I have worked with Cork Simon Community, Barnardos, Daffodil Care and Brothers of Charity as well as volunteering as a counsellor for the Social and Health Education Project in Ballincollig for nine years, (primarily with teenagers and adolescents) and Cork Arc House for two years (providing counselling support for those with a cancer diagnosis or have bereaved through cancer).

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Whilst working at Barnardos I ran the Internationally recognised "Incredible Years Parenting Programme" for two years, both as a group facilitator and on a one to one basis. I worked with children between the ages of eight and fifteen, families and one to one with a variety of interventions relevant to the person concerned.

I worked as a volunteer counsellor for Cork Arc House with individuals who had a cancer diagnosis, were related to someone with a cancer diagnosis, or had been bereaved.

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I have volunteered with the Social and Health Education Project in Ballincollig for nine years and worked with both families and primarily teenagers who were experiencing a variety of difficulties in their everyday lives.

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I am an Accredited counsellor registered with the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and work within their code of ethics and guidelines.

I have Two degrees, in Social Science, and Counselling & Psychotherapy, as well as being a qualified mental health social worker. I am also a qualified Incredible Years Parenting course facilitator as well as a supervisor of Social Work students and final year social care students.

• WHAT I OFFER

Through my own life experiences I feel I am better able to relate to some of the issues presented by clients and this has helped in the developing of a trusting therapeutic relationship. These areas include:

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• Low Self-esteem​ / self-worth
• Bullying
• Parenting
• Mental Health issues / concerns
• Bereavement, Grief & Loss
• Relationships

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I offer 100% confidentiality unless there are issues around your safety, the safety of others or a child protection concern. We would discuss any concerns I may have before contacting relevant people concerned, like a GP.

​I will offer you my undivided attention whilst we work together. I will work with you so that you can find the best way to move forward with whatever is concerning you at the present. There may be times when I will challenge what you do and why, and we would discuss other possible ways of thinking and doing, with the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, in order to move forward.

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the approaches I use in order to help people move on, but I also look at the family history and how it shaped us into the person we have become and what the benefits are, if any, of continuing to behave and think the way we do, if it is not helpful.

​I use a variety of approaches in my work with clients and this may include drawing, role play, humour and guided visualisation.

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Ultimately, it is how we relate together which determines whether or we can work together and if you will trust me with your deepest darkest secrets. I will check in with you from time to time to see "How are We Doing?" because we need to be open and honest with each other if our work is to be of benefit to you.

Contact:

Ian Brooks

Phone: 087-6499904

email: [email protected]

website: https://www.ianbrookscounselling.com/

BA (Hons) Social Science, BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy

Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Diploma in Social Work

Diploma in Higher Education, Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners

ITEC Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology & Massage, Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist