Dervla Shannahan. Relationship, family issues and fertility specialist, (Online, UK + International)

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I qualified a decade ago and have extensive experience working within the LGBTQI community, in clinic, research and activism. I have lived all over the world and my global experience informs my affirming, culturally-aware approach. In addition to my clinical training I hold a PhD (in feminist ethnography) and am currently studying for an MA in applied Neuroscience. Both enhance my clinical work. I believe that therapy is a co-creative process and the answers you need are already within you. My role is to hold the space where you can exhale, think more clearly and safely find the answers you need. When we gain a clearer understanding of how the past is shaping the present, it can be deeply liberating, enabling us to make freer choices about the future. Many people find therapy life-changing, but usually not in the ways that they expect when they start.

Sexual identity:

Queer

Gender identity: Female

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: No

Personal pronouns: she/her

Qualifications - Links to websites:

British Psychoanalytic Council: https://www.bpc.org.uk/information-support/find-a-therapist-or-clinic/23274/

https://psychotherapybs8.co.uk/

Qualifications - Additional:

Psychodynamic Psychotherapist	Severnside Institute of Psychotherapy Bristol	2016
PhD in Ethnography	Goldsmiths University of London	2019
MA Applied Neuroscience (currently in progress)	King's College London	2025
Introductory course in Philosophy and Psychotherapy	Philadelphia Association London	2008

Experience and approach:

Psychodynamic psychotherapy sessions are led by whatever comes up for you. It can sometimes be useful to reflect on your past experiences, in order to make sense of what is happening in the present, but I try to stay aware of where you wish to go or change throughout. I offer once or twice weekly sessions, on a short-term or longer-term basis, depending on what you need. I currently have sessions available during the day and Thursday evenings.

I have successfully treated clients dealing with numerous challenges and issues, and am qualified to work with adults 18+. My areas of expertise are relationship difficulties, family issues and big life changes. My understanding of family and relationships is very inclusive, and I have successfully worked with people navigating fertility treatments, adoption, parenting challenges and co-parenting. I have also worked with many queer folk building and navigating their own families in different contexts, so am very confident in this area.

In recent years I have supported many neurodiverse clients as they navigate late discovery and diagnosis, and am equipped to support clients processing other diagnoses too. If you need support with something not listed here, pleae feel free to get in touch and find out if I can help.

My practice is queer-affirming, culturally-aware and neuro-inclusive. I am experienced working across time zones and accept clients globally. Before committing to a treatment plan, I always recommend starting with an initial consultation to see how working together resonates. Feel free to explore my website to learn more about my practice. https://psychotherapybs8.co.uk/

Approaches: