Aisling Hearns, B.A. (Hons) Psychology, M.A. Addiction Studies, M.A. Cognitive Science, M.A. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Doctoral Researcher in Dept. of Psychology TCD (2018-2022), A.P.P.I, I.C.P

I am a qualified psychotherapist registered with the Association for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in Ireland and the Irish Council for Psychotherapy. After gaining a BA in Psychology in 2003, I went on to attain master degrees in Addiction Studies, Cognitive Science, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy between the years of 2005 and 2011. I am currently completing PhD research with Trinity Centre of Global Health on the complexities of trauma experienced by victims of torture and inhuman treatment.

In my private practice at Bray Counselling and Therapy Centre I see adults who have suffered trauma, complex trauma, depression and anxiety. I also provide shorter-term work for those interested in developing coping mechanisms to deal with particular life events. I use an integrative approach to psychotherapy, tailored to meet the individual needs of the person. This includes psychodynamic 'talk therapy,' trauma-specific therapy, CBT techniques, mindfulness, trauma-sensitive yoga and Capacitor techniques. In addition, I also specialise in working in cross-cultural psychotherapy and working through an interpreter.

In addition to my private practice, I have worked in Spirasi, the national centre for the rehabilitation of victims of torture, as a psychotherapist since October 2013. I have been the head of therapy in Spirasi since 2015. My function in Spirasi is to provide individual and group psychotherapy to survivors of torture and complex trauma with the aim of improving trauma symptoms and creating greater psychological resilience so that clients can begin to live a meaningful life again. In previous employment I worked with severely traumatised clients suffering from addiction, psychosis, eating disorders and various personality disorders.

Contact Aisling on:
Email: aisling.kearns@bctc.ie