About Me
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Personal Statement I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I awoke and saw that life was a service. I acted and behold, the service was a joy (Tagore) A curious mind and a hungry heart for truth have led me to take the road less travelled, and that has made all the difference. I started off in the year 2000 with the study of optometry in Dublin. However, I always had a sense that there was more to life than meets the eye. Socrates said many years ago, ‘the unexamined life is not worth living’. Such wisdom from ancient times is now more relevant than ever. Practising optometry served me well, but somehow, the objectivity of science did not allow me to really see the true light of day. This led me to delve beyond the facade of falsehoods that many unwittingly wear. Not long after qualifying in optometry, I was drawn to a course in philosophy, and there, I awoke to my greater purpose. I questioned for the first time, 'Who am I, really?'. And bubbling beneath my persona, a sense of my true ‘self’ became manifest. I pursued courses in iridology, nutrition and ayurveda, to name but a few. With every course I embraced, I knew I was one step closer to seeking my truth. I reached out to charities and did some work for Vision Aid Overseas in Burkina Faso and Sri Lanka, and closer to home for St. Vincent DePaul. I climbed many mountains, till I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro; I was involved in breaking a world record alongside twenty-nine of my relations, completing a marathon and raising awareness and funds for charity. Then, finally, some years ago, I completed a course in holistic counselling and psychotherapy. After attaining diplomas and a first-class master’s degree in psychotherapy, I have recently been awarded a doctorate of psychotherapy by professional studies. Enlivened by my truth and the power of the therapeutic relationship, I endeavour with great zeal to continue on this road. And, no road is free from speed bumps. I have been touched by personal challenges and the tragic losses of friends and family through deaths, illness and suicide. However, their precious short lives have driven me to reach out and help others. As a trainee therapist, I underwent years of personal therapy, which aided me in many ways. Firstly, therapy gave me insight into my personal process, including cognitive thoughts, behavioural patterns and interpersonal communication styles. It challenged my belief systems and unconscious programming. I found this process hugely empowering. Having tested and tasted psychotherapy at the coalface of life, having formed and developed authentic therapeutic relationships, having witnessed healing and change. Now, my hungry heart has found its home, and hopes to master it, God willing, to the best of my ability. |
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