Photo of Justin here
(a shot of him in conversation works best)

Comhrá Counselling and Psychotherapy

Justin Cullen · Integrative Psychotherapist, MIACP

A steady, considered space to work through what's difficult, in person across Dublin city, or online.

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Justin Cullen

Comhrá (pronounced co-raw) is the Irish word for conversation, and its intersection with wellness highlights how authentic human connection, storytelling, and language practices improve mental and social well-being.

Hi, I'm Justin, a fully accredited Psychotherapist MIACP. I hold an Honours Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and completed training with IICP College in Tallaght. Having the integrative approach means I can join different modalities of therapy together to suit the client needs and the style in how the work is carried out. What's key to my approach to therapy is that the client leads the session to where he/she wants to go and thus building a therapeutic alliance and mutual trust. This marked a significant shift in my career, having spent many years working in product transfer as an analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industry. The methodical aspect of this work has benefitted my practice as a therapist, as I always pay close attention to detail and take note of the unremarkable. My journey into therapy so far is aided by this analytical curiosity about myself and others and my experience in the client's chair. My reward for all of this change was a rebirth of sorts and the opportunity to live a happy, fulfilling life.

My Approach

I have trained as an integrative therapist allowing me to work in various other types of therapy for which I am trained and deemed competent to use. Every client is unique and my approach will vary depending on the clients issues and how they wish to work. What's entered below is just a very broad outline or structure at how I approach the work of therapy.

A therapist speaking with a man and a woman during a counselling session

Therapeutic Alliance

One of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship between client and therapist. This relationship starts with the initial phone call we have prior to commencement. Initial consultation call is free and usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. This call gives us a chance to get a feel for each other and to see whether we might be a good match for therapy. This relationship is furthered by a build-up of trust and understanding between the two.

Process

Disclosure comes with the confidence and trust with the therapist. Hypotheses are explored to a point where both believe something has moved concerning the issue of concern. Both humanistic and psychodynamic approaches are used in helping the client understand the issue at both the conscious and unconscious level. The confidential, safe place environment helps the client understand why things are the way they are. Mindfulness is also used with clients who struggle to emotionally regulate or clients who have issues with anxiety and depression.

Integration

Solution focused therapy, Choice theory and reality therapy which is very similar to CBT are used to reframe the client's relationship with the other and the environment. Process of change is enhanced with using the above behavioural techniques to the client's new understanding of themselves.

Qualifications

Content to follow.

Therapeutic services

Therapies

Areas of special focus

Main Approaches

Getting Started

Once contact is made a phone call is set up for an initial consultation which is free of charge for a period of time to allow the client to disclose issues concerning he/she/those. This also gives the client time to discuss who I am and how I work and the style employed in helping clients to achieve their goals in therapy.

Sessions are set in one of the 3 clinics I work in at the moment in Dublin city. See below for names and addresses.

Before commencement of therapy a legally binding contract needs to be read and understood by the client. If the client agrees to the contents, the client signs, and a hard copy is kept by me the therapist.

Therapy is face to face, but can also be online and can be a mix of the two.

Fees

Individual Therapy€80

Student therapist€65

Low cost (limited availability)€40

All fees are prepaid either in cash, by Revolut, or by bank transfer.

Contact details

Phone089 2620317

EmailJcullen00@gmail.com

Where to find me

Clinics

Marino Counselling Dublin

21 Fairview, Dublin 3, D03 K4H0

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Expansions Therapy & Trauma

42 Dawson St, Dublin 1

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Life Change Counselling and Psychotherapy

5 Clanwilliam Square, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, D02 HX27

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FAQ

How do I get in touch?

You can contact me using the phone number or email provided on this website. If you leave a message or text, I will do my best to respond as soon as I can.

Where is Comhrá Counselling & Psychotherapy located and what times are available?

I am located at Grand Canal Dock Dublin 2, Dawson St Dublin 1 and Fairview Dublin 5. I am available during the week Tuesday to Friday including morning, afternoon and evenings. Please get in touch for more details. Remote sessions are also available via Zoom or phone.

What happens when I attend the first counselling session?

Initially I'll ask for some basic information regarding your background, psychological history if any and your reason for attending counselling. Then I'll invite you to talk further around any difficulties you may be having. The aim of this session is to ease you into therapy and feel relaxed with the therapist.

How long is a counselling session?

Sessions have a duration of approximately 50 minutes. 50 minutes is allowed to allow 10 minutes before the arrival of the next client.

Is counselling and psychotherapy confidential?

What is said in the counselling room is entirely confidential, the only limitation being where it transpires that there is immediate risk to yourself or to others, as per the IACP Code of Ethics and the Children First Guidelines. All of my clinical notes are anonymised and you are not identifiable in any of my records.

How many counselling sessions will I need?

Twelve consecutive weekly sessions to begin with will give the therapy process a real chance. We can then review the progress after twelve weeks.

Am I really "messed up"? I'm embarrassed about attending counselling

No. Strong feelings that may be experienced can be natural human reactions to a variety of difficult circumstances. Often it can be about finding a way to understand and manage those feelings. There is nothing to be ashamed about if you are going for therapy. Most of us have no issue at all with attending medical appointments to look after our bodies and our physical wellbeing. Meanwhile our brain and mind is working tirelessly 24/7 and invariably the demands of living can place considerable strain on this essential part of our being. Attending for counselling means taking care of your mental health too.

I need to be "fixed" right away. I want results now

Sometimes difficulties that might be happening can have their origins in many different experiences in a person's lifetime, and part of the work is addressing this. It may take some time to unravel these difficulties, as they have built up over a considerable period of time. Having said that the number of therapy sessions that may be required depends on each individual.

Can I diagnose?

No, I cannot diagnose, that job lies in the hands of Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and prescriptions are done by your local GP.

Can you consult with other professionals to discuss my therapy?

Yes, we can, but only with the consent of the client and that of your doctor, Psychologist or Psychiatrist.