions I will carry out a review with you to see how you feel your therapy is working for you.
Understanding the process
What is Counselling?
Counselling, sometimes called ‘talk therapy’, is a conversation or series of conversations between a counsellor and client. Counselling usually focuses on a specific problem or difficulty in your life and can help to address or solve this issue.
Counselling is usually a shorter process than Psychotherapy and focuses on present-day difficulties rather than the role of past experiences.
Support for life’s challenges
Why Counselling?
I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential Counselling and Psychotherapy service in the Leixlip, North Kildare and surrounding areas. I can help you to explore thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be difficult or painful to look at.
Stress
We can identify the cause of your stress, learn tools to change automatic thought processes and recognise inner conflicts and unresolved trauma so that you can cope with future stressors.
Self-esteem issues
In therapy, patterns of behaviour, assertiveness, confidence building and self-awareness can support self-compassion and healthier self-esteem.
Depression and low mood
Talking through your thoughts and feelings can help you understand negative thinking patterns, regain a sense of control and learn new coping mechanisms.
Bereavement, loss and grief
Loss can come in many forms. Counselling can help you talk through your feelings, understand the grief process and move towards acceptance.
Relationship difficulties
Working through your feelings on a one-to-one basis may help you understand what you want and gain clarity about how to handle difficult changes.
Sexual abuse
Counselling can help you talk through painful experiences and their long-term emotional, interpersonal, behavioural and sexual effects in a safe and supportive environment.
Suicidal ideation
Counselling can help you get a handle on overwhelming thoughts, come to terms with difficult feelings and discover that what you are going through is not permanent.
Looking deeper
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, like Counselling, is based on a healing relationship between a therapist and client. It is usually a longer process than Counselling and can look a little deeper at the root and background of your issues and where these issues may stem from.
Psychotherapy looks at particular patterns of behaviour that may be hindering you from moving forward. This requires an openness to exploring your past and its impact on your present which can help to resolve past experiences as part of laying the foundation for a satisfying future.
In both Counselling and Psychotherapy, a unique relationship is built on trust between client and therapist. This can help you feel safe to open up and explore your most private thoughts and true feelings.
- Why do you continue to do the same things?
- What is the root of the issue?
- Is there something keeping you from moving forward?
Examples Of Some Of The Therapies I Use Are
Person-centred therapy
Person-centred therapy is non-directive and encourages clients to explore their beliefs, thoughts, experiences and feelings in a relationship based on acceptance, empathy and genuineness.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy involves addressing problematic thinking styles and behaviours. It helps people develop alternative viewpoints and can support people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and social phobia.
Choice theory therapy
Choice Theory is a problem-solving approach for day-to-day living. It helps clients take more effective control of their life, improve relationships and make better decisions.
Take the next step
Contact
I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential Counselling and Psychotherapy service in Leixlip, serving North Kildare and the surrounding areas.
Having a safe space where you can explore what you are going through can give you the opportunity to heal and move forward.
Sharon Sheridan089 435 6968
sharon@astercounselling.ie
