About Me

I am a fully qualified and accredited Addiction Counsellor, and Psychotherapist, specialising in trauma-informed practice, addiction, and mental health. I hold a Master's Degree in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, a BA (Hons) Degree in Social Care, and a Level 9 qualification in Trauma-Informed Practice. This diverse educational background has deepened my understanding of complex trauma, attachment, relational dynamics, addiction, and psychological wellbeing.

For over 13 years, I have worked in both professional and voluntary roles within the community, providing compassionate support to individuals and families affected by trauma, mental health difficulties, addiction, attachment wounds, and social isolation. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have experienced significant adversity, loss, and complex life challenges.

My practice is grounded in a relational, person-centred, and trauma-informed approach, where creating a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental therapeutic space is central to the healing process. I believe that meaningful and lasting change occurs when individuals feel genuinely heard, understood, and valued. I work collaboratively with clients, recognising that every person's story is unique and that therapy should be tailored to their individual needs, strengths, preferences, and goals.

As a trauma-informed practitioner, I bring a deep understanding of the impact trauma can have on the mind, body, relationships, and sense of self. Drawing on pluralistic principles, I integrate a range of evidence-based approaches to support clients in exploring their experiences safely, developing healthier coping strategies, strengthening emotional regulation, and rebuilding a sense of stability, self-compassion, and connection.

Alongside my professional qualifications, my work is enriched by extensive lived experience, which has further shaped my understanding of resilience, healing, and the importance of human connection. I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals to heal from past experiences, overcome adversity, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths and capacity for growth and change.

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 journey into counselling and psychotherapy has been both professional and deeply personal. I hold a Master's Degree in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy, alongside a BA (Hons) in Social Care, a Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Level 9 qualification in trauma-informed practice. I am also currently undertaking a diploma in clinical supervision across professions, further enhancing my ability to support both clients and practitioners within helping professions.

My lived experience of trauma and adversity has profoundly shaped my understanding of the human capacity for resilience, healing, and growth. From an early age, I witnessed and experienced the far-reaching impact of trauma, which led me on a journey of seeking understanding, recovery, and ultimately a desire to support others on their own healing paths.

Through my personal and professional experiences, I have come to understand the complexities of shame, loss, survival, and self-discovery. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation of what it means to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or lost, while also recognising the strength that can emerge through healing and self-compassion.

I know firsthand the transformative power of being truly heard, seen, and understood. This understanding sits at the heart of my practice and informs the way I work with others. I strive to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where people feel empowered to explore their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move towards meaningful and lasting change.

I believe that every person's story matters, and I am passionate about supporting individuals to heal from past experiences, build resilience, and discover hope, growth, and possibility for the future.

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

Completed

• Masters in Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy

• 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
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.