Your First Step Counselling and Psychotherapy

23/07/2025

Say how you feel, name the behavior, and state what you need.

13/07/2025

No one needs to justify things that don't need defending.

23/02/2025

20/02/2025

Panic attacks are sudden, with clearly defined symptoms.

19/02/2025

Don't withhold love. Redefine it.

16/04/2023

We would like to welcome the newest member of our team, Audrey, to you all. Here is a little bit about Audrey and how she works.

01/06/2022

Depression can be a devastating illness that affects your body, mood, behaviour and thoughts. It is not a sign of weakness or failure, and it's not something that can be changed overnight. Without treatment, symptoms can be present for years, preventing you from functioning to your full ability.

Living with depression can be incredibly difficult, for both those suffering and those around them. However, due to the nature of the condition seeking help can often be delayed.

Do I have Depression?
For some, an obstacle to them seeking help is understanding whether they actually have depression or not. Before we go into the symptoms of depression, it's important to point out that if you are struggling with your emotions and feel unable to cope - it could be worth seeking support. You are worthy of help, no matter how trivial you may perceive your problems to be.

Speaking to a psychotherapist or counsellor can help you to better understand what is going on and explore your feelings in a safe, judgement free space. A psychotherapist can also support you to find your own ways to cope with what you are going through – and suggest different strategies and self-care techniques. This can range from self-help tips and breathing exercises, to psychotherapy and/or medication. Everyone is different and will need differing levels of support.

What does Depression feel like?

Depression can have many symptoms and here is a list of some of the more common ones.

You may feel:
• worthless
• you have no motivation or interest in things you used to enjoy
• like life isn’t worth living
• constantly anxious or tearful
• like you can’t concentrate
• indecisive
• irritable and intolerant of others
• you are not getting enough enjoyment out of life
• you have a lack of self-esteem

You may experience:
• changes in your sleeping pattern
• changes in appetite
• tiredness and a loss of energy
• persistent headaches and/or stomach upsets
• chronic pain
• loss of libido

You may also:
• neglect your hobbies and interests
• isolate yourself from family and friends
• feel less sociable
• be less productive at work

In some circumstances, you might not even notice that you have developed depression, especially if it has been a gradual process over several weeks or months. Sometimes it takes a friend, a family member or a partner to point out that you may have a problem and need some help.

If you would like some support with your mental health, you can contact us at 0857340010 or through the form on our website (yourfirststepcounselling.ie).

29/05/2022

What is Bereavement?

Bereavement describes the sense of loss and grief we feel after a significant event in our lives, e.g., the death of someone we care about.

It is normal to feel angry, sad or lonely in these circumstances, such as when a loved one dies or leaves. Even the loss of a pet can have a major psychological effect. Working through your feelings with a psychotherapist can help you come to terms with your loss.
Grief can shake everything up - your beliefs, your routines, and even your sense of normality. Counselling aims to help people find a place for their loss so they can carry on with life and eventually find acceptance. You may have heard of ‘stages of grief’ before. Not everyone experiences the same stages of bereavement at the same time or in the same order, though most people generally go through the following four stages at some point:

• accepting that your loss really happened
• experiencing the pain that comes with grief
• trying to adjust to life without the person who died
• putting less energy into your grief, finding a new place to put your energy and moving on

Most people go through all of these stages, but not everyone moves between them smoothly. Sometimes, people get stuck on one stage and find it difficult to move on – but that’s OK. The important thing is to take your time to process your feelings in a way that feels right for you.

21/05/2022

Please consider taking a few minutes to read this petition aimed at reforming mental health services in Ireland. In particular, point number 2. If you feel it is important that the government regulate the profession then please consider signing.

https://www.change.org/p/reform-irish-mental-health