Marianne Gunnigan Counselling and Psychotherapy MIACP

14/01/2026

Wants vs needs — simple in theory, messy in life. This new blog post explores how cultural expectations and caregiving roles blur the line, especially for women and mothers, and offers a clearer way to think about a wants/needs hierarchy so you can reclaim what you truly need (and want). Read more: https://wix.to/oL5qri7

The difference between wants and needs seems simple at first. Needs are what keep us alive and stable, whereas wants are what make life enjoyable and expressive. Yet for many of us this distinction can feel complicated. For women, and especially for mothers, the confusion between wants and needs fee...

27/12/2025

A new year doesn’t have to mean a new you. While resolutions can be helpful for some, they aren’t the only way to step into January with purpose. Whether you’re setting goals, letting go of expectations, or simply taking things one day at a time, this is an invitation to begin the year in a way that feels supportive and true to where you are right now.
Read more: https://wix.to/6JpSFgH

Every year, once Christmas starts to wind down, the idea of New Year’s resolutions shows up again. Whereas, on social media sites in the weeks before Christmas it's wall to wall recipes for creamy, buttery, indulgent recipes, on around the 27th of December it pivots sharply to exercise, diets and ...

16/09/2025

06/08/2025

Feeling the silence of an empty nest? It's a significant life transition that comes with mixed emotions. Explore how to redefine identity and purpose after your children leave home. Read more: https://wix.to/XNvXt3G

31/07/2025

Is everyone a narcissist these days? My new blog post breaks down TikTok culture and its effects on our mental health. It’s time to sort through the drama. Read more here: https://wix.to/5LlBYBE

Let's be honest, most of us have moments when we act a bit full of ourselves. Maybe we show off a bit after a big win or get a little too caught up in our own opinions. That's normal. It's what you might call everyday narcissistic behaviour. It usually passes and doesn't mean someone has a personali...

24/07/2025

Are you feeling lost in the journey to mental wellness? Check out my latest blog post on finding the right therapy mix for you! https://wix.to/vbLwvZo

Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just feeling a bit stuck in life, taking that first step towards seeking help can feel massive. With so many types of therapy out there, it can feel very confusing looking at all the different approaches and each one being pres...

11/07/2025

Discover how to navigate life with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). My latest blog shares insights on understanding your anxiety, helpful coping strategies and finding hope. Read more here: https://wix.to/0b15P3r

Anxiety is a natural part of life. Everyone feels anxious now and then, whether it's before an exam, a job interview, or during an uncertain period. But for some people, anxiety doesn't pass quickly. Instead, it becomes a constant, lingering presence that interferes with daily life. This is the real...

02/07/2025

Did you know that anger can be a warning signal? It's one of the most natural human responses and can motivate us to act. Discover how to understand and harness your anger positively! Read more: https://wix.to/v7prAHc

Anger is one of the most natural human responses we have. It signals that something is wrong. It protects. It energises. It motivates. But in many parts of the world, and especially in Ireland, anger is treated like something shameful. Something to hide. Something dangerous.Especially if you're a wo...

27/06/2025

Have you ever felt the pressure to please everyone around you? 🤨 Explore the roots of people-pleasing and how to reclaim your voice. Read more here: https://wix.to/94hQOQw

Are You a People-Pleaser?If you've ever said "yes" while your gut screamed "no," bent over backward to avoid conflict, or felt like your value was tied to being helpful or liked, you might be stuck in a people-pleasing pattern.From the outside, people-pleasers seem kind, generous and accommodating.....

20/06/2025

Grief is a universal experience, but how we navigate it can differ greatly. In this blog post I explore 'Grief Without Gathering', the unseen trauma of being denied our familiar way of handling death and mourning. Read more: https://wix.to/3nx4TEe

In Ireland, we do death well. That might seem like an odd thing to say, perhaps even inappropriate to some, but to anyone who has grown up in this country or witnessed an Irish funeral, the sentiment rings true. We have cultivated, over generations, a cultural and communal instinct for mourning. We....

17/06/2025

Life can throw us some curveballs, but remember: there's nothing so bad that it couldn't be worse. It's okay to feel your feelings! Dive deeper into this thought-provoking read that encourages embracing our emotions. Check it out: https://wix.to/NIdiuqD

It's a classic Irish expression..."There's nothing so bad that couldn't be worse". We've all heard it or maybe even said it ourselves. When someone shares something difficult, something raw, or painful, we're quick to jump in with:"Ah sure, it could be worse." "At least you've your health.""At least...

10/06/2025

In Ireland, drinking is part of our culture, but what happens when alcoholism enters the family? Explore the nuances of living with addiction in my latest blog. Read more here: https://wix.to/1KgPOOA

In Ireland, drink is part of the furniture. Pubs are where we celebrate and mourn. Pints are offered for bonding, for stress, for nerves, for no reason at all. We joke about “having a few” and slag off the “lightweights.” But there’s a darker side to this culture — one that many families...