Fionnuala O'Donnell

I currently have some availability to take on new clients. I work from Mondays to Fridays, and in the evenings from Mondays to Thursdays. 

Finding the right therapist for you can seem like a daunting prospect, especially as there are so many types of psychotherapy. I will outline here the way that I work, but do feel free to get in touch if you would like to talk about the therapy and find out more.

I work as a psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor. in Islington North London. Once we decide to work together we have regular, weekly sessions where you can come and talk about what is causing you distress. The aim is for a relief from symptoms and a greater understanding of and compassion for ourselves. 

Often we struggle for years with difficulties in our lives, be they relationship difficulties or problems with career or motivation. And it can be that there is no one clear problem, rather a variety of difficulties that can become more or less urgent, depending on circumstances. Of course there are times when an acute problem presents itself, such as sudden illness or loss. At such times we often need someone who is outside of our immediate circle of friends or family to be there for us. 

The relief of being listened to can be profound, and this 'talking cure' aspect of the therapy is hugely beneficial. But as a therapist I will also explore with you patterns of behaviour that may be less available to your conscious mind. This is an important part of the work in psychodynamic psychotherapy, exploring the less conscious parts of our personalities. These are the parts that lead us to make the same mistakes, for instance, time and time again,  without understanding why. And the work can then be challenging, dealing with old defences and patterns of behaviour. But this exploration of our minds is at the core of the work and is what makes psychotherapy so interesting and rewarding.

I see my clients on a once or twice weekly basis, depending on what we agree when we have our first consultation. Each session lasts for 50 minutes. The early sessions are often quite different to subsequent sessions in that I will often ask quite direct questions to establish what has been going on for you up to the point of starting therapy. 

I listen very carefully and compassionately to you, sometimes asking  you to elaborate or explain details that are unclear. This can be a very revealing process where you may remember feelings and events long-forgotten, or ignored. 

Depending on the first consultation, we agree to work either on a longer or time-limited basis. This is dependent on the nature of the issues you bring and how embedded the behaviours are that need to be addressed. It is a discussion, and your feelings are always a major consideration. I use my professional judgement to recommend the best course of action. 

The therapeutic relationship is entirely confidential and the relationship is based on trust. My membership of the following professional organisations, the BACP (of which I am an accredited member), FPC, and UKCP,  and my adherence to their Codes of Ethics, is the guarantee that your privacy is protected and that I am working to the highest professional standards at all times. 

I always like to speak to potential clients briefly over the phone to get an overview of their needs. If it then feels that an initial consultation would be useful we  meet for 50 minutes and I might  ask quite direct questions to find out as much as possible about you and your experiences. Sometimes more than one initial consultation is needed, and we can meet for a second time, only then deciding whether to continue into a longer term therapeutic relationship.