Ep. 45 | Irish Catholic Cultural Norms in Psychotherapy

This is the last episode of this season and I am delighted to be speaking to a PCI graduate, Ciara Redmond. Ciara was the runner up for the Martin Kitterick Award for her BSc research thesis which is titled Irish Catholic Cultural Norms in Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Exploration of Psychotherapists' Lived Experiences. In this episode we discuss what brought her to research this topic and explore her findings. These include some important themes of belonging and isolation, obligation versus personal choice and comfort versus shame. Ciara discusses how these issues can show up in the counselling room and can present differently for different client age groups. She also highlights the importance of the therapist being aware of their own values and positions on the topic so as not to unconsciously influence the client. And she highlights the gap in training and CPD in this area.

After beginning her career in Social Care, working across the healthcare sector, Ciara transitioned into psychotherapy and now works full-time in her own private practice called Mind Yourself Therapy. Based in Wexford, Ciara provides both online and in-person therapy, supporting clients with a variety of presenting issues. Ciara’s research is very engaging and can be accessed at the link in the description notes for anyone who wants to read it, along with a link to Ciara’s Instagram account. I hope you find something useful in this episode and have enjoyed the season overall. I look forward to being back in the autumn with new topics to explore.

 Ciara's Thesis: Martin Kitterick Award Winner 2025 - PCI College 

Ciara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind.yourselftherapy?igsh=MXNsdXhleW4ydmdrcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr