Our Practitioners

All of the therapists working in Willow Tree are qualified, experienced and fully accredited.
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Sarah McAuley

IACP Supervisor, C.Psychol. PSI Reg Pract. APPI Dip. Clinical Supervision TCD, ICP.

Clinical Director of Willow Tree

Sarah is a practicing Chartered Psychologist, Clinical Psychotherapist, Consultant Psychologist and Supervisor. Sarah has been in practice in the Dublin 3 area since 1995 with over 30 years of experience and professional development to the highest level.

It is Sarah’s promise to provide a safe and confidential space for children, adolescents, adults and their families to be listened to and helped to find a clearer path through life’s inevitable disappointments and challenges.

Sarah has helped her clients throughout the years to cope in crisis and deal with great loss, as well as advocate for them to find a greater sense of agency and freedom in their lives. Family, friendships,  love and work matter most in life. However,  how we relate to the world, ourselves and the dynamics of our relationships can also be responsible for causing a great deal of our suffering.

Sarah is dedicated in bringing her breadth of experience and expertise to her clients with the utmost confidentiality and compassion. No matter your personal circumstances, she can help you to relate and connect better with both yourself and others.

Sara Devlin

Sara Devlin

Degree in Psychotherapeutic Studies and a Clinical Master’s in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Diploma in ‘Play Therapy’

Clinical Director of Willow Tree - Dublin 5

Sara’s background is in a medical, healthcare setting, caring for elderly people suffering with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other related illnesses. It provided her with some very useful life skills prior to her taking up a career in Psychology. 

Sara is a fully accredited member of ICP and APPI. Sara has a keen interest in the area of addictions and has attended numerous workshops in addition to her own research in the field.

Remaining committed to her own professional development is key and she is a regular attendee at seminars and workshops. She has also completed the National Suicide Assist Programme. (HSE).  Sara is passionate about the work of psychotherapy, firm in her belief that no single approach is always the right one just as no two individuals are the same. She deals with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, body image/self esteem, relationships and more. She has a particular interest in issues pertaining to fertility and the desire to conceive/pregnancy, and parental loss.

When individuals experience trauma, severe anxiety or emptiness it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. As a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist Sara has the training and dedication to listen, to direct and enable the treatment to continue. Over time Sara can assist people to heal themselves and manage their lives in a better way.  Sara works with adults on a one-to-one basis, couples and  adolescents as well as with children and parents to strengthen relationships and find solutions to what is ailing in their particular family dynamic.

Juliette Smith

Juliette Smith

M.Soc.Sc.Psychotherapy

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Juliette has worked as a Psychotherapist since she qualified from UCD/Mater with a Master’s degree in Systemic Family Therapy (M.Soc.Sc.Psychotherapy). She completed her post graduate studies in 1998 and has been working full time as a psychotherapist in various settings since then. Professional Memberships include The Family therapy Association, The Irish Counsel of Psychotherapy and the US Mediators Association.

Juliette is an experienced clinician and supervisor, she works with a wide range of psychological issues including trauma, PTSD, childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, stress, work-related issues, bereavement, emotional and relationship issues. Juliette uses an eclectic and integrative approach adopting the therapeutic style that best suits the client. Juliette believes integrating theories leads to a richer, more complex picture of what happens in therapy. She has completed training in narrative therapy which informs her world both professionally and personally. She is also experienced in the area of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Juliette believes CBT can be a valuable way to help resolve psychological difficulties that we can be faced with as a result of life events, life stresses. This approach works particularly well with anxiety and stress, obsessive compulsive disorder, low mood and depression.

Juliette works with all age groups and couples. She works with young people who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma and loss or other life events and uses a varied and eclectic approach to reflect the therapeutic needs and uniqueness of the young person. Juliette has a warm interpersonal style and enjoys working with all age-groups. Her work with children and teens is adapted to suit the age-group of the young person. Therefore parent’s involvement is one of a partnership but tends to be more individualised after the first consultation especially with the teens.

Dr. Nigel Mulligan

Psychotherapist (IAHIP), Research Affiliate (APPI), Coordinator for Global College for Advanced Studies (GCAS, Dublin), School of Psychology at Dublin City University (DCU) , Accreditted Psychologist (ICP), Registered member of Addiction Counselors of Ireland (ACI)

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Dr. Nigel Mulligan is a fully accredited psychoanalytically informed psychotherapist, addiction counsellor, group therapist and couples counsellor. He works with individuals and couples who experience depression, anxiety, anger, grief, PTSD, paranoia, addictions, sexual dysfunction and symptoms of psychosis. His current research interests and specialty include working with people with are prescribed psychiatric medication. It can be a big deal for people who are considering taking psychological medication, or who are increasing or decreasing dosages. Some of the side effects of these medications are not well documented or highlighted by G.P; Nigel supports clients to manage some of the side effects and understand the meaning of the medication.

Nigel has internationally published articles on psychotherapy, depression, anti-depressant medication and inter-generational trauma. He is a registered practitioner of psychotherapy (IAHIP) and is Research affiliate of APPI. Nigel is coordinator for Global College for Advanced Studies (GCAS, Dublin) and teaches psychoanalysis in the School of Psychology at Dublin City University (DCU). His practice is underpinned by the ethics and philosophy of integrative and humanistic psychotherapy (IAHIP) and is accredited psychotherapist with the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP) and a Registered member of Addiction Counselors of Ireland (ACI) and abide by their code of ethics.

Dana Gonen

BA, H.Dip., - Communication and Music Therapy

Music Therapist at Willow Tree

Dana is a qualified Music Therapist, accredited member IACAT – The Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists Ireland, and is insured with the OBF INSURANCE GROUP.

For over twelve years Dana has successfully worked with children in special need schools. During these years, she gained valuable experience dealing with complex cases where she had to customize individual therapy programmes for her patients, while collaborating with multi-educational teams.

Dana always aims to inspire her patients to realize their full potential and ability for growth and self-fulfillment. Music is Dana’s main therapy medium. Musical instruments and other artistic tools are frequently used in her therapy sessions.

Dana’s main areas of specialization are: special needs, autism, selective mutism, learning disabilities, parental guidance, early trauma, trauma and self-esteem. She is currently working with kids, adults and adolescents and is available for private consultations.

Ann-Cathrine (Annie) Daly

MSc.Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (in progress), B.A. Psychology, Prof. Dip. Psychotherapy. Pre-accredited member of IACP

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Annie was drawn to the caring professions early and worked part-time in nursing homes, both in Sweden and Ireland. She started training as a nurse but soon realised that psychology was her true calling. After finishing a degree in Psychology in Trinity College 2003, she went on to train as a psychotherapist with the Tivoli institute and also did some training in Play Therapy. She has always enjoyed working with young people in one-to-one sessions and also have experience in key-working and caring for teenagers in therapeutic residential care.Annie took a break from therapy work when her own children were small but decided the time was right to return to it in 2021. She is currently doing the last year in the MSc in Child and Adolescent Therapy with PCI College (Middlesex University) and is fully qualified to work with children, teenagers and adults.

Annie believes in a flexible, integrative approach to therapy, since no two people are the same. There is no “fit-all” way of working, but by creating a safe, non-judgemental space, she can support the client’s journey towards healing and general well-being. With training in creative play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, CBT and other approaches, Annie has the knowledge and tools to help children and adults work through anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues and more. She has a particular interest in neuroscience and creative therapy and thelink between the two.Annie can offer psychotherapy and playtherapy in English and Swedish/Norwegian.

Lisa Murphy

H. Dip Psychology, MSc Integrative Psychotherapy, IACP

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist, employing a flexible style that draws on a range of evidence-based techniques. This allows me to tailor my approach to suit each client’s unique needs. My training encompasses diverse theoretical frameworks and interventions, including Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychosexual therapy, family systems, and couples therapy. A central focus of my work is exploring relationships and identifying ways to enhance them. A core principle of my practice is to empower clients to develop greater personal agency. My goal is to support clients in accessing their inner strengths, empowering them to make informed decisions tailored to their unique circumstances, while promoting greater well-being and cultivating deeper personal insight.

Grounded primarily in a person-centred philosophy, I strive to create a safe and welcoming therapeutic environment, emphasising building a strong therapeutic alliance. I value an open and collaborative dynamic between therapist and client, ensuring that within the safety of the therapy space, clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported while also being gently challenged to navigate their personal paths. I am currently a pre-accredited member of the Irish Associaton of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

Fiona Doherty

Bsc Psychology & Msc Psychotherapy. Dips. in Statistics, Trauma Informed Care, Dietary Therapy & Adolescent Psychotherapy. Fully accredited with IAHIP & PSI. Member of the British Psychological Society & Teaching Council.

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

In my practice, I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, each on a unique journey. An example of some of the issues we’ve explored together include anxiety, depression , mood disorders, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, addiction, trauma, sleep issues, sexual abuse, challenges around schooling, living with neurodiversity, gender and identity issues. I have supported people experiencing relationship concerns, bereavement,baby loss, abortion, miscarriage, addiction, HIV/AIDS, separation, and divorce. These are just some of some of the issues that clients face in a challenging, fast-paced and technological world.My approach is biopsychosocial and tailored to each client as an individual who has grown and experienced life and been impacted by family, society and culture. The therapeutic process is deeply personal and supportive. We work together to understand your challenges and identify the supports that will guide you on your path. There is no one-size-fits-all solution because there is no one-size-fits-all person. Each journey is unique, and I’m here to help figure out what works best for each individual client.

I have worked for thirty years in educational settings with diverse behavioural , relational and educational challenges, I have a lifetime of studying body and mind connections / disconnections. Drawing from my experience, and with qualifications in psychology, psychotherapy, education, and neuroscience, along with recent training in trauma-informed care, acceptance and commitment therapy, and ongoing training in working with eating disorders, I offer a versatile toolkit to assist you in your personal growth and healing. I work from a humanistic and integrative perspective offering clients a highly personalized and holistic approach that prioritizes their individual needs. I aim to foster a sense of safety that can bring deep understanding of self and empowerment within the therapeutic relationship.

If you’re seeking a compassionate, open-minded and understanding therapist who respects each clients’ individuality, I’m here to accompany you on the path towards greater well-being and self-discovery. Together, we’ll create a personalised journey that embraces your needs, identifies your strengths and challenges and helps you build the supports necessary for a brighter, more energised and fulfilling future. I work with each individual client to create a safe and nurturing space to explore their thoughts, feelings so that the therapeutic process can begin.

Anne Reilly

Qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist, (Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, (PCI College Ireland) BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Counsellor & Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Anne Reilly is a fully qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist with accreditation from the IACP. She obtained her Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from PCI college Ireland. Anne then attended Middlesex University where she was awarded her Bsc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy. Anne has several years’ experience working as a Counsellor & Psychotherapist. She has worked in conjunction with organisations and private companies, as well as running her own private practice.

Anne’s experience as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist has led her to extend her qualifications to a vast array of areas including; Relationship and Counselling Skills, Addiction, Mindfulness Therapeutic Approach, Suicide Intervention and First Aid, Self-Harm, Solution Focused Narrative. Anne integrates other modalities into her therapeutic approach as to suit the needs of her client. This includes; Gestalt, Humanistic Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centred, Brief Therapy, Choice Therapy, Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Integrative Therapy. Anne is Person Centred focused with the Client at the core of her services, due to this she strives to provide a non-judgemental and safe environment. This has led Anne to provide accessible services to both adults and couples.

Stephanie Walsh

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Psychotherapy is known as a ‘Talk Therapy’ but in actuality it is more than that. It has the potential to be transformative as many people have attested to. As a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, Stephanie has the training and skill to listen in a particular way. This creates a space in which each individual can hear themselves.

Stephanie has a background in Teaching and Literature over many years, working with people of mixed nationalities and diverse cultures. She has experience of various Healthcare settings that involved caring for individuals with emotionally challenging conditions. It provided her with invaluable insight into the mental health issues faced by sufferers and their loved ones.

Stephanie works clinically with a wide range of presentations. From anxiety, Depression, Relationship problems to issues around body image, disorders of eating, sexuality and obsessions. She has a particular interest in the modalities of ‘loss’ and mourning, since bereavement is certain to effect each one of us at some point and in uniquely specific ways.

Stephanie is a member of APPI and ICP, the accrediting bodies in Ireland. She is trained in the ‘Suicide assist Programme’ (HSE) and can offer a safe, confidential space where one can speak freely about their life.Whether your purpose is to address an issue in the ‘here-and-now’, or to look into your past, or both, Psychotherapy can provide you with the tools to delve deeper and know yourself better. Stephanie has the firm conviction that if one engages fully in the therapeutic process, it can be truly rewarding. She sees both individuals on a one to one basis and couples.

Laura Harrington Hogan

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Laura Harrington-Hogan holds an MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from The School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin. A Post-Masters Clinical Diploma from HIPP/Trinity College Dublin. A Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies from The School of Medicine, UCD. As well as a B.A. in Psychology from UCD.

Laura is a fully accredited member of the Irish Forum of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, IFPP, and of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy, ICP. She works Psychoanalytically with adults and couples and will work with all aspects of mental health including Anxiety, Bereavement & Loss, Coping with Illness, Depression, Eating Disorders, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis, Relationship and Attachment Issues, Sexuality Issues, Substance Abuse and Trauma.

Sarah Mac Clancy

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

M.Sc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. 2022. Certified Associate of IAHIP, B.Sc. (Hons) Occupational Therapy. 2012. CORU registered. Sarah is a fully qualified Psychotherapist, having completed an MSc in Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapy awarded by University College Cork. She is a Certified Associate of the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP)Working towards full accreditation, Sarah works under this organization’s code of ethics. Sarah also holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Occupational Therapy and is CORU registered.

As an integrative psychotherapist, Sarah adopts a holistic approach to mental health. Which is tailored to each client’s individual needs. She recognizes that each person and their needs are unique, and therefore, she draws from a range of psychological theories and practices to provide the most effective support. Coming from a background in healthcare, Sarah is primarily a humanistic, person-centred therapist, which is based on the idea that everyone has the natural ability to understand and better manage their challenges if they are provided with a supportive, empathetic and respectful environment. Sarah understands that our environment, families, and past experiences shape our identities and self-perceptions. By creating a safe and trusting space, she helps clients explore these influences, uncover limiting patterns, and work toward greater self- acceptance and fulfilment.

Some of the other therapeutic approaches she draws on include Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-focused therapy, and Mindfulness. This holistic and integrative approach ensures that therapy resonates with each client’s personal experiences, beliefs, and goals, ultimately fostering a more personalized and impactful healing journey. Sarah has worked as a Psychotherapist for four years and has over ten years of experience working as an Occupational Therapist, with individuals of varied ages, backgrounds, and cultures, through illness and many of life’s difficulties. Sarah has worked with and has supported clients experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties including but not limited to, low self-esteem and self-criticism, anxiety, relationship and familial difficulties, bereavement, depression, stress and work/life balance, abuse, and childhood trauma. Recently, she worked at Jigsaw, The national centre for youth mental health, where she assisted young people through brief interventions. Sarah now works exclusively in private practice and currently welcomes adult clients (18+ years).

Anne-Louise Foley

Therapist at Willow Tree
Anne-Louise is a counsellor and therapist with over 10 years’ experience and is accredited with the APCP. She works with adult clients presenting with issues such as anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, and trauma. She has a particular interest in attachment theory and in the family dynamics in which difficulties can arise. She believes people are always doing the best they can to survive and it’s important to meet them where they are.
Clients have so many different needs – for some it is to sit in a safe non judgemental space with their thoughts and feelings: while others have more complex needs, linking back to unresolved childhood difficulties and adverse experiences. Anne-Louise’s primary training (BA Hons – Level 8 – from Irish College of Humanities & Applied Sciences) is in the person-centred model, and she uses this often, but for trauma, a different approach is more helpful and as such, Anne-Louise has done training in both EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. In brief, this looks to the body for the root of the distress (which plays out in response to daily life triggers) with a view to processing what’s stuck and held, and then developing with the client some new somatic resources. Anne-Louise also has training in couples counselling (PCI professional cert, 2023) Anne-Louise sees clients at Willow Tree on Friday mornings.

Lorraine Murray

Pre-Accredited Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Lorraine is an experienced psychotherapist who holds an Honours degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Lorraine’s main approach is a warm interpersonal style, led by the client, with the gentleness of Person-Centered Therapy and the directness of Glasser’s Choice Theory. An adeptness to listen and put people at ease in a very compassionate and non-judgemental way comes naturally to her. A strong therapeutic relationship with a collaborative approach between Lorraine and clients, supports people to navigate their way through life’s challenges in a calm and caring way.

With over 30 years of experience working in the community in a variety of roles, as well as life as a wife and mother has facilitated an effortless transition into the therapeutic world. Lorraine is committed and passionate in supporting her clients to regain their self-esteem, self-worth, and independence through tailored therapy. This approach promises to provide a safe and confidential space while helping find a clearer way through life’s many challenges. Family, friendships, relationships, and work are such important parts of all our lives, so working together to make them the best they can be is vital.

Working in a one-to-one setting with women experiencing challenges presented within the family, infertility, financial struggles, relationship issues, raising teens and abuse are some trails you can begin to explore within this safe and supportive space. Thus empowering you to trust in yourself and find purposeful meaning in life. Reflecting on experiences and challenges, Lorraine believes that everyone holds the capacity to implement positive changes in order to live an authentic and happy life.

Róisín Hughes

Play Therapist at Willow Tree

Masters of Arts in Creative Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents with a
specialization in Play Therapy with the Children’s Therapy Centre, Ballymore, Westmeath, Ireland. Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy. Bachelor of Education, Coláiste Mhuire Marino, Dublin 9. Registered member of IAPTP- Irish Association for Play Therapy & Psychotherapy, ECIP – European Certificate of Integrative Psychotherapy, BAPT- British Association for Play Therapy.

Róisín is a dedicated practitioner with a background in education and child-focussed psychotherapy. Róisín began her career as a primary school teacher accumulating 11 years of teaching experience in various schools in Ireland and Abu Dhabi. During this time, she worked with children and families from marginalised school communities, gaining insight into the challenges and traumas they experienced.

Building on her teaching experience, Róisín transitioned into the field of psychotherapy. She is a qualified Play Therapist and a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, which allows her to provide specialised therapeutic support to young clients. Róisín understands the importance of taking a systemic approach, considering not only the individual needs of young clients but also the broader context of their families. This holistic perspective enables her to address the complex interplay of family dynamics and children’s well-being. Róisín’s speciality is as a child-centred Humanistic and Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities and
creative interventions including play and creative arts to adapt to the evolving needs presented by each individual client.

Róisín emphasises the fundamental components of safety, relationship, play, and compassion as integral aspects of the healing process for children and adolescents. These values are central to her therapeutic approach, helping clients who have experienced difficult life events, in reaching their full potential. She remains committed to ongoing training, research, and professional development to stay updated on the evolving needs of children and adolescents. Her dedication to continuous learning ensures that she can provide the best possible support to her clients. Róisín specializes in Child-centred Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy for children, and adolescents. Her main therapeutic approaches are Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy & Play Therapy. Utilizing a Non-Directive and Directive approach with parenting support, psychoeducation, and strategies.

Aisling Mulhern

Psychotherapist at Willow Tree

Aisling is a qualified child and adolescent psychotherapist holding an MA in Creative Psychotherapy (Humanistic and Integrative Modality) and a PgDip in Play Therapy. She is a fully accredited member of IAPTP and EAIP.

Aisling provides a safe and welcoming space for children and teens to work at their own pace and in a way that feels best for them, using creative methods such as play,art, or sand tray therapy, or by talking. She works with a variety of issues such as anxiety, grief, trauma, gender identity, school refusal, and parental separation. Aisling also works closely with parents and caregivers, providing them with knowledge and techniques to support their child throughout the therapy process and for life beyond therapy. She provides parents with a space to safely explore their parenting styles and beliefs and to learn new ways to respond to the challenges of parenting today.

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The Psychological Society of Ireland
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