Michael Daly Counselling & Psychotherapy

17/01/2026

For anyone struggling with gambling addiction, feel free to get in touch.

Gambling problems can affect anyone — and they often affect families too.
We provide a safe, confidential space to talk, understand what’s going on, and get support that fits your situation.

Counselling available in Ennistymon and online.
📞 086 176 3061

Reaching out is a strong first step.

Gamblingcare.ie

22/11/2025

I recently read The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O’Rourke, a beautifully written memoir about chronic illness, the hidden struggles it brings, and the search for understanding in a world that often ignores the pain or even worse, claims it's all in one's head.

So much suffering is invisible: chronic pain, mental fatigue, anxiety. Our bodies and minds are deeply connected, and sometimes the hardest battles are the ones people never notice.

It’s a reminder to be gentle with yourself, and to remember that others might be carrying more than we realise. And when someone you know is struggling with chronic illness, try not to rush in to 'fix' the problem or offer unsolicited advice; it’s often better to just sit and listen with compassion.

A great book, highly recommended if you or a loved one is dealing with chronic pain.

What books have you found useful lately?

22/07/2025

Of all the popular sayings we are taught as children, the one I find most disagreeable is: 'Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me'.

Words can damage us profoundly.

Writing in The Conversation, Professor Eamon McCrory (UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences) argues why we need to prevent childhood verbal abuse

01/05/2024

RIP to the writer Paul Auster. This scene from his film 'Smoke' is one I find remarkably powerful. Slow down.

Smoke movie clips: http://j.mp/1uyGhu1BUY THE MOVIE: http://amzn.to/sZye1GDon't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6prCLIP DESCRIPTION:Paul (Wi...

27/03/2024

25/01/2024

Sometimes we may think, everything will be ok when I am 'fixed'.

It's good to remember that fixed can also mean stuck in one position and unable to move.

How to be undead – Anaïs Nin and D.H. Lawrence on the key to living fully: https://mailchi.mp/themarginalian/alive

29/09/2023

Very true.

10/08/2023

Beautiful words.

This interview took place during the winter of 1977 in Stanley Kunitz' brownstone in New York City's Greenwich Village. The apartment's ceilings are high. A number of modern paintings cover the height of the walls, fitted together in a great mosaic. Many are inscribed from artists of the New York...

09/08/2023

Lovely post about being dyslexic. Arnie displaying true resilience.

I could tell you I am fantastic at everything, but I’d be lying.

I just finished recording my audiobook, Be Useful. It comes out October 10. I could tell you how amazing it was to sit down and record my own words, but the truth is, I was absolutely dreading it.

Here’s my secret: I’m a terrible reader. They didn’t talk about learning disabilities in Austria in the 1950s, so most of the time, when I was asked to read out loud in class, it was just a disaster, and I got smacked with a ruler. But now I know that I’m dyslexic.

When I prepare for a movie, I read the script over and over for months until I’ve memorized every line. I need time and reps to get my mind around the words.

They told me authors ready their books in 2 or 3 days at the studio. I asked for the recording equipment at home and told them I’d do 20-30 pages a day. That way I could log in with the director and producer twice a day for shorter sessions and I could practice non-stop in between.

In this process, I used my own lessons.

1. I let myself dread it and complain for a minute, but then I forced myself to get moving, because denial wasn’t going to get it recorded.
2. I did so many reps I couldn’t count. I broke it up into small pieces, knowing that small wins build up into big victories, or in this case, a whole book.
3. I had the help of a fantastic team. My own team, but also the producers and directors Nithya, Danny, and Kris, and Eric who set up the equipment. All of us need help; none of us are self made.

When you listen to the audiobook, I hope you’re inspired, not just by the words, but by the process of recording them. You can pre-order now at BeUsefulBook.com and subscribe to my newsletter if you want stories like this in your inbox at ArnoldsPumpClub.com

03/08/2023

Lovely piece on how a teacher influenced a young person's life in a very positive way. It really shows the power of metaphor and how it can transform one's way of thinking.

A year of rote learning had sucked the joy out of my last days at school. Then came a speech that taught me an unforgettable lesson about curiosity and growth

29/05/2023

In olden times, the scapegoat was an animal released into the wilderness to fend for itself while carrying all the village's sins and impurities. These days, the scapegoat is often the person in a family or group who are continuously singled out for contempt and ridicule.

Sometimes, they are also the ones who also speak the uncomfortable truth. Although the stories here are very harrowing, I think it's vitally important that they are told and heard.

Family scapegoating ‘typically involves a needy, narcissistic parent whose ego is grounded in portraying a certain image’

18/05/2023

Talent is a factor, but turning up regularly with a sense of curiosity and patience is all-important.

Cartoon by Sarah Andersen