At this time of the year it has become usual for people to examine their lives and measure their achievement, or otherwise, over the past year. Many, having measured and found themselves wanting, will go on to make New Year resolutions so that this year, this next period in their lives, will be more rewarding, will be better. For some, psychotherapy can be an essential part of this resolution.

At a first consultation with a psychotherapist, a client will frequently engage in an examination of lost opportunities, abandoned goals, failed relationships. Frequently, the anguished psychological suffering that underpins this unfortunate history is not evident to others. To their colleagues, friends and even family, a client’s public persona may appear to be confident, assured and successful.

The therapist’s questions will address this anguish in the face of life’s challenges. Each weekly hour will provide an opportunity to explore with a qualified, experienced professional the unconscious triggers and motivations that underlie their symptom. This symptom, which is usually the reason someone seeks out or is referred to psychotherapy, can take many forms, e.g. anxiety, depression, ‘stuck’-ness, relationship break-up, emotional and even physical pain.

A referral for psychotherapy may be made by a GP or another health professional but increasingly today, clients seek out a psychotherapist themselves. When looking to make an appointment, it is important to confirm that the psychotherapist or psychologist is professionally accredited with a recognised body.

Psychotherapists are accredited, according to their qualification, by the Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in Ireland (APPI), the Irish Forum for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (IFPP), or the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). Psychologists are accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Family therapsits are accredited by the Family Therapy Association of Ireland (FTAI).

Professional accreditation requires training to at least Master’s level, clinical training under an experienced supervisor, and a stipulated period of personal therapy. Professional accreditation is a necessary prerequisite for professional insurance. Members of a professional body are bound by the Code of Ethics of that body.

All of our practitioners at Leeson Analytic Centre are accredited by one or more of these professional bodies. The APPI Code of Ethics and Practice is available here.