Our Team

Mr Colin Shaw

M.Sc Systemic Family Psychotherapist FTAI, ICP, EAP

Colin brings a cumulative 20 years of experience working in the healing arts. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology & Philosophy and undertook further specialist training attaining a Masters of Science Degree in Systemic (Couples and Family) Psychotherapy. 

Colin has worked across multi-various clinical and community contexts including model leading organisations ( Shine, Crosscare, Clanwilliam Institute, Genesis family Therapy Centre) , residential addiction services and private practice. Over the course of this professional journey he has integrated a broad range of evidenced based methodologies into a clinical skillset and continues to engage with the most up to date research and training in the field.   

Mr Keith Styles

BSc, Dip Psych MIACP

Keith is the owner and Clinical Director of Castlepollard Therapy Centre.

Keith has worked for 19 years as a trauma informed psychotherapist. Keith uses primarily EMDR to treat a range of mental health issues caused by developmental or acute traumas.

Keith also works with adults who have been recently diagnosed with a life changing condition. He helps individuals navigate their new realities and build a roadmap for acceptance and adaptation.

Ms Olive Buckley

BSc Psych, Dip Child & Adolescent, MIACP.

Alongside her BSc Hons Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy (specialising in group therapy and sexual dysfunction & abuse), Olive holds a Diploma in Child and Adolescent Counselling; Cert in Relational Couples Therapy; Cert in Addiction Studies; CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicide); Positive Behavioural Coaching and Mental Health First Aid.

Olive’s background before training as a therapist was in the disability and mental health services.

Olives primary focus is on using a Person-Centred approach, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Reality Therapy to help you explore your issues freely, overcome your struggles, and build resilience for your future.

Ms Alison Shortt

Ba, Ma Counselling & Psychotherapy (Addiction)

Alison is a Humanistic and Holistic Therapist specialising in addiction counselling, with a trauma-informed and person-centred approach. Her work is grounded in the belief that every individual is unique, and therefore therapy should be tailored to meet each person’s needs.

Alison is trained and qualified in a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including Schema Therapy, Inner Child Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Community Reinforcement Approach, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, amongst others. This allows her to draw from different techniques to support clients in the way that works best for them.

Alison offers a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their inner world, develop self-understanding, and reflect on the relationships they hold with themselves and others.

Dr Louise Reilly

BA, M.Sc, DEd. Psych, C.Psychol., Ps.S.I Chartered Educational Psychologist

Dr Reilly is a Chartered Educational Psychologist with a BA, M.Sc and Doctorate in Educational Psychology (D.Ed.Psych). For over ten years she has supported children, families, schools and organisations to understand what’s happening and agree simple, workable steps that make daily life easier.

Louise believes that every child and every team deserves to be understood. When behaviour or learning is confusing, she helps get to the “why” and then turn that insight into clear actions that fit real routines.

If needed, Louise carries out assessments and then formulates a plan that works at home, in the classroom, or at work, and reviews it together so it can be adapted if things change. You will always leave with guidance you can use and share easily with schools or other supports.

Ms Esther Gathura

BSc Couns Psych. MIACP.

Esther is a counselling psychotherapist who provides therapeutic support to adult individuals 18+ years old. Grounded in an integrative humanistic approach, she combines techniques from various therapeutic models to create a personalised experience for each client. Esther is dedicated to empowering individuals to uncover and address the root causes of their psychological and emotional challenges, her goal is to guide clients beyond survival mode, empowering them to discover and connect with their actualized selves.

Esther holds a (BSc) degree in integrative Counseling Psychotherapy and is a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). 

Esther's therapeutic practice is informed by her diverse professional background in social care having worked in areas such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental mental health, children in care and their families, as well as unaccompanied minors. This experience has broadened her ability to work with a wide range of clients and issues

Ms Deirdre Lynch

BA (Hons) in Holistic Couns & Psych

Deirdre offers client-led, integrated support for adults navigating stress, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and other emotional or personal challenges. Her approach is holistic, humanistic, and integrated, considering the whole person: mind, emotions, body, and life circumstances. Drawing on a range of evidence-informed approaches, she tailors therapy to your needs, goals, and what feels supportive for you.

Deirdre provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and be met with warmth, care, and professional guidance. Together, we explore how current challenges or past experiences shape your emotional patterns, relationships, and overall well-being. Developing this awareness can open the door to self-understanding, compassion, and new ways of responding that feel more aligned with who you are.

Therapy unfolds at a pace that feels right for you, supporting you through whatever you are experiencing. At times, therapy may bring up difficult emotions or challenges but this is a natural part of the process and happens within the safe, supportive space we create together. These moments often lead to insight, understanding, and meaningful growth..

Niamh Jimenez

MA Humanistic and Integrative Couns & Psych.

I’m an integrative psychotherapist, which means that I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies depending on your unique needs, preferences, and way of processing the world. I am also a neurodivergent-affirming therapist, who recognises that there is no “right” or ”healthy” type of brain.

As an autistic practitioner, I blend lived experience with ongoing training and knowledge of the latest research on autism, ADHD, and AuDHD. I am deeply passionate about supporting late-identified autistic adults (18+) to explore who they are, identify and advocate for their needs, and reclaim the right to live authentically on their own terms.

It’s really important to me that you feel safe and heard during our time together. I will welcome and accept you as you are, and do my very best to accommodate your specific needs and preferences (e.g., sensory, communication, processing). I aim to create a therapeutic space where you meet my open and genuine self, and we can explore what life is really like from your unique perspective.

Together, we can work to reduce feelings of anxiety or distress, making it possible to (re)connect more deeply with your core wants, needs, and the things that matter most to you. You might also experience the occasional therapeutic belly laugh, because although therapy is a serious business, it does not have to be free of humour when it arises naturally.