Services

My approach to therapy is mainly Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). I also integrate other approaches and techniques that best suit the individual’s needs. Among these are Person-Centered therapy, Psychodynamic therapy and Mindfulness.

Eating Disorders

Psychotherapy and Counselling in Bray, Wicklow and Arklow.

Eating disorders are complex psychological disorders that affect every aspect of a person’s functioning, behaviour, thoughts, physical and emotional.

They include: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Exercise Bulimia and Orthorexia.

I have specialised training and expertise in working with Eating Disorders. I achieved Professional Diploma Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E), the leading evidence- based treatment for Eating Disorders from Oxford University London.

I also have extensive experience working with Eating Disorders, in St. John of God Hospital Eating Disorders inpatient unit for five years and working within the community for the HSE for fifteen years and in private practice.

Anxiety

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder and separation anxiety disorder.

The advantages of CBT for treating anxiety include: It is a highly effective short-term treatment. Research indicates that over 60% of those who undergo CBT experience substantial improvements in anxiety symptoms. It is the best long-term treatment– CBT teaches you skills that empower you to manage stress and anxiety for life.

Depression

There are many different types of depression, with the severity of symptoms varying from person to person.

Depression is a serious illness characterised by overwhelming feelings of long-lasting sadness. Symptoms can include feelings of guilt, anxiety, irritability/agitation, low self-esteem, diminished motivation, tearfulness, hopelessness and helplessness.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly regarded as the most effective psychological treatment for depression. Research shows CBT substantially reduces the risk of a depressive relapse.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common form of anxiety disorder involving distressing, repetitive thoughts. That makes OCD particularly difficult to make sense of or to explain to other people.
Obsessions are distressing or frightening repetitive thoughts which come into your mind automatically, however irrational they may seem and however much you try to resist or ignore them.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including exposure and response prevention (ERP) is recognised as first line therapy for young people and adults with mild to moderate OCD

Aspergers Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome is part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).The condition is what doctors call a “high-functioning” type of ASD. This means the symptoms are less severe than other kinds of autism spectrum disorders
People with Asperger syndrome may have communication deficits. Because of this, they may respond inappropriately in conversations; misread facial expressions or nonverbal interactions; and experience difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations. Some may have difficulty managing anxiety They may be overly dependent on routines. Individuals with Asperger’s are frequently of above-average intelligence.  
People with Asperger’s are at risk for all of the mental health problems that have been successfully treated using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and for which there are existing evidence-based CBT protocols. They tend to be logical thinkers. This makes them suitable for a modified CBT model, with its emphasis on structure and problem-solving.

Relationships

Healthy relationships with our family, friends, work colleagues and others are vital to our well being. A difficult relationship with a significant person in our life can be managed with the right approach.

CBT can help improve any relationship, from interactions with casual acquaintances, to work colleagues, to those with significant others, such as spouses or family members. There are several well-researched methods to improve the quality of relationships.

Contact

“Dream Big. Start small. Act now.”

Robin S. Sharma

Bray

The Novara Centre,

Fitzwilliam Terrace,

11 Strand Road,

Bray,

Co. Wicklow

 

Arklow

Sheltonville Surgery

15 Ferrybank

Arklow,

Co. Wicklow