About Me

my name is Abigail

I completed a Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology at University College Dublin. Prior to this, I obtained a Master’s degree in the Science of Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a Bachelor of Education. I worked as a primary school teacher for fifteen years and facilitated teacher training courses on curriculum areas.
As part of my doctoral training, I undertook work placements in various settings including the City of Dublin Education Training Board, the Child Network Disability Team, the National Educational Psychological Service and Primary Care, HSE. I have also undertaken research on autism at master’s and doctoral level and I have a keen interest in autism and inclusive education.
My work is person-centered, and I cater for the individual needs of clients. I am passionate about supporting the needs of children and young people to ensure the development of the best version of themselves.

What does an educational psychologist do?

Educational psychologists provide support for emotional, cognitive, behavioural and social issues experienced by infants, children and adolescents. They work closely with their clients alongside their parents, guardians and teachers to support individual needs. Services offered include consultations, assessments, school-based observations, identification of psychological or learning needs, therapeutic sessions and feedback meetings with recommendations provided. Assessments are used to assist diagnoses, identify educational and learning difficulties and to highlight areas of strength for individuals. One to one therapeutic work supports emotional, wellbeing and behavioural issues.
If you are uncertain if this service meets your requirements, please feel free to submit a query and you will receive a prompt response.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic practice which focuses on how individuals interpret their social context. It is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, substance misuse, relationship difficulties and emotional and wellbeing issues. CBT involves working with thinking patterns to change behaviours. CBT is an effective therapy that can improve quality of life by providing skills to assist in tackling problems and thoughts by breaking them down into smaller parts. CBT looks at thoughts, emotions, physical feelings, context and behaviour. Individual CBT sessions last 50 minutes and clients are advised to complete work outside of the session which is reviewed at each session. CBT sessions are available in person and online.

Psychological Assessment

A psychological assessment involves gathering information from multiple sources including consultation with parents/guardians and the completion of standardised assessments and questionnaires when appropriate. This information enables a psychologist to identify areas of strengths and areas whereby a child or young person may benefit from additional support. A report is developed after a psychological assessment has been fully completed and a list of recommendations for home and school settings are included in this report.