About

Empower Psychotherapy was founded in 2017 by me, Colum Kelly M.I.A.C.P., B.Sc., H.Dip. I am an IACP-accredited, dedicated and progressive Psychotherapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. I strive to provide a private, strictly confidential and non-judgmental healing space for clients to identify, explore and address mental health issues.

I promote mental wellness through talk therapy in two forms:

1.) Short-term, goal-orientated counselling using the practice of evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions to combat anxiety and depression predominantly, but also other mental health difficulties such as stress, anger management and addiction.

2.) Long-term, open-ended psychotherapy using the practice of Person-Centered Therapy, endeavouring to help clients increase self-awareness, recognize deeply engrained patterns and gain a deeper understanding of self by exploring the psychological roots of issues, often stemming from childhood.

Background 

I graduated from Middlesex University, London in 2015 with an honours Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Counselling & Psychotherapy, following four years of studying various theoretical and practical approaches at PCI College. In 2016, I earned an honours postgraduate Higher Diploma (H.Dip) in Business from the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). As of 2023, I am currently pursuing an honours Master of Sciences degree (MSc) in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Middlesex University / PCI College.

Since 2014, I have been working with clients one-to-one, initially part-time and now full-time since 2017. I am trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) from the HSE, and have volunteered with Childline and Positive Mental Health Galway. I regularly attend continuous professional development (CPD) workshops and participate in monthly clinical supervision to ensure the quality and effectiveness of my work.

I have dedicated my life to supporting others through my unique brand of psychotherapeutic intervention. Influenced by Carl Rogers, Aaron T. Beck, Albert Ellis, William Glasser, Virginia Satir, Steve Peters, and Susan David, I draw from a variety of approaches to tailor therapy to each client’s needs and create realistic, attainable therapeutic goals. My practice integrates insights from Psychology and Psychotherapy with my background in Business, offering a unique, progressive, and modern Psychotherapeutic consultation.

In summary, my therapeutic style blends Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), creating a compassionate environment while utilizing evidence-based strategies to address various mental health challenges.

Philosophy

Colum Kelly M.I.A.C.P., B.Sc. (Hons)., H.Dip (Hons).

My therapeutic approach combines the empathy and support of Person-Centered Therapy with the practical, research-based techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), offering a compassionate and effective path to addressing mental health challenges.

Inspired by the renowned American psychologist Carl Rogers, my fundamental approach to counseling and psychotherapy is person-centered. I use his three core conditions of ‘congruence,’ ‘empathy,’ and ‘unconditional positive regard’ as the foundation of my practice. I see counseling as a journey of self-exploration for the client, aimed at increasing self-awareness and self-understanding. As a psychotherapist, my role is not to give advice on what clients should think, feel, or do, but to create a welcoming, open, and warm environment that fosters a strong, compassionate, and consistent relationship. This allows clients to discover their own answers, as I believe each person has an inherent wisdom for psychological and emotional healing.

Understanding that no single approach fits all, I adapt to the individual needs of each client. My background includes a 4-year BSc degree from Middlesex University via PCI College, along with various professional development workshops. These include Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, CBT, Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Skills Training in Risk Management (STORM), and Motivational Interviewing.

Currently, I am pursuing an MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I believe CBT is extremely effective because it is grounded in research and focuses on identifying and addressing disruptive thought patterns and behaviours. This approach helps clients develop practical strategies to manage issues such as anxiety and depression. CBT works well with person-centered therapy because while the latter provides a supportive and empathetic environment, CBT offers structured techniques and strategies that empower clients to take control of their mental health.

My philosophy is based on the belief that individuals possess immense internal perseverance and strength. Part of my role is to help highlight and leverage these inner resources, guiding clients away from rumination on negative thoughts that research shows to be harmful. Instead, my therapeutic style focuses on fostering resilience and positive change, ensuring that therapy is a proactive and empowering experience.

In my practice, I use a Rogerian philosophy as the base and tailor every treatment plan to the individual’s needs. Sometimes, a compassionate therapeutic relationship is enough for healing. Other times, clients need direction and exposure to different ideas and skills. In these cases, I draw from evidence-based approaches like CBT, REBT, and Motivational Interviewing. This flexible, client-centered approach ensures that each person receives the most appropriate and effective support for their unique situation.

Credentials

  • 2018 - Present, Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP)

    Full Accreditation (M12952)

  • 2023 - Present, Middlesex University / PCI College

    Master of Science (Honours) in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (NFQ Level 9)

  • 2015, Middlesex University

    Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Counselling & Psychotherapy. (NFQ Level 8)

  • 2016, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

    Higher Diploma (Honours) in Business Studies. (NFQ Level 8)

  • 2014, PCI College

    Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy. (NFQ Level 6)

  • 2010, PCI College

    Foundation Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy. (NFQ Level 5)

    CPD (Notable):

  • Suicide Alertness For Everyone (safeTALK). (2013, HSE)

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). (2014, HSE)

  • Skills Training in Risk Management (STORM). (2016, NUIG)

  • Dealing with Disclosure of Rape or Sexual Assault. (2017, NUIG)

  • Invisible Addictions. (2021, IACP)

  • Rethinking Addictions. (2021, IACP)

  • IOM Workshop on Intercultural Competence (MHPSS). (2021, IACP)

  • Introduction to Working as a Therapist Online. (2021, IACP)

  • Working Professionally Online. (2022, IACP)

  • Marketing Your Practice. (2023, IACP)

  • Disorered Eating. (2023, Therapy Academy)

  • Treating Low Self-Esteem. (2023, Therapy Academy)

  • Training Delivery & Evaluation (NFQ Level 6). (2023, Professional Development)

FYI

  • Flexible Appointments

    Appointments are flexible to suit the needs of the clients. I work 6 days a week, 12 hours a day, including Saturdays.

  • Private Setting & Free Parking

    My office is located in the heart of Galway City on Prospect Hill, a two-minute walk from Eyre Square. There is also free parking.

  • Insurance

    I am covered under Brian Mullins Insurance Brokers (www.bmib.ie).

  • Accreditation

    I am fully accredited member (M12952) of the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP)

  • Code of Ethics & Practice

    I fully adhere to the code of ethics & practice outlined by the Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP) which you can view here: https://iacp.ie/iacp-code-of-ethics

  • GDPR - Data Policy

    Empower Psychotherapy recognises the importance of client confidentiality, especially relating to the often personal and sensitive information shared when engaging a counselling & psychotherapy service.  I am subject to the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018. I will apply appropriate protection and management of any information you share with us. The information you submit will be kept confidential and with the highest standards of security. The information you provide will be held and used in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Any personal information provided by you will only be used for delivering therapies, booking appointments & billing. Under no circumstances will any information that you share be passed on or shared with any other third party or used by us for any purpose other than to communicate about mental health services. Any other information you supply to us pertaining to your participation in counselling/psychotherapy services is held under the strictest of security and in adherence with the confidentiality guidelines of the IACP.

  • Under 18’s

    If you are under the age of 18 and wish to book a session you will need to obtain written permission from both parents / legal guardians before commencing therapy. If it is not possible to obtain written permission from both parents / legal guardians, then written permission must be obtained from at least one parent / legal guardian prior to the commencement of therapy.