Dr Susan Byrne
Dr Susan Byrne is a Director and the Managing Partner at the Connolly
Counselling Centre. She is also the Lead Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Susan is fully accredited with the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland. She is also a
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Couples/Relationship Counsellor and Clinical
Supervisor.
Susan graduated from Dublin City University with a first-class honours degree in
Psychology and Philosophy in 2004, and completed her Doctorate in Cognitive
Psychology, Embodied Cognition and Philosophy of Language with the National
University of Ireland, Maynooth in 2012. In 2022, she completed a Postgraduate
Diploma in Clinical Supervision with Dublin City University.
Susan also holds qualifications in the following:
- Diploma in Humanities
- Diploma in Addiction Counselling
- Professional Certificate in Couples Counselling
- Advanced Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders
- Certificate in Counselling Skills
She is also trained in the implementation of Conflict Resolution and Restorative
Practices, Children First Legislation and Child Protection & Welfare issues, and ASSIST Training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).
Susan follows the Code of Ethics as set down by the A.C.I. and promotes professional, ethical and best practice at all times with her clients. She also maintains her accredited membership with the A.C.I. by meeting the required criteria of Continued Professional Development, regular Clinical Supervision, Professional Indemnity Insurance and Garda Vetting. Her therapeutic approach follows models from Psychology and Counselling such as:
Embodied Cognition & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Person Centred Counselling; Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy; Motivational Interviewing & The Wheel of Change; Solution Focused Therapy; and Reality Therapy/Choice Theory.
Susan offers a confidential and non-judgemental counselling service to both adults and teenagers where thoughts, feelings and experiences can be explored in a safe and supportive space. Originating from a professional teaching background, and a previous member of the Teaching Council of Ireland, Susan has a keen interest in working with young adults and has over 25 years experience working both in the private sector and in community development settings with young people from 15 to 21 years of age.
Areas of Expertise
Chemical Addictions – Alcohol and Drugs (both prescriptive & non-prescriptive)
Behavioural/Process Addictions – Problem Gambling, Pornography, Sex, Internet
Eating Disorders – Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder,
Orthorexia Nervosa, and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Couples/Relationship Counselling & Family Interventions
Depression
Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Bereavement & Loss
Deliberate Self Harm & Suicidal Ideation
Poor Body Image/Body Dysmorphia
Other Information
Susan has presented numerous papers at the Psychological Society of Ireland and
British Psychological Society Conferences while undertaking her doctoral degree,
along with publishing several chapters from her thesis in both philosophy and
psychology journals.
Currently, she is writing a book on Adolescent Mental Health having worked with Early School Leavers for 21 years.
Since 2008, Susan has completed over 750 hours of Continued Professional Development and is committed to on going education and training in order to meet the professional standards required in the practice of psychology and counselling.
Susan also holds the position as Chairperson at the Dun Laoghaire Community Training Centre which is run under the auspices of the Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board (ETB). Prior to becoming the Chairperson, Susan worked as a Teacher, QQI Coordinator and Counsellor at the centre for 21 years prior to becoming a Director of the Board from January 2023 – November 2024.