About Me

I am a trauma-informed practitioner, professional life coach, and addiction counsellor with a strong commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. For over 13 years, I have worked in both professional and voluntary roles within the community, providing compassionate support to people impacted by trauma, mental health difficulties, addiction, attachment wounds, and social isolation.

I bring a relational, person-centred approach to my work, grounded in safety, connection, and deep respect for each individual’s story. My passion lies in supporting people heal, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths.

Alongside my clinical practice, I have delivered lived experience trauma talks to educate the public on the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). I believe that by raising awareness, breaking the cycle of trauma, and promoting compassionate understanding, we can create stronger, healthier communities.

My approach to therapy is client-centred, flexible, and integrative, ensuring that sessions are tailored to each person’s unique needs. Some of my clients have travelled from outside the county to see me.

I have Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) training, which enables me to support children and families using the PACE model:

🟡 Playfulness – creating a safe and enjoyable space 

🟡 Acceptance – understanding emotions without judgment 

🟡 Curiosity – exploring experiences with openness 

🟡 Empathy – providing emotional support and connection

I believe that healing happens through connection—whether it’s within ourselves, in our relationships, or in our communities. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward well-being.

Welcome to My Story

From Lived Experience to Supporting Others in Healing

My name is Sue Cushen, and my path into this work has been deeply personal. I am currently in my second year of a master’s in counselling and psychotherapy, and my lived experience with trauma and adversity continues to inform the way I support others with compassion and care.

From an early age, I witnessed and experienced the lasting impacts of trauma. These experiences led me to seek understanding, healing, and ultimately, a way to help others do the same. My journey has taken me through shame, resilience, and self-discovery—and it is through this personal healing that I’ve come to truly understand what it means to feel lost, to rebuild a sense of self, and to find strength in one’s story.

I know firsthand the power of feeling heard, seen, and supported—and I carry that knowledge with me in every space I hold for others.

Professional Background & Training

My passion for supporting others led me to pursue formal training in social care, trauma-informed practice, and integrative approaches to healing. I hold a Level 8 degree in Social Care, a Level 9 qualification in Trauma-Informed Practice, a Level 9 in Resilience in Self and Others in the Workplace, and a Higher Diploma in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and CBT. I am currently completing a master’s in pluralistic counselling & psychotherapy.

In addition to being a professional life coach, I have completed specialised training in:

• Understanding autism, Asperger’s, and ADHD (University of Derby)

• The BUSS Model (Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems)

• TBRI® – Trust-Based Relational Intervention: a holistic, evidence-based, attachment-focused model for supporting children with complex needs

• Fundamentals of Trauma Processing

• Couples therapy training (Karen Murphy, Couples Therapy Institute of Ireland)

• LGBTQ+ affirmative practice

• Disclosure of Sexual Abuse (University College Dublin)

I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults affected by trauma, complex mental health needs, addiction, attachment difficulties, and behavioural challenges. I have supported individuals with emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), bipolar disorder, and those impacted by sexual abuse.

As a foster carer, I also bring a deeply personal understanding to my work. Additionally, I deliver trauma-aware training to professionals, helping them build safer, more responsive environments.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that healing is possible—and that with the right support, everyone has the capacity to reconnect with their light.

Why I Do This Work

My Mission

Healing is possible. I have seen it, lived it, and continue to witness it in my clients every day. My mission is to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where people feel safe to explore their experiences, emotions, and identities.

Passion

I know the courage it takes to seek support, and I deeply respect each individual’s journey. Whether you are struggling with past trauma, mental health challenges, or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to walk alongside you with empathy, understanding, and professional guidance.

Education &

Professional Qualifications

Current: year 2

Masters in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Completed

• BA Hons in Social Care 4-year degree

• Higher Diploma in Science in Integrative Psychotherapeutic Studies (QQI Level 8)

• level 9 in Trauma-informed Care: Theory and Practice

• level 9 in Building Work-Based Resilience in Self and Others in the Workplace

• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Level 1 and 2

• Motivational Interviewing Level 1 and 2

• Children’s First Training HSE and Barnardo’s

• Couples Therapy Training

• Diploma in CBT

• Diploma in mental health and addiction

• Training in LGBT+QI

• Cert in disclosure of sexual abuse.

• Cert in understanding autism, Asperger's, and ADHD

• Cert in QPR Suicide Gatekeeper program

Registered Social Care Worker with CORU
Pre-Accreditation of Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI)
Membership/Accreditation with Adolescent Psychotherapists and Counsellors in Ireland

I give lived experience trauma talks to educate the public and support people to heal.

I will always learn through CPD, and not only do I want to, but it’s also an ethical standard for all Irish bodies I’m recognised with. All my certifications are on display for my clients to see how I have trained.

Ready to Begin your Healing Journey?

I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore what healing looks like for you, at your own pace, in a way that feels right for you.

You are not alone. I am here to guide you!

what my clients say

Jess, Co MEATH

I did counselling with Sue for a few months, she really helped me see my potential and to navigate life better. She’s very kind and caring and I’m greatful for the help I received over the months.