Starting counselling · 30 October 2026
How do I know if I need counselling?
Digital Bridge for RC Psychotherapy · Prepared from published practice information and HSE sources. Clinical review by Rosemary Chaney is pending. · Plain-text version
The short answer
You may benefit from counselling if a feeling, worry or situation has lasted for weeks, is affecting sleep, work or relationships, or you keep coping in ways you don't like. You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis. If you are not safe right now, call 112 or 999, or Samaritans free on 116 123.
Key takeaways
- Counselling is for ordinary difficulties too, not only for crises.
- A useful test: has it lasted two weeks or more and changed your daily life?
- Adults 18+ can self-refer to Rosemary; no GP letter is needed.
- Sessions are 50 minutes: €75 in Gorey or online, €85 in Dublin 7.
Do you have to be in crisis to see a counsellor?
No. Most people come to counselling with everyday struggles such as stress, worry, grief or relationship strain. Starting earlier often means working on something before it grows.
The HSE describes talk therapy as a way to work through problems, understand your feelings and make changes, with a trained professional who listens without judging. There is no threshold you have to reach first.
Rosemary Chaney, IACP-accredited since 2005, sees adults with anxiety, low mood, grief, anger, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and the effects of trauma, as well as people who simply want to understand themselves better.
Read more about general counselling with Rosemary.
You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis to talk to someone.
What are the signs counselling could help?
Six common signs are listed below. One is enough to make counselling worth considering; this is not a diagnostic test.
Tick any that sound familiar. Nothing is saved or sent.
Should I see a counsellor or my GP first?
See your GP first if you think you need medication, have physical symptoms, or want a referral to free public services. Otherwise, adults can go straight to a counsellor.
Many people do both: the GP looks after physical health and medication, and counselling gives regular time to talk. Use the guide below to pick the right first step.
| If you feel | First step |
|---|---|
| I'm not safe or might harm myself | Call 112 or 999 now, go to an emergency department, or call Samaritans free on 116 123. |
| I think I need medication or a medical check | Book your GP. Counselling can run alongside medical care. |
| Something has been weighing on me for weeks | Counselling is a good fit. Adults can book Rosemary directly. |
| I can't afford a private fee | Ask your GP about free HSE counselling, or see the HSE list of low-cost options. |
What happens if I decide to try counselling?
You book a first 50-minute session, talk about what brought you, and decide together whether to continue. There is no commitment to a set number of sessions.
With Rosemary you can meet at Bodhi, 14 Main Street, Gorey, in Phibsborough, Dublin 7, or online by secure video. In-person sessions need 48 hours' notice to cancel or move.
See what happens in your first counselling session, fees and cancellation, or how online therapy works.
Common questions
Is it normal to feel unsure whether my problem is 'bad enough'?
Yes, very common. Many people delay because they think others have it worse. Counselling isn't rationed by severity; if something is affecting your life, it is worth talking about. You can say in the first session that you're not sure you need to be there.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. Some people come for a few sessions about one issue; others continue for months to work on longer patterns. You and Rosemary review this together, and you can stop at any time.
Can I have counselling without anyone knowing?
Yes. Counselling is confidential within professional limits, which are explained at the start: for example, if there were a serious risk to you or someone else. No GP letter is needed, and online sessions mean you don't have to travel.
What if counselling doesn't feel right for me?
Say so. A good counsellor will welcome it and can adjust the approach or suggest another route. One session commits you to nothing beyond that session.
Sources and further reading
- Talk therapy: counselling and psychotherapy — Health Service Executive, 2026. What talk therapy is and how to access it in Ireland.
- Types of talk therapy — Health Service Executive, 2026. Differences between counselling, psychotherapy and CBT.
- HSE mental health information — Health Service Executive, 2026. Official self-help and support services.
- Samaritans Ireland — Samaritans, 2026. Free listening support, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a 50-minute session with Rosemary Chaney: €75 in Gorey or online, €85 in Phibsborough, Dublin 7. Adults 18+, no referral needed, 48 hours' notice to cancel in person.
In a crisis, call 112 or 999, or Samaritans free on 116 123.