Sinead O'Hare Counselling and Psychotherapy

10/01/2023

When you think of the people in your life, do you ever wonder why you think of them in that way? Similarly, when you think of yourself, do you ever consider what way others might perceive you or even question why you perceive yourself in a certain way?

The judgements we make about others, the roles that we seem to evolve into, the idea that we are just the way we are and that's it.

Are these things predetermined? Or are they organically created by our own individual experiences?

This video by Caroline Myss on Archetypes is a very interesting (and entertaining!) explanation on the Carl Jung theory.

Caroline Myss's keynote address from the 2013 Hay House I Can Do It Conference.Click here to view additional free content from Caroline: https://bit.ly/3nE1D...

31/12/2021

Wishing you all a healthy, happy, and safe New Year ❤

18/09/2021

*Image below - Autobiography in Five Short Chapters by Portia Nelson*

Our journey through life is built on the messy bits. The ability to trudge through the hard lessons. The avoidance, the missteps, the struggle.

Sometimes it's nice to be reminded of where we have come from and also where we are going.

It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that not having control over a circumstance is the same as not having control at all. We always have ownership over our reaction and response, though it can be hard to see sometimes and maybe hard to accept.

But if we can find a space where we can allow ourselves to learn and grow through mistakes, maybe it will be a little easier to reach.

This is your story; what is your next chapter?

12/08/2021

How do you feel today?
We often don't take the time to check in with ourselves. Life can be busy, overwhelming, or we simply don't think to do it. Even when asked by people during the day, we usually come back with a 'yeah, fine' (or in Ireland, 'yeah, grand'). We don't delve too deep.

If we do, we rarely get passed the 'tired' sensation. A cover all bases term, that can convey our general energy levels. But can you tell where the tiredness is coming from?

What if you were to take a minute and reflect on how you really feel; in your body, in your mind, in your emotions?

Making that connection with ourselves only takes a minute but can really help us to see what we really need. Maybe the tiredness isn't physical but mental, because you've been so overwhelmed at work. Maybe a lack of motivation isn't mental but emotional because you've given a lot of support to loved ones lately.

When we know what the feeling really is, we might be able to give ourselves what we really need to feel a bit better. 💕

05/06/2021

As we celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community this month, let us remember how much work there still is to do in terms of equal parental rights for same s*x couples, trans rights, and support.

Check out LGBT Ireland for more information and to donate to help them give thousands of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community the access to much needed services.

LGBT Ireland Helpline is open 7 Days a Week. Freephone: 1800 929 539 or go to www.lgbt.ie to chat to one of our trained volunteers in confidence.

Out of Hours: freephone the Samaritans on 116-123 available 24/7, 365 days a week.

RCN: 20159672

17/04/2021

Often it can feel like our reaction to something is immediate. We are faced with something either upsetting or challenging and we find ourselves spiralling into anxiety or negative thinking.

What would it be like to slow this process down? To find this space that Frankl talks about in this quote?

When we can start build awareness around how our thoughts can affect our feelings and our feelings can affect our behaviour, we can begin to see patterns. The patterns that work for us and the patterns that don't.

If we can learn to identify the thoughts that usually lead us to feeling badly, we can question them. Is this based on fact or feeling? Is this the worst case scenario or a likely scenario? If a friend were thinking this, what would you say?

Give yourself a chance to slow down, take a breath, and find that space to choose a response that works for you. 💕

04/03/2021

Change can be difficult. It's strange to say but sometimes we get comfortable in a dark place because we have been there so long. It's painful but familiar.

We can so desperately want to change but also be blocked by the fear of the unknown. What if it doesn't work? What if I feel worse than I already do? Maybe better the devil you know.

It can be hard to recognise just how much energy we spend trying to hold things together when we feel like they are falling apart. What would it be like to just let it fall? What would happen? Let the initial fear move through you and imagine the next feeling.

This doesn't have to be done alone. Reaching out to family, friends, health care professionals can offer you a shoulder to lean on while you learn to let go of the weight of the world. Yes, it is hard and sometimes painful but nothing like what you are enduring already where you are. 💕

21/02/2021

As we move through life, we might try on different masks and personalities to try to find the one that seems to fit. Trying to hold up a particular mask to the world so that you might be perceived as ideal or socially acceptable.

But this mask can weigh heavy.

And the protection that it might have offered you before, can also be keeping you disconnected.

Loneliness in a room full of people who only know a version of you.

At some point, we just need to be seen! To feel truly connected to others. It can be frightening to think about letting the mask slip, the exposure of your vulnerability.

Perfection doesn't exist. The only person who expects this of you, is you. What would it be like to just say "I am good enough" and believe it?

15/02/2021

It can be hard to remember to care for ourselves, especially at the moment. Being stuck inside all the time, feeling exhausted even though we haven't done anything, and low motivation.

It is a very challenging time and it's completely understandable if you feel emotionally drained. But what can we do to recharge?

Self-care is when we take time to prioritise ourself. Sometimes it's taking 10 mins to meditate when we're feeling overwhelmed or making sure that we eat properly during the day. Sometimes it's simply pushing ourselves to get our feet on the floor and out of bed that day.

It will look different every day depending on your energy levels but no matter how much or how little you can manage, it all matters.

What were you able to manage today in your self-care?

27/01/2021

Check out this fabulous little book for children explaining the topic of anxiety. Such a great idea for our little ones struggling with big emotions. Written by Áine Murray.

https://instagram.com/the_pain_in_the_chest?igshid=n025mmysz9jc

12/09/2020

We often try to fill what we perceive as an empty space inside with the love and acceptance of others, but it can often feel like it is never enough. What if that space isn't meant for external appreciation but instead the space where we give ourselves that love we crave so deeply? Why do we not give ourselves the courtesy we so freely give to others? Today might be the day to wonder: who do I blossom for?

10/09/2020

Moving Location!
From next week, I will be based in the Dublin 12 area.

In-person and Skype appointments still available.