so, What brings you to therapy ?
WELL, PEOPLE COME TO THERAPY FOR ALL SORTS OF REASONS.
Something may have happened. Something may keep happening. You might feel anxious, low, angry, overwhelmed or stuck. A relationship may be struggling. Life may have changed. You may have received a diagnosis. Or perhaps, on paper, everything looks reasonably fine, but somehow it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes, in the parts of ourselves we don't tend to talk about at parties, there's a voice screaming to be heard.
Sometimes the thing that brings us to therapy is the thing.
Sometimes it's part of something else.
Sometimes several things overlap.
And sometimes we don't know yet.
Not knowing but being open to discuss, can be a perfectly reasonable place to begin.
ok Then, what actually is therapy.
Psychotherapy and counselling offer a professional relationship in which to explore difficulties, understand patterns and work towards change. This may involve making sense of earlier experiences, responding to what is happening now, or finding a different way forward, often all three together.
Your therapist’s role is to work with you: listening carefully, asking questions, helping you recognise patterns and using appropriate therapeutic methods. Together, you agree what to work towards and review what is helping.
Coaching may often be appropriate and focuses on goals, decisions and practical action, helping you develop direction and agency.
At Fathom, we begin with what brings you here. You don’t need to know which service you need before starting a conversation.
A space to explore what’s happening in your life, understand yourself better, and find a way forward, with someone alongside you.
Click to view conceptualisation of therapy.
Understanding what has shaped us can open up possibilities for what comes next.
As Humans,WE INHERIT A PAST,
INHABIT A PRESENT,
IMAGINE A FUTURE,
AND DO ALL THREE
IN RELATIONSHIP WITH
OTHER PEOPLE.
NONE OF THIS HAPPENS IN ISOLATION.
We live in bodies, in families and relationships, in communities and cultures, in workplaces and homes. We are shaped by biology and temperament, by what has happened to us, by the choices we've made, and by circumstances we didn't choose.
Our past can influence how we experience the present. Our present can change how we understand the past. What we imagine about the future can shape what we do today.
And all of these things interact.
Which means there may not always be one reason we feel, think or behave as we do, seldom is any one thing the cause or solution to any one thing.
Understanding a person means being curious about the world within them and the world around them.
OKAY. BUT HOW
DOES THIS ACTUALLY
WORK?
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No. That's part of our conversation. You don't need to diagnose yourself or work out which therapeutic approach might suit you before getting in touch. Fundamentally therapy modalities are just heuristics, or a viewpoint in how to approach a clients world.
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Tell us a little about what brings you here, via our questionnaire. From here, we arrange an initial conversation, we listen, ask some questions and Fathom with you about what might be helpful.
This is pre therapy support, non committal conversations can be booked Mondays or Friday, taking circa 15 mins.
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You don't have to choose from a catalogue of photos with attached modality blurb. Fathom listens to you and will recommend a therapist we believe may be a good fit and explain why. You decide whether that feels right.
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That's okay too. Starting a conversation doesn't commit you to therapy. Sometimes figuring out what might help is part of the starting point.
A simple point : Whether you think therapy is right for you or not, either way you are right.
A conversation will help you decide and if its not for you, we will be here if you change you mind.
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Tell us. Fit matters.
Carl Jung's famous quote—"Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul"
We can talk about what isn't working and consider whether a different therapist or way of working might suit you better.
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Start a conversation. You don't need to have the rest figured out yet.
You bring you, and we will meet you there.
If you are a returning client and wish to re-engage with previous therapist, simply book a session.
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All sessions are currently online. Research suggests that therapy delivered online can achieve outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for many common difficulties. We’ll discuss whether online working is appropriate for your needs.
We are actively sourcing premises for in-person sessions and will let clients know when this option becomes available.
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Our current online service offers individual counselling and psychotherapy for people aged 16 and over.
You may be facing a particular difficulty, noticing recurring patterns, or simply wanting to understand yourself better. You don’t need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of what brings you here.
For those aged 16–17, we discuss suitability, consent and confidentiality before sessions begin.
We plan to introduce in-person services for couples, families and children, including play therapy, once suitable premises are available.
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Individual sessions usually last 50 minutes. We generally suggest meeting weekly to begin with, agreeing a frequency that suits your needs.
Sessions are booked individually. We may suggest an initial six sessions, followed by a review of what is helping and what you want to work on next. This is a starting point, rather than a fixed course or commitment.
The length of therapy depends on your circumstances, the difficulties you bring and your goals. We review progress together, keeping the work purposeful rather than assuming it should continue indefinitely.
Some clients move to fortnightly or monthly sessions as their needs change. Others finish an agreed period of therapy and return later if they need further support. We discuss changes and endings together so they are considered and useful.
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Individual sessions cost €75 and usually last 50 minutes.
Sessions are booked individually, so you don’t need to commit to or pay for a block of sessions.
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Confidentiality is central to our work. As a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), we abide by its Code of Ethics and Practice.
However, Confidentiality has limits. Information may need to be shared where there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s, a child protection concern, or a legal obligation. These limits are explained before therapy begins. Wherever possible, any necessary disclosure is discussed with you first.
Therapists attend regular clinical supervision to maintain professional standards and reflect on their work. Relevant aspects of therapy may be discussed within this confidential setting, with identifying information minimised.
Client records are kept securely and handled in accordance with GDPR and applicable data protection law. Our privacy notice explains what information is retained, why, for how long, and your rights.
These arrangements are explained in your client agreement, with time to ask questions before proceeding.
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We’ll respond to your enquiry and offer a free 15-minute consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss what brings you here, ask questions and consider whether Fathom is a good fit. We match you with the therapist that best suits your needs. There is no obligation to book.
If we agree to proceed, you’ll receive a client agreement explaining how we work, including fees, confidentiality and cancellations. Once you’ve reviewed and agreed to it, we’ll arrange your first online session, at a time that suits you.
You don’t need to share your full story in your initial enquiry. A few words about what you’re looking for are enough.
We hope to here from you !
