Search Results

Ms Ann P Butler Ann P Butler Counselling & Psychotherapy MBR10868 Organization Details of Approach I have a B.Sc. (Hons) Psychology degree and a Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy in addition to a Post-Graduate Diploma in Loss & Bereavement. I have a Certificate in Menopause training. I offer one to one counselling to adolescents and adults in the Carlow/Wexford area. I use an integrative approach, using person-centered, solution-focused, CBT and humanistic approaches. This integrative way of working allows me to tailor each counselling session to the client and their challenging issue. I have many years of experience now of working with clients who are living with chronic illnesses, depression, self-harm, sexual difficulties, menopause issues and anxiety. I counsel clients who have a cancer diagnosis or whose loved one has a cancer diagnosis. I have a special interest in working with clients who have experienced loss and bereavement and have special training in this area in relation to adults and children. I also have a great interest in self-care and positive psychology. I am an accredited member of the Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists in Ireland (APCP), a graduate member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Principal Modality I use an integrative approach, which means using whatever tools, theories, approaches or strategies are needed to help the client in a particular situation. Work Address Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site. Phone Numbers Home Phone Mobile phone: 086 1999658 Work phone: 086 1999658 Fax Email Personal Email Work email: annp.butlertherapy@gmail.com Socal Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Angelist Twitter Website Webiste Title & Link Blog(Title will come here) Blog URL1 Blog URL2

Programme of CPD Events 2024 Get in Touch

COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Complaints are managed by the Ethics & Professional Standards Committee which acts on behalf of the Executive of APCP with regard the development of the Association’s code of conduct and of overseeing the Associations professional standards. ​ This document sets out a structured complaints procedure that is binding on all members of the Association. While it cannot cover all eventualities its aim is to protect the public as well as clients, practitioners and the Association from professional misconduct. These complaints and disciplinary procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they meet with current needs and practices. This complaint procedure supersedes that which has been in effect since the establishment of APCP. 1.1. This complaints and disciplinary procedure applies to all members of the Association, including student members, pre accredited members and accredited members (either Counsellor or Psychotherapy members). Complaints can only be made against registered members of the Association. 1.2. All complaints to the Association must be made in writing stating as clearly as possible the person’s name, address, contact number, the practitioner they are making the complaint against and the nature of the complaint. 1.3. The person complaining must sign the complaint whether this is received through another third party or directly. The Association will not address anonymous complaints under the laws of natural and legal justice. 1.4. Where a formal complaint is received by the Association, the Ethics & Professional Standards Committee, which has responsibility to consider issues relating to fitness to practice, will put in place structures to investigate such complaints within a period of 21 days. 1.5. All complaints will be reviewed and assessed by a professionally competent subcommittee of the Ethics & Standards Committee of the Association. It shall consist of a minimum of 3 members, which may comprise members of the Association or external experts and will be chaired by a member of the Ethics & Standards Committee in order to decide if the complaint constitutes a breach of the code of ethics. If it does, this working group or an appointed person by APCP will interview the complainant. 1.6. On behalf of the Ethics & Standards Committee, this subcommittee shall: ​ Give written notice of the complaint to the member against whom the complaint has been made (hereinafter called the respondent) accompanied by copies of the original complaint, Form a view as to whether the complaint forms a valid complaint, Fix a date for the adjudication of the complaints and to inform the respondent of such date, Issue all parties with the written procedures to be followed. ​ 1.7. The proceedings of the working group shall in all respects be in accordance with the rules of evidence and natural justice. The subcommittee shall be entitled at any stage of the proceedings to appoint any person professionally qualified to advise them on any matter arising and if considered necessary to attend the adjudication to give such advice. ​ 1.8. The complainant and the respondent shall at all stages of the proceedings be entitled at their own expense to legal or other representation, to give oral evidence to the subcommittee, and to call witnesses. Where such evidence is given each party or his/her representatives shall be entitled to cross-examine the other party or his/her witnesses. At the conclusion of the evidence the complainant and the respondent may make representations to the subcommittee. 1.9. The conduct of the proceedings shall in all respects be determined by the subcommittee and be consistent with these guidelines. ​ ​ 2.0. Following the investigation, the subcommittee shall recommend to the Associations Executive that they take one or more of the following courses of action: ​ Dismiss the complaint as unfounded. Give a written reprimand to the practitioner in regard to future conduct. Direct the Respondent to engage in further supervision, training or other such actions as considered appropriate. Suspend membership for a period of up to 3 years. Suspend membership completely. 2.1. The Executive Committee shall without delay notify the complainant and the respondent of the decision of the subcommittee. 2.2. The respondent may within 21 days of the date of the notification give written notice of appeal to the Executive against any disciplinary action proposed or enforced by the Executive. Thereafter the Ethics & Professional Standards Committee shall ensure that another separate subcommittee is convened to consider an appeal. This committee may include members of the subcommittee which heard the initial complaint or may hear evidence from them, but with the exclusion of the former chair. A date will be set for the consideration of the appeal, and the respondent notified. 2.3. The subcommittee, hearing the appeal shall re-convene and commence their consideration of the appeal from procedural point1.7 2.4. Under the laws of the Irish constitution and EU law members have specific rights which cannot be interfered with through this or any other form of complaints procedure, consequently when requested to do so by a court the subcommittee dealing with the complaint may be suspended. 2.5. The Association itself may act as the complainant against members whom it believes have been in breach of the code of conduct or ethics or for other grave matters that bring the Association or its members into disrepute. 2.6. Where a complaint is made of a member alleging an activity that is illegal under Irish or European law, information regarding that complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities as appropriate. 2.7. Where a court overturns the decision of the Ethics & Professional Standards Committee or one of its properly constituted subcommittees the adjudication of the court will be binding. APCP Complaints Committee may find that there is no case to answer as no breach of APCP’s Code of Ethics and Practice has occurred, therefore no action will be taken. Both parties will be informed of the final decision with the reason for the decision. ​ In the case of upheld complaints and that APCP’s code of ethics and practice were breached then the level of sanctions to be applied will be decided by the Ethics Committee including taking the advice any special Complaints Committee into consideration. These may include but not limited to: ​ Mandatory re-training, Suspension of a particular area of practice, Increased supervision and/or work with an appointed APCP supervisor for the purpose of formulating a report to be issued to the Ethics committee. Formal censure, Temporary or full suspension of membership. Permanent withdrawal of accreditation and membership – Recommendation by the ethics committee to the executive board for final decision resulting in the member ceasing to refer themselves as APCP members If a complaint is received against a former member whose membership has lapsed within two years then Complaint procedure process will apply and if upheld then the former member is informed APCP Complaints Committee may find that there is no case to answer as no breach of APCP’s Code of Ethics and Practice has occurred, therefore no action will be taken. Both parties will be informed of the final decision with the reason for the decision. ​ In the case of upheld complaints and that APCP’s code of ethics and practice were breached then the level of sanctions to be applied will be decided by the Ethics Committee including taking the advice any special Complaints Committee into consideration. These may include but not limited to: ​ Permanent withdrawal of accreditation and membership Recommendation by the ethics committee to the executive board for final decision resulting in the member ceasing to refer themselves as APCP members. Get in Touch

NATIONAL VETTING APCP are registered with the National Vetting Bureau. All members have agreed to vetting for purposes of professional practice as counsellors and psychotherapists. APCP acts in accordance with the Code of Practice on Garda Vetting as issued by the National Vetting Bureau in respect of all applications made to the National Vetting Bureau and all data received from them in relation to Vetting applications. ​ APCP acknowledge that all data received from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of any individual is for the sole use of APCP and have given an undertaking that all data disclosed to the Association is managed and protected within the statutory provisions of the Data Protection Act and any other legislation that may be enacted in respect of Data Protection or National Vetting. CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY One of the key fundamentals of counselling and psychotherapy is maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of clients and in that regard maintaining trust and client autonomy. The protection of confidentiality ultimately protects sensitive client information. Disclosure of client information can be either through clients consent or may be mandated through the legal system. ​ Limited confidentiality does apply in counselling and psychotherapy especially where there is a danger to the client or others, this does not infer an ethical breach of confidentiality, as limited confidentiality should be discussed at the contracting stage with all clients. Any disclosures of client information should be undertaken in ways that work to protect client’s autonomy, this is very important in supervision, research and in team discussions. Please refer to the Confidentiality section in the APCP Code of Ethics for further guidance. Get in Touch

Supporting Counsellors & Psychotherapists in Professional Practice WELCOME Why become a member? Find out the benefits and more Find Out More MEMBERSHIP Categories of Membership Find out how to join Find Out More CPD CPD 2024 brochure ​ Find Out More COURSES Counselling and Psychotherapy Courses Find a course that suits you Find Out More Latest News and Opportunities Keep up to date in what's happening..... Find Out More CORU Update CORU Update for Counsellors and Psychotherapists Find Out More TESTIMONIALS This was such a good training session. It really helped with practical tools that you can use in sessions. She explained everything so simply and it just made sense. It has boosted my confidence with the tools I use and gave me some new ideas and at what stage to bring tools in. This is one of the best training days I went to in APCP ​ APCP Member Vicky Jones. ​ CPD: CBT: Putting the worksheets into practice on Saturday 4th March 2023, Presenter Maria Gleeson Get in Touch

CODE OF ETHICS TABLE OF CONTENTS (click on the item of your choice) Status of this Code Introduction Overall Principles The Nature of Counselling/Psychotherapy Ethical Practice & Competence Issues of Responsibility to the Client Client Safety Client Autonomy Pre-Counselling Information Contracting End of Contract – Termination of Counselling Responsibilities to Self and Other Professionals To Self as Therapist To other Counsellors and Psychotherapists To Colleagues and Members of Caring Professions Legal Responsibilities To the Wider Community Social Context Supervision/Consultative Support & on–going Training and Formation Confidentiality Clients, Colleagues and Others Confidentiality in the Legal Process Advertising/Public Statements Research Resolving Conflicts between Ethical Priorities Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures Status of this Code Introduction The Nature of Counselling/Psychotherapy Ethical Practice & Competence Issues of Responsibility to the Client Client Safety Client Autonomy Pre-Counselling Information contracting end of contract Responsibilities to self and other professionals To other Counsellors and Psychotherapists To Colleagues and Members of Caring Professions Legal Responsibilities Social Context Supervision/Consultative Support & on–going Training and Formation Confidentiality Confidentiality in the Legal Process Advertising/Public Statements Research Resolving Conflicts between Ethical Priorities Complaints Status of this Code ​ This is the Code of Ethics of APCP and applies to all members as of 1st June 2010 (last reviewed in September, 2013). The purpose of this code is to establish and maintain standards for members, who are members of APCP and to inform and protect members of the public seeking and using their services. All members of this Association are required to abide by existing codes as may be appropriate to them. They thereby accept a common frame of reference within which to manage their responsibilities to clients, colleagues, members of the Association and the wider community. Whilst this code cannot resolve all ethical and practice related issues, it aims to provide a framework for addressing ethical issues and to encourage optimum levels of practice. Members will need to judge which parts of this code to apply to particular situations. They may also have to decide between conflicting responsibilities. ​ This Association has a Complaints Procedure that can lead to the expulsion of members for breaches of its Codes of Ethics & Conduct. ​ This code applies to all members and member types of APCP. ​ Introduction ​ Overall Principles ​ The code of Ethics outlines the fundamental values of counselling and psychotherapy and a number of general principles arising from these. This code also bears cognisance to the key ethical principles of: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence Fidelity and Responsibility Integrity Justice Respect and Dignity Although these principles may be seen as aspirational in nature, they are the guiding principles for those in the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. The Nature of Counselling/Psychotherapy ​ The overall aim of both counselling and psychotherapy is to provide an opportunity for the client to work towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful way. The scope of both ‘counselling’ and ‘psychotherapy’ includes work with individuals, pairs or groups of people, often, but not always, referred to as ‘clients’. The objectives of particular therapeutic relationships will vary according to the client’s needs. Counselling and psychotherapy may be concerned with developmental issues, addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insight and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others. The counsellor’s/psychotherapist’s role is to facilitate the client’s ways of functioning in ways, which respect the client’s values, personal resources and capacity for self-determination. APCP recognises that Counselling & Psychotherapy can take different forms including directive and non- directive approaches. Only when both the user and the recipient explicitly agree to enter into a therapeutic relationship does it become either counselling or psychotherapy rather than the use of ‘counselling or psychotherapeutic skills’. Members who are acting in a management role should note these differences. It is challenging to make a generally accepted distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. There are well-founded traditions, which use the terms interchangeably. Regardless of the theoretical approaches preferred by individual Counsellors and Psychotherapists, there are ethical issues, which are common to all counselling situations. ​ Ethical Practice & Competence Counselling and Psychotherapy are fundamentally non-exploitative in nature. Both areas of practice are underpinned by basic values of integrity, impartiality, and respect. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should take the same degree of care to work ethically whether the work is paid, voluntary or work related. Counsellors and Psychotherapists do not condone, engage in discrimination or refuse professional service to anyone on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic or marital status. Counsellors and Psychotherapists make reasonable efforts to accommodate clients who have physical disabilities. Counsellors and Psychotherapists shall take all reasonable steps to monitor and develop their own competence and to work within the limits of that competence. The Association recognises the inherent value of appropriate and on-going professional supervision/consultative support and continuing professional development for those engaged in practice. Issues of Responsibility to the Client The therapist-client relationship is the foremost ethical concern, but it does not exist in social isolation. For this reason, the Counsellors and Psychotherapists’ responsibilities to the client, to themselves, colleagues, and other members of the Association and members of the wider community are listed under separate headings. Client Safety Counsellors and Psychotherapists should take all reasonable steps to ensure that the client suffers neither physical nor psychological harm during counselling and psychotherapy. Counsellors and Psychotherapists do not normally give advice but this may depend on the role of the counsellor i.e. advocacy. ​ Counsellors and Psychotherapists are aware of their professional and clinical responsibilities to provide consistent care to clients and do not abandon or neglect clients. Counsellors and Psychotherapists therefore, maintain practices and procedures that assure undisrupted care. Such practices and procedures may include, but are not limited to, providing contact information and specified procedures in case of emergency, or therapist absence and conducting appropriate terminations. ​ Client Autonomy Counsellors and Psychotherapists are responsible for working in ways, which promote the client’s control over his/her life, and respect the client’s ability to make decisions and change in the light of his/her own beliefs and values. ​ Counsellors and Psychotherapists do not normally act on behalf of their clients. If they do, it will be only at the express request of the client, or else in exceptional circumstances. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are responsible for setting and monitoring boundaries between the counselling relationship and any other kind of relationship and making this explicit to the client. Counsellors and Psychotherapists must not exploit clients financially, sexually, emotionally, or in any other way. Sexual intercourse, sexual contact or sexual intimacy with a client, or a client’s spouse or partner, during the therapeutic relationship, or during the two years following the termination of the therapeutic relationship, is unethical. Clients should be offered privacy for counselling sessions. The client should not be observed by anyone other than his/her counsellor(s) without having given his/her informed consent. This also applies to audio/video taping of counselling sessions. Pre-Counselling Information ​ Any publicity material and all written and oral information should reflect accurately the nature of the service on offer, and the training, qualifications and relevant experience of the counsellor and psychotherapist and must show their APCP membership reference number. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should take all reasonable steps to honour undertakings offered in their pre-session details and information. Counsellors and Psychotherapists inform clients of the extent of their availability for emergencies and for contacts between sessions. Counsellors and Psychotherapists obtain written informed consent from their clients before videotaping, audio recording, or permitting third party observation. When therapy occurs by electronic means, Counsellors and Psychotherapists inform clients of the potential risks and benefits, including but not limited to issues of confidentiality, clinical limitations, transmission difficulties and ability to respond to emergencies. Contracting Clear contracting enhances and shows respect for the client’s autonomy. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are responsible for communicating the term(s) on which counselling is being offered, including insurance provisions in place, accreditation, complaints procedures, availability, the degree of confidentiality offered, and their expectations of clients regarding fees, cancelled appointments and any other significant matters. The communication of terms and any negotiations over these should be concluded before the client incurs any financial liability. It is the client’s choice whether or not to participate in counselling. Reasonable steps should be taken in the course of the counselling relationship to ensure that the client is given an opportunity to review the terms on which counselling is being offered and the methods counselling being used. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should avoid unnecessary conflicts of interest and are expected to make explicit to the client any relevant conflicts of interest. If records of therapeutic sessions are kept, clients should be made aware of this. At the client’s request information should be given about access to these records, their availability to other people and the degree of security with which they are kept. The relevant data protection legislation takes precedence here. Counsellors and Psychotherapists have a responsibility to establish with clients what other therapeutic or helping relationships are current. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should gain the client’s permission before conferring with other professional workers. Counsellors and Psychotherapists consult, associate, collaborate with, and refer to physicians, other health care professionals, and community resources in order to improve and protect the health and welfare of the client and may seek this approval when contracting with a client. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should be aware of the provisions of the freedom of information act as it applies to them and other relevant legislation. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should monitor actively the limitations of their own competence (through counselling supervision/consultative support, and by seeking the views of their clients and other Counsellors and Psychotherapists) Counsellors and Psychotherapists should work within their own known limits. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should not counsel when their functioning is impaired due to personal or emotional difficulties, illness, disability, alcohol and drug use or for any other reason. It is an indication of the competence of Counsellors and Psychotherapists when they recognise their inability to counsel a client or clients and make appropriate referrals. Counsellors and Psychotherapists only continue a relationship so long as it is beneficial to the client in a therapeutic sense. ​ Counsellors and Psychotherapists assist persons in obtaining other therapeutic services If a therapist is unable or unwilling to provide professional help, then there is an expressed obligation on the therapist to refer the client, e.g. Other Therapists, Medical Doctors, Dieticians, etc. ​ End of Contract – Termination of Counselling Counsellors and Psychotherapists assist patients when terminating relationships by making reasonable arrangements for continuation of necessary treatment, if it is applicable. It is ethical to terminate a client for non payment of fees provided referrals to other agencies are provided. ​ Responsibilities to self and Other Professionals To Self as Therapist: Counsellors and Psychotherapists have a responsibility to themselves and their clients to maintain their own effectiveness, resilience and ability to help clients. They are expected to monitor their own personal functioning and to seek help and/or withdraw from counselling, whether temporarily or permanently, when their personal resources are sufficiently depleted to require this. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should have received degree level training before commencing counselling, and must maintain on-going professional development Counsellors and Psychotherapists are obliged to review periodically their need for professional indemnity insurance. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should take all reasonable steps to ensure their own physical safety. ​ To other Counsellors and Psychotherapists: Counsellors and Psychotherapists should not conduct themselves in their counselling-related activities in ways, which undermine public confidence in either, their role as a counsellor or psychotherapist or in the work of other Counsellors and Psychotherapists. ​ If a practitioner suspects misconduct by another counsellor that cannot be resolved or remedied after discussion with the counsellor concerned, they should implement the Complaints Procedure, doing so without breaches of confidentiality other than those necessary for investigating the complaint through APCP. ​ To Colleagues and Members of Caring Professions: Counsellors and Psychotherapists should be accountable for their services to colleagues, employers and funding bodies as appropriate. The means of achieving this should be consistent with respecting the needs and rights of the client. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are encouraged to increase their colleagues’ understanding of the counselling role. No colleague or significant member of the caring professions should be led to believe that a service is being offered by the counsellor which is not, as this may deprive the client of the offer of such a service from elsewhere. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should accept their part in exploring and resolving conflicts of interest between themselves and their agencies, especially where this has implications for the client. ​ Legal Responsibilities To the Wider Community Counsellors and Psychotherapists should work within the law. To this end where they are unsure of their obligations in regard to the law they should contact the APCP legal representative for advice and guidance. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should take all reasonable steps to be aware of current legislation affecting the work of the counsellor. A counsellor or psychotherapist’s ignorance of the law is no defence against legal liability. ​ Social Context Counsellors and Psychotherapists will take all reasonable steps to take account of the client’s social context. ​ ​ Supervision/Consultative Support & on–going Training and Formation Professional supervision/consultative support refers to a formal arrangement, which enables Counsellors and Psychotherapists to discuss their counselling regularly with one or more people who have an understanding of counselling and counselling supervision/consultative support. Its purpose is to ensure the efficacy of the therapist-client relationship. It is a confidential relationship. Counsellors and Psychotherapists who have line managers owe them appropriate managerial accountability for their work. The counselling supervisor role should be independent of the line or manager role. Where a Counsellor or Psychotherapist recognises or is in doubt that they need supervision in regard to a specific case they are obliged to seek and put in place such supervision. Whenever possible, the discussion of the cases within supervision/consultative support should take place without revealing the personal identity of the client. APCP will put in place a variety of topics related conference days on an annual basis. Members must attend at least two workshops in a twelve-month period to develop expertise in new areas. This is a specific requirement of membership. ​ Confidentiality ​ Clients, Colleagues and Others Confidentiality is a means of providing the client with safety and privacy. For this reason any limitation on the degree of confidentiality offered is likely to diminish the usefulness of counselling. Counsellors and Psychotherapists treat with confidence personal information about clients, whether obtained directly or indirectly or by inference. Such information includes name, address, biographical details, and other descriptions of the client’s life and circumstances, which might result in identification of the client. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should within their agreed agreement with their clients abide by such confidentiality terms as have been agreed. Exceptional circumstances may arise which give the counsellor or psychotherapist good grounds for believing that the client will cause serious physical harm to others or themselves, or have harm caused to him/her. In such circumstances the client’s consent to a change in the agreement about confidentiality should be sought whenever possible unless there are also good grounds for believing the client is no longer able to take responsibility for his/her own actions. Wherever possible, the decision to break confidentiality agreed between a counsellor or psychotherapist and client should be made only after consultation with a counselling supervisor or an experienced counsellor. Any breach of confidentiality should be minimized both by restricting the information conveyed to that which is pertinent to the immediate situation and to those persons who can provide the help required by the client. The ethical considerations involve balancing between acting in the best interests of the client and in ways which enable clients to resume taking responsibility for their actions, a very high priority for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, and their responsibility to the wider community. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should take all responsible steps to communicate clearly the extent of the confidentiality they are offering to clients. This should normally be made clear in pre-counselling information or initial contracting. If Counsellors and Psychotherapists include consultations with colleagues and others within the confidential relationship, this should be stated to the client at the beginning of counselling. Care must be taken to ensure that personally identifiable information is not transmitted through overlapping networks of confidential relationships. For this reason, it is good practice to avoid identifying specific clients during counselling supervision/consultative support and other consultations, unless there are sound reasons for doing so. Any agreement between the counsellor and client about confidentiality may be reviewed and changed by joint negotiations. Confidentiality agreements continue after the client’s death unless there are overriding legal or ethical considerations. Counsellors and Psychotherapists hold different views about whether or not a client expressing serious suicidal intentions forms sufficient grounds for breaking confidentiality. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should consider their own views and practice and communicate them to the client and any significant others where appropriate. Special care is required when writing about specific counselling situations for case studies, reports or publication. It is important that the author either has the client’s informed consent, or effectively disguises the client’s identity. Any discussion between the counsellor or psychotherapist and others should be purposeful and not trivialising. ​ Confidentiality in the Legal Process Generally speaking, there is no legal duty to give information spontaneously or on request until instructed to do so by a court. Refusal to answer Gardai questions is not an offence, although lying could be. In general terms, the only circumstances in which the Gardai can require an answer about a client, and when refusal to answer would be an offence, relate to the prevention of terrorism. It is good practice to ask Garda personnel to clarify their legal right to an answer before refusing to give one. Withholding information about a crime that one knows has been committed or is about to be committed is not an offence, save exceptionally. Anyone hearing of terrorist activities should immediately take legal advice. There is no legal obligation to answer a solicitor’s enquiry or to make a statement for the purpose of legal proceedings, unless ordered to do so by a court. There is no legal obligation to attend court at the request of parties involved in a case, or at the request of their lawyers, until a witness summons or subpoena is issued to require attendance to answer questions or produce documents. Once in the witness box, there is a duty to answer questions when instructed to do so by the court. Refusal to answer could be punished as contempt of court unless there are legal grounds for not doing so. (It has been held that communications between the counsellor and client during an attempt at “reconciliation” in matrimonial cases are privileged and thus do not require disclosure unless the client waives his privilege. This does not seem to apply to other kinds of cases.) The Gardai have powers to seize confidential files if they have obtained a warrant from a circuit judge. Obstructing the Gardai from taking them in these circumstances may be an offence. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should seek legal advice and/or contact this Association if they are in any doubt about their legal rights and obligations before acting in ways which conflict with their agreement with clients who are directly affected. ​ Advertising/Public Statements When announcing counselling services, Counsellors and Psychotherapists should limit the information to name, relevant qualifications, address, telephone number, hours available, and a brief listing of the services offered. All such announcements should be accurate in every particular. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should distinguish between membership of this Association and accredited practitioner status in their public statements. In particular, the former should not be used to imply the latter. Counsellors and Psychotherapists should not display an affiliation with an organisation in a manner that falsely implies the sponsorship or verification of that organization. ​ Research The use of personally identifiable material gained from clients or by the observation of counselling should be used only after the client has given consent, usually in writing, and care has been taken to ensure that consent was given freely. Counsellors and Psychotherapists conducting research should use their data accurately and restrict their conclusions to that compatible with their methodology. ​ Resolving Conflicts between Ethical Priorities Counsellors and Psychotherapists will, from time to time, find themselves caught between conflicting ethical principles. In these circumstances, they are urged to consider the particular situation in which they find themselves and to discuss the situation with their counselling supervisor and/or other experienced Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Even after conscientious consideration of the salient issues, some ethical dilemmas cannot be resolved easily or wholly satisfactorily. Ethical issues may arise which have not yet been given full consideration. Where this arises APCP will put in place forums to examine and bring forward position papers in regard to such issues. ​ Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures APCP has in place a comprehensive complaints and disciplinary procedure which was put in place in June 2010 and is reviewed annually. All members of APCP will be bound by such procedures. Counsellors and Psychotherapists who are members of APCP must inform Clients that a complaint procedure exists within the Association. The complaints and disciplinary procedure may allow APCP to suspend or expel a member. The complaints and disciplinary procedures will have clear rules of engagement and appeal and will be governed by legal principles and by natural justice. See our Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures page ​ Get in Touch

POLICY STATEMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION APCP is committed to ensuring that minors and vulnerable clients are afforded the most appropriate services possible by members and that members adhere to best practice in relation to child protection practices. ​ We, APCP, want to make sure that children are protected and kept safe from harm while they are engaging with staff and members in this organisation. Within that context, members should be conscious of national and international policy documents, guidelines and best practice as well as the current legal contexts. We would draw particular attention to the following: ​ The UN Children’s Convention on the Rights of the Child 1992. The Child Care Act 2001, Youth Work Act 2002, The HSE Trust in Care Policy 2005 and The Children’s First Handbook. It is the policy of the Association that our members are Garda/Police vetted and must practice within their scope of practice and under supervision. It is the policy of APCP to safeguard the welfare of all young people by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm. We do this by offering a safe, non-judgemental environment that aims to empower and support the young person to report any incidences of physical, sexual and emotional harm to the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, we will support the young person in giving them details of the appropriate authority in which to report incidences of physical, sexual and emotional harm. ​ Members of the Association are expected to: ​ Advise young people know how to voice concerns or complain should an issue arise and support them appropriately in doing so. Practice in an environment, in which children are valued, encouraged and affirmed, where their rights are respected and minors are treated as individuals. Ensure, as far as is practicable that children know their rights. Practice within the context of this child protection policy so as to keep children as safe as possible. ​ Child Abuse may be defined as ‘Harming children by indirect act or failure to provide proper care or both’. Children in that context are considered minors under 18 years of age. The Association presents the categories of abuse and significant harm’ as set out in the Children First Document for a guidance of members. ​ Types of Abuse ​ Physical Abuse: any form of non-accidental injury, which results from willful or neglectful failure to protect a child. Sexual Abuse: When a child is used by another person for his or her gratification or sexual arousal, or that of another person. (para 3.2.1; 3.3.1; 3.4.1; 3.5.1) Emotional Abuse: When a child’s need for affection, approval, consistency and security are not met. Emotional abuse is normally to be found in the relationship between caregiver and a child. Neglect: An omission, where the child suffers harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to and affection from adults or medical care. Bullying: Can be defined as repeated aggression, be it verbal, psychological or physical, which is conducted, by an individual or group against others. (Children First, 1999: 107). Significant Harm ​ Harm can be defined as the ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development of a child, whether it is significant is determined by his/her health and development as compared to that which could be reasonably be expected of a child of similar age (Children First, para.3.3.2). ​ Points of Note for Practitioners ​ Members are advised to only ever act within their scope of practice. They are advised to operate within the supportive framework of Clinical Supervision and within that context to seek advice and make properly informed judgment where suspicions of abuse or neglect arise or dealing with cases of abuse or neglect and always to act in the best interests of the child and within the legal frameworks in place at any time. Members are referred to the Associations Policy on Confidentiality and advised that the limits to confidentiality should be discussed with any abused person or perpetrator of abuse. Get in Touch

WHY BECOME A MEMBER? FAQ The Benefits Recognition of your educational and practical experience in the field of counselling and/or Psychotherapy. Garda vetting of members every three years. Representation of members’ views and opinions on upcoming statutory registration. Representation of members’ views and opinions within the Psychological Therapies Forum. Access to a range of national seminars on Counselling and Psychotherapy. Access to a range of support services in relation to profession practice. Comprehensive range of Continuing Professional Development training and workshops designed to support individual practice. Peer networking supports for members. Membership is free to all qualified applicants, while CPD events are run at a low cost to members. Access and support to work within APCP’s code of conduct and its code of ethics. Categories of Membership Student Pre-Accredited Psychotherapist Accredited Counsellor Accredited Psychotherapist Supervisory Membership Pre-Accredited Counsellor Application Process APPLICATION FORM DOWNLOADS ​ The accreditation committee meets throughout the year to advise the Executive on recommendations for membership. On receiving your application, an initial screening is undertaken by the administrator to check that all component parts of the application form have been forwarded for processing and you will be advised on this. Further down to mentions (see Appeals Procedures under Policies and Procedures) ​ Your Application will then be assessed by an individual appointed by the appraisal committee and recommendations forwarded with your application for final consideration. In the event that information is considered incomplete at this stage, you will be duly advised of this prior to it being forwarded to the accreditation committee for their decision. ​ In the event of your application being refused you have the right to appeal within a ten day period (see Appeals Procedures under Policies and Procedures). Where applicants are refused membership they may not re-apply for membership for a 12 month period from their refusal date and must advise APCP of their former decision. When applying to APCP for membership you are required to pay a processing fee as follows: Student €25 All other categories €40 * (*Supervision applicants please see individual form for more details.) Please note that this fee is solely for processing purposes and is non refundable. Annual Renewal of Membership APCP members are required to renew their membership of the Association on an annual basis. For administrative purposes this occurs in January. This applies to all members, EXCEPT those approved as members in the final three months of the preceding year. All members are required to forward €200 by January 31st of each year to cover their CPD expenses. Where a subscription or a renewal form is not received by 31st January members will be considered as ‘non active members within the association’. Where such ‘non-active’ members seek to re-activate membership a processing fee of €100 will apply. ​ If you are looking for the latest CPD brochure, please see here Policies and Procedures (click on the item of your choice) Code of Ethics Code of Professional Conduct Equality and Diversity Policy Statement for Child Protection National Vetting Confidentiality Policy Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures Accreditation Appeals Procedures Guidelines for Use of Logo Guidelines for Working Online Lapsed Membership with APCP Get in Touch

Marcel Steenkist FFNMRCSI RPN, Bsc and GradDip Mental Health Nursing, RANP (Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner) Psychotherapy HSE, MA and GradDip Cognitive psychotherapy and Msc Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapy ​ Organization Details of Approach Integrative Humanistic Psychotherapy and CBT Fellow & Associate Clinical Lecturer Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Associate Lecturer General Entry Medical School, University of Limerick (ULGEMS) Principal Modality Notes Work Address Laois, All Counties, Phone Numbers Home Phone Mobile phone: 086-3802572 Work Phone Fax Email Personal Email Work email: marcelsteenkist@hse.ie Socal Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Angelist Twitter Website Webiste Title & Link Blog(Title will come here) Blog URL1 Blog URL2

Sligo Counselling Service Sligo Counselling Service Sligo Counselling Service MBR10046-A0612 Organization: Sligo Counselling Service Details of Approach Notes Principal Modality Notes Work Address Mountain Crescent, Coolaney, Sligo, All Counties, Phone Numbers Home Phone Mobile phone: 087 627 0737 Work Phone Fax Email Personal Email Work email: sligocounsellingservice@gmail.com Socal Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Angelist Twitter http://www.sligocounsellingservie.ie http://www.sligocounsellingservie.ie Blog(Title will come here) Blog URL1 Blog URL2

Simon Courtney ​ MBR11014 Organization Details of Approach My approach is trauma-informed, and very much grounded in somatic awareness. I believe the more we can bring an inner coherence to our mind-emotions-body, the more we can digest the past that lives in us, and therefore align to the flow of the original developmental movement within us. As Eugene Gendlin said: "the way one wants to change isn't just from one category to another... One wants to change precisely into oneself, into more of oneself than one has been able to be so far." I also believe that a greater awareness of our ancestral and collective trauma can help us understand the water we swim in, and often struggle to name. As Thomas Hübl says “we have all been born into a collectively traumatized field and collective trauma needs collective healing.” Principal Modality The principal modality I am trained in is the neuroaffective relational model (NARM) for developmental and complex trauma. Work Address Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site. Phone Numbers Home Phone Mobile Phone Work Phone Fax Email Personal email: scourtne@tcd.ie Work email: info@simoncourtney.com Socal Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Angelist Twitter Simon Courtney Psychotherapy https://www.simoncourtney.com Blog(Title will come here) Blog URL1 Blog URL2

Mrs Bonnie Breen Lifesync Therapy MBR10879 Organization Details of Approach I work with both adolescents and adults. I employ an integrated approach in my practice, drawing from multiple therapeutic modalities, including person-centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and solution-focused techniques. I will help you see what you cannot and work in partnership with you to help you heal and reach your goals. Principal Modality . Work Address Trim , Meath, All Counties, Phone Numbers Home Phone Mobile phone: 0879971780 Work Phone Fax Email Personal email: info@lifesynctherapy.com Work email: info@lifesynctherapy.com Socal Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Angelist Twitter Website https://lifesynctherapy.com/ Blog(Title will come here) Blog URL1 Blog URL2