Welcome to Karen Walshs’ Counselling Service Helps to talk is about providing a caring, affordable, supportive, confidential and professional Counselling / Psychotherapy service in a safe and comforting place. Helps to talk service is based in The Triskel Centre, Salthill, Galway a convenient, yet discreet location. Please check out my Issue page to see if I can be of service to you! For more information or to make an appointment contact: Karen at (087) 9157370 karen@helpstotalk.ie Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
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www.helpstotalk.ie
Low Self Esteem Anxiety Panic Stress Identity Relationships Depression Grief and Loss Illness Abuse Trauma Work
About Me My name is Karen. I am an approachable and friendly person. ( I don’t bite and I don’t judge! ) I have been working in the Counselling field for the past 10 years. Working with Changing Minds , Positive Mental Health & now at the Triskel Centre. I work one on one with clients, run workshops and give talks for charities about issues I deal with in my work. I trained to become a Counsellor/Psychotherapist so I could help others like myself change their lives for the better. Just the act of talking to someone who does not judge can in my opinion be so comforting, enlightening and empowering. My style of Counselling is informal and chatty. I use a variety of techniques from different talk therapies to suit each individual client. I believe each individual is unique. As a Counsellor my work with my clients’ is to encourage each individual to make their own choices and assist them to find and follow their own path. We all face challenges in our lives, talking to a Counsellor can give us the clarity to look at these challenges from a different viewpoint so we can explore new ways to cope with them. Counselling has been part of my own personal and professional journey! So I truly believe that talking to a dedicated Counsellor in a safe, caring, non judgemental and supportive environment can be life changing in many positive ways.
Helps to talk 
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News Helps to talk is a Caring Affordable Galway City Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy Service Up coming Workshops to be Announced Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
Contact
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
Fees I offer a no obligation introductory meeting for clients at a cost of €40. This is to give you an opportunity to ask any questions about my Counselling service and for you to decide if you would feel comfortable working with me. If you decide you would like to sign up for some counselling sessions I Charge €60 an hour on a pay as you go basis. I accomodate my clients on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Each clients needs are individual and in our introductory meeting we will discuss your specific needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and call me! Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
Low Self Esteem
Esteem refers to how we judge or evaluate ourselves and the value we attach to ourselves as worthwhile human beings. Therefore if we have low self esteem we judge ourselves harshly and may feel we are not worthy. In order to truly estimate yourself ask yourself a few basic questions: Do I like myself? Do I think I'm a good human being? Am I deserving of love? Do I deserve happiness? Do I really feel both deep in my mind and deep in my heart that I'm an ok person? People with low self esteem find it difficult to answer “Yes” to these questions. With a little help, my hope is you will be able to easily answer “ Yes” to these questions
“When in doubt, choose change.” Lily Leung.
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
Anxiety
A normal spike in anxiety levels is useful and natural at times. For example in an exam situation or when preparing for an interview. Problems arise when anxiety levels remain high over a period of time. This can lead us into a feeling of tension that just doesn’t let up, causing us to worry endlessly and relentlessly over anything and everything. Psychological symptoms: Tension, Irritability, Worry, Frustration, Turmoil, Hopelessness, Restless Sleep, Unable to Relax and Unable to Cope. Physical sensations: Dry Mouth, Pounding Heart, A Lump in the Throat, Chest Feels Tight and Stomach Cramps. It is possible to overcome anxiety and find your joy in life again.
“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.”
Walter Anderson.
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
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Panic Long term anxiety can give rise to panic attacks. Panic attacks are very distressing and sometimes may cause symptoms that mimic heart trouble symptoms. Physical sensations include heart pounding, chest tightness, overall body tension, nausea and light headedness. The main Psychological symptom is one of overwhelming fear. Such attacks can be triggered by anxiety-provoking situations, but they may also come out of nowhere, perhaps even awakening you from sleep. Over a period of time panic attacks can take over our lives, causing isolation and depression, preventing us from really living our lives. It is possible to overcome panic and begin to truly live the life you wish to live. Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited member (IACP)
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Stress Stress is when the pressure you are under exceeds your ability to cope. Stress is related to many factors including your environment, your job, your relationships, your home, and all the situations, challenges, difficulties, and expectations you're confronted with on a daily basis. Factors which influence your ability to handle stress include your overall health, emotional well-being and the amount of rest you get. Long term stress can lead to long term problems with anxiety, panic, anger, isolation and depression.
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
It is possible to reduce stress levels significantly with simple strategies.
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Identity Who am I? A question we often ask ourselves on a quest for meaning and purpose in our lives. Sometimes this is a difficult question to answer. We don’t know who we are! After all we are made up of many parts and play many different roles in the course of our lifetimes. A child, a sibling, a parent, a partner, a work colleague, a friend, a confidante, a boss, a woman, a man, someone in between. By gently exploring who you are and accepting it, you can begin to live your life more authentically.
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
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Relationships / Family Relationships/ Family issues occur for many reasons including poor communication, differing expectations and lots of different life events and experiences. No relationship runs smoothly all of the time and sometimes relationships, do come to an end. Relationship breakups can bring up powerful emotions Powerful emotions include : Fear, Uncertainty For the Future, Anger, Hurt, Sadness Loneliness, Isolation and A Sense of Failure By looking at these powerful emotions it is possible to learn how to cope with relationship difficulties and breakups.
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.” Alice Walker
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Depression The normal ups and downs of life mean that everyone feels sad from time to time. But if despair has taken hold of your life and won't go away, you may have depression. Depression is different from normal sadness in that it takes over your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief. Psychological symptoms : Feelings of Helplessness and Hopelessness, Loss of Interest in daily activities, Sleep Changes, Anger or Irritability, Self-Loathing, Reckless Behavior, and Concentration Problems. Physical Symptoms : Appetitie or Weight Changes, Loss of Energy, Unexplained Aches and Pains. Some people describe depression as “ living in a black hole ” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless. Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you used too. Just getting through the day can be overwhelming. But no matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
“ Those who do not move, do not notice their chains. ” Rosa Luxemburg.
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Grief and Loss Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when someone or something you love is taken away. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief will be. Losing someone or something you love or care deeply about is very painful. You may experience all kinds of difficult emotions and it may feel like the pain and sadness you're experiencing will never let up. Powerful Emotions : Fear, Uncertainty for the Future, Anger, Hurt, Sadness, Loneliness, Isolation and A Sense of Failure. These are normal reactions to a significant loss. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
“ Even if you stumble, you’re still moving forward. ” Anonymous.
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Abuse Abuse can take many forms i.e. Psychological, Emotional, Physical and Sexual. The impact of abuse can last a lifetime. Victims of abuse may have long term problems in relation to Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Panic, Illness and Depression. If you are or have been a victim of abuse, take the first step towards your recovery. Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
Illness When someone experiences an illness, disability or injury it can result in a whole range of different emotions from sadness to anxiety to anger. Sometimes people don’t make the connection between what’s happened and how they are feeling. Very often it’s hidden and they don’t talk to anyone about it. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and talk to somebody. The old adage, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ is very true. Very often people feel that they don’t want to tell their friend or family member that they’re feeling unwell or they’ve had a particular diagnosis because they don’t want to burden them. If you feel this way get some support.
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
Trauma Psychological trauma may set in after a distressing or life-threatening event. Victims may develop extreme anxiety, panic attacks, low self esteem or they may have ongoing problems with relationships. If you are the victim of a traumatic event, reach out for some support.
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
Contact Karen at (087) 9157370 Professional Diploma in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICPPD) Certificate in Psychology (ICM) Accredited Member (IACP)
The first step is to reach out!
The first step is to reach out!
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