Stephen Madden (he/him)

Psychotherapy Training 

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University College Dublin, and a Master of Science (with Distinction) in Mental Health: Psychological Therapies from Queen Mary University of London.  I am currently undertaking a Master of Science in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Institute of Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, and I am a student member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).  

I attend regular supervision as part of my ethical commitment to client work and I abide by the code of ethics outlined by the IACP.

Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approach

Although my approach involves an integration of diverse theories of therapy practice, my primary influence is the Person-Centred and Humanistic schools of therapy, in which the relationship between the therapist and the client is central to the process.  In line with Carl Rogers, my philosophy is that if I can help a client to feel understood, accepted and valued, then the client can come to value and know themselves.  I am also strongly influenced by Existentialism, given that we all wish for our lives to be meaningful, but experiencing life as such can be challenging at times.  Aspects of Psychoanalytic theory, such as examining the content of dreams; Narrative Therapy, in which we identify the stories we tell ourselves; and Choice Theory, where the focus is on our behaviour and its consequences, also influence my approach.  However, I strive to work within the client’s preferred way of working insofar as possible, and always place the greatest importance on our relationship, for as Rogers said “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change.”

Counselling Experience and Areas of Interest

I have experience working with service users struggling with a range of common mental health difficulties from my various work placements, including anxiety and depression.  I have also worked with adults with social anxiety, some of whom also struggled with other mental health issues as well as low self-esteem and problems in their relationships.  As a result of this experience I am passionate about working with clients who have a harsh inner critic.  I have experience in using aspects of Compassion Focussed Therapy and mindfulness to help clients cultivate their capacity for resilience and self-compassion.  As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am also particularly passionate about helping other members of the community to improve their mental health and to flourish, whatever that may look like for each person.