Dr Deborah McNamara

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

B.A., HDip Psych., MSc., DPsychSc

My Story

I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, specialising in adult mental health. My varied career has provided me with years of experience working across a range of adult mental health settings. I have a broad range of experience in providing evidence based psychological assessments and interventions to adults presenting with a variety of mental health needs, psychological difficulties and distress.

Working collaboratively with my clients, I take time to develop a shared understanding of their difficulties and to tailor interventions so that they can focus on what is most important to them. I provide a safe space wherein clients can explore life experiences to date and identify coping strategies that work well, while also considering areas of their lives where they would like to effect change and to develop alternative or more helpful ways of coping.

Compassion lies at the heart of my approach and I believe strongly in giving people the tools required to manage their own mental health now and into the future. My therapeutic approach is to work with individuals in a way that is considered, compassionate, and to create a meaningful relationships with all whom I work with.

Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength

Sigmund Freud

Areas of Special Interest

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Psycho-oncology

I have expertise in working with people across the lifespan who experience psychological distress as a result of their own cancer journey or that of a family member. This includes areas such as anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, concerns around body image, communication difficulties within relationships, uncertainty, adjustment issues, changes in sexual function and reproductive ability.

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Grief & Bereavement

My experience of supporting those impacted by cancer led to my interest in grief and bereavement work. In my role as a psycho-oncologist I gained invaluable knowledge and experience of helping both adults and children to navigate the aftermath of a loss and adapt to life.

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Infertility

My special interests also includes experience of working with individuals and couples who are navigating the many and often distressing challenges that can accompany fertility treatment. I have completed specialist training with the British Infertility Counselling Association and am highly skilled in helping those faced with infertility to cope with all aspects of the emotional impact of undergoing treatment and to explore options and decision making for the future.

Qualifications

Doctorate of Psychological Science (Clinical Psychology), National University of Ireland Galway
Higher Diploma in Psychology (Full), National University of Ireland, Galway
Master of Social Science (Social Work), University College Dublin
National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW)
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies in Social Care, Athlone Institute of Technology

Membership

Chartered Clinical Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)
Member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA)

* I am bound by a Professional Code of Ethics which protects the clients right to confidential and unbiased treatment.