Diane Mc Donald MIAHIP Reg. ICP
B.A. (Hons.) (UCC)
Dip. Theatre (Gaiety School of Acting)
Post Grad. Diploma Marriage and Relationship Counselling (St. Patricks College, Maynooth)
Post Grad. Diploma Integrative Clinical Psychotherapy (Turning Point Institute)
MSc. Integrative Psychotherapy (UCC)
In 2010, I began the journey from theatre performer to psychotherapist by enrolling in a Diploma course focused exclusively on marriage and relationship counselling. I loved studying counselling and I enjoyed being a client myself on a weekly basis. So once this 3-year course ended, I enrolled in a Masters programme for the next 4 years with Turning Point Institute/UCC. This course really deepened my understanding of people and of psychotherapy and culminated in a large piece of research which looked at psychotherapy for people with schizophrenia. This has led to my interest in working with people who have been diagnosed through the mental health system, and family members who may also be affected.
In 2015, I set up my private practice in Kildare focusing exclusively on working with couples. In 2017, as the practice grew, I moved out of Kildare and sought to work with individual clients too. As I’ve progressed in the work, I’ve come to realise that I work really well with particular clients. Having personal experience of post-natal depression and being closely connected to someone with a diagnosis of schizophrenia has given me a deep and visceral understanding which seems to inform my work hugely. I also love to work with people at any transitional stage of their lives, whether through crisis points or simply looking for more out of life. It is my privilege to keep you company as you go on the ultimate life journey - that of coming to know yourself.
I am fully qualified, fully accredited by the IAHIP and insured to work as a psychotherapist.
So, what else?
Since 2014, I have worked for the Mental Health Commission as a lay member on mental health tribunals. This has enhanced my knowledge of the current mental health system and has allowed me to make a contribution to the decision-making that is involved in detaining patients who may be ill.
In 2022, I began the work of Moderator for the 'Restoration of Trust Meetings' to be facilitated by the CervicalCheck Tribunal in response to the Cervical Check issues that have happened in this country. This is a role similar to Restorative Justice and will enhance my skills as a mediator.
Since graduating from the Turning Point Institute, I have found my way back there as a Tutor and am currently enjoying working closely on skills and group process with the students as they forge a path well known to me.
To satisfy my love of writing and editing, I have served as a board member on the Editorial Board of Inside Out: The Irish Journal for Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy. This is the official journal of the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) and is devoted to inspiring the sharing of ideas amongst those within and around the psychotherapy community.
And finally.... the photo on my website was taken on a particularly glamorous day. I may not look so well groomed when you come and meet me!