MEET OUR THERAPISTS

Brendan O'Connell

Chartered Senior Psychologist & Associate.

Brendan is a chartered counselling psychologist and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Psychological Society of Ireland in recognition of his contribution to psychology within Irish Society. Brendan has over twenty years clinical experience working in the public health sector. He is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Galway within the doctoral training programme in clinical psychology since 2007. Brendan also leads on in-service training programmes for psychologists within the public sector and has been an invited speaker at the American Psychological Society and at Tedx events. He has a life long commitment to increasing access to evidence based therapies. Brendan has expertise in assessment, formulation and intervention with a broad range of mental health issues. These include:mood and anxiety; the impact of trauma; psychosis; and personality disturbance. His work affirms LGBT+ and neurodiverse identities and communities. Brendan currently works with adult clients at My Psychology Ireland.

Dr Abidemi Samuel

Counselling Psychologist & Associate

Abidemi Samuel (Abby) is a compassionate and experienced Counselling Psychologist accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). She holds a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Coventry University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dublin Business

School.

Abby’s integrative therapeutic approach combines person-centred, psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques. This allows her to tailor the therapy to

each client’s unique needs, providing a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their struggles with empathy and understanding. Abby places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, believing that developing a meaningful therapeutic alliance between therapist and client is central to the therapeutic process.

Abby has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing a wide range of challenges, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, self-harm, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, and more.

She is particularly mindful of the importance of cultural considerations, including race, religion, age, disability, and sexuality, ensuring an inclusive and respectful environment for all. Her practice deeply values individual differences, honesty, and integrity. Abby is dedicated to empowering her clients to gain self-awareness, foster self-compassion, and discover their own answers. She provides a warm, compassionate environment where clients feel supported and safe to explore their inner worlds. Abby’s ultimate goal is to help her clients live authentically and

confidently as they navigate their paths to healing and self-understanding.

Dr Komal Hamid

Chartered Senior Clinical Psychologist & Associate

I am a Chartered Senior Clinical Psychologist with more than 9 years’ experience offering clinical services in hospital, private practice and organisational contexts. I have worked with a wide range of individuals across different age groups, addressing various psychological, health related, emotional and interpersonal difficulties.

I have specialised in short and long term psychotherapy using an integrative approach tailored to meet each client's individual needs. My goal is to support clients to explore the complexities of their internal world, and to gain an understanding of and find relief from distressing feelings, thoughts, behaviours and interpersonal difficulties. Painful feelings and problems are part of being alive. My aim is to address the pain, grief and growth that result from problems and help them to understand how they have arrived, where they are today, and how to make changes for the better.

Dr Christina Power

Chartered Clinical Psychologist & Coaching Psychologist

Christina is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist and a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). She is also a qualified Coaching Psychologist, registered with the ISCP and EMCC.

Christina has 18 years’ experience of working with adults and young people presenting with a range of mental health, emotional and behavioural problems across various settings in the Republic of Ireland and UK. She currently works in private practice and with the NHS, where she worked for 14 years across general mental health services and specialist teams for gambling

addiction, neurodiversity (ADHD), a trauma service for veterans and those with enduring complex mental health needs.

Christina has a strong interest in neurodiversity (ADHD), trauma, stress related conditions, anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social and phobias), low self- esteem, sleep problems, and gambling and gaming addiction. She also enjoys working with adults working in highly pressurised environments and those adjusting to significant life changes.

Christina is an evidence based practitioner and is trained in psychological assessment and several psychological interventions such as, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion, Focussed Therapy (CFT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). Christina works diligently, ethically, and sensitively to support people at the most difficult times.

Rachel Counihan

Chartered Senior Clinical Psychologist

Rachel Counihan is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist accredited by both the Psychological Society of Ireland and the British Psychological Society. With over 30 years of clinical

experience, she offers compassionate, client-centred support to individuals across the lifespan. Rachel has worked extensively with children, adults, and older adults experiencing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions.

Rachel's therapeutic approach is integrative and deeply collaborative. She is trained in Systemic (Family) Therapy and Narrative Practice. She recently completed further training in

Adelaide, Australia. She places great emphasis on understanding how identity is shaped by cultural, relational, and historical contexts. Her work draws from multiple evidence-based

therapeutic models to meet the unique needs of each client and support their overall well- being.

Having recently returned to Ireland after a year working in New Zealand’s Mental Health Service for Older Adults, Rachel brings a wealth of clinical experience. She has previously worked in the HSE, Jigsaw, and Rehabilitation Services. She is committed to fostering meaningful, lasting change for her clients and feels privileged to be part of their journey toward greater self-understanding and resilience.

Qualifications & Professional Background

 Chartered Clinical Psychologist (PSI & BPS)

 Systemic (Family) Therapy training (Clanwilliam Institute)

 Over 30 years of clinical experience with both children and adults

 Previous work with HSE, Jigsaw, Rehabilitation Services, and Mental Health Services for Older Adults

How I Work

My approach is warm, collaborative, and flexible. I focus on building strong therapeutic relationships and tailoring sessions to meet each client’s needs. I believe in empowering individuals by helping them explore their stories and values, always with a deep respect for their cultural and relational context.

Who I Work With

 Children, adults, and older adults

 Individuals and families

What Clients Can Expect

Clients can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where they are listened to and supported.

Sessions are collaborative and respectful, with a focus on helping individuals better understand themselves and move toward their goals with confidence and clarity.

Specialist Areas / Interest

 Grief and Loss

 Anxiety and Depression

 Life Transitions

 Family and Relationship Challenges

 Narrative Therapy

 Older Adult Mental Health

Location & Availability

 Available for in-person sessions

Currently accepting new clients

Outside of work, I enjoy walking in nature, reading, travel and spending time with my family.

DR PATRICIA BARBER

Chartered Counselling Psychologist & Director

My Psychology Ireland was founded in 2022 by Dr Patricia Barber. Patricia is a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist and a Chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

Patricia worked in Scotland for five years prior to moving back to Ireland where she worked within the NHS. In 2021 she opened her own practice in Galway City which has quickly expanded to My Psychology Ireland.

Across her career she has worked in a variety of mental health teams, including working within secondary and higher education colleges, third sector organisations and the National Health Service (NHS). Patricia is passionate about working with children and young people dealing with anxiety & depression. Patricia has worked extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma of various natures and has a passion for providing evidence based psychological therapy to survivors of abuse. Patricia offers neuroaffirmtaive interventions to clients for mental health difficulties and those wishing to understand further about their diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia & more. Patricia offers a limited number of Adult & Young people ADHD assessments each month, please contact us to find out more.

As a Counselling Psychologist Patricia is trained in Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural therapy. She also has experience working with parental alienation, reunification therapy and family based therapy.In recent years Patricia has undergone further training in Schema therapy & EMDR therapy. Offering these interventions to clients who best suit the modality.

Occupational Therapists

Farah Jalilvand

Occupational Therapist & Associate

Farah is a CORU- and HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with extensive experience across paediatric and mental health settings in Ireland and the UK. She began her career with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, before completing a Postgraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy at London South Bank University.

Farah has worked widely in paediatric services, including school health teams, early years pathways, and community OT. She has supported children with autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, sensory processing difficulties, developmental delay, and physical disabilities. Her work has included developing independence in self-care, handwriting and motor skills, sensory regulation, and daily routines, while also coaching families and teachers to embed strategies in everyday life.

In addition to her paediatric work, Farah has held senior and managerial positions in adult mental health within an NHS Eating Disorder Service in London. In this role, she balanced leadership responsibilities with direct clinical practice, supporting adults to improve their physical health, develop skills in meal planning, daily routines, and social participation. She delivered both group and individual interventions aimed at restoring independence, building sustainable routines, and promoting meaningful recovery.

Across her career, Farah has worked with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and with complex needs, always focusing on practical, client-centred goals such as building independence in daily activities, managing sensory and emotional regulation, developing vocational and social skills, and supporting meaningful participation at home, school, and in the community.

Farah is experienced in using both standardised and non-standardised assessments to inform individualised, evidence-based treatment plans, and is committed to ensuring clients and families feel supported, empowered, and motivated throughout the therapeutic process.

Administrative Team

Office Administrator

My name is Jennifer. I am originally from Roscommon.

I have worked in customer service in retail prior to completing a HND in business in Belfast metropolitan college from September 2009 until May 2011. I then went on to further my education in GMIT in september 2011 and graduated with a business degree in 2014.

I previously worked in a private practice for 7 years for a busy multi-disciplinary team including clinical psychology and physiotherapy where I was responsible for the smooth running of the centre which involves excellent customer service and administration.

In my spare time I like reading and going for walks.

If you are unsure how to book an appointment or anxious about the first steps you can find out more here.