Gerard O’Dea

My name is Gerard O’Dea and I am an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Ireland (APCP). In my therapy work, I respect the individuality of each client and recognise the vast potential within each person to thrive with the right support. I aim to create a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space in the therapy room, and my approach focuses on encouraging clients to explore the issues they choose at their own pace using various psychotherapeutic approaches.

My counselling experience to date has primarily centered around LGBTQ+ issues and neurodiversity. My passion for working with LGBTQ+ issues stems from being an openly gay man, my lived experience and understanding of the issues experienced in the community, and my love getting involved with Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community. My interest in neurodiversity stems from my previous experience working in the social care sector, where it was my role to support and encourage neurodivergent individuals and individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities to access employment, education, and meaningful, community-based social lives. This work helped me to appreciate the potential for everyone to thrive and succeed in life given the right supportive and encouraging environment. I also work in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, stress management, addiction, and general life issues.

As well as my counselling experience, I also have experience of facilitating peer support groups and delivering talks and workshops centered around LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity awareness and inclusion. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Well done on taking this first step on your therapeutic journey. I welcome the opportunity to encourage and empower you on your journey toward self-exploration and personal growth.