Starting therapy, for your child or for yourself, can bring up a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones. If yours is not here, please get in touch.
It means we see neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD, as a natural difference in how a mind works, not something to be fixed. Therapy focuses on wellbeing, self-understanding and coping with what feels hard, never on making a child or teenager appear more typical.
No. Northcore Health works with neurodivergent and neurotypical children and teenagers. Being neuroaffirming shapes how we work with everyone: the young person leads, and they are accepted as they are.
No. We work with children and teenagers whether or not they have a diagnosis, including those on a waiting list for an assessment or just wondering whether they might be neurodivergent.
No. Northcore Health provides psychotherapy, not diagnostic assessments. We are happy to support your child and your family before, during and after an assessment process.
No. Stimming, fidgeting, moving around and not making eye contact are all welcome in the room. Therapy is not about reducing autistic or ADHD traits. We focus on what is causing your child distress, such as anxiety, overwhelm or a difficult change, and on helping them feel good about who they are.
The room is quiet and soundproofed, with natural light, heating and a fan, and its own private entrance so there is no busy waiting room. If your child has particular sensory needs, tell us during the initial telephone consultation and we can plan around them.
Email [email protected] to arrange a free 30-minute telephone consultation. We can talk through what you are looking for and whether Northcore Health is a good fit. There is no commitment, and we aim to reply within 48 hours.
No. You can contact us directly. A GP referral is welcome but not required.
Telephone consultations for children and teenagers are arranged with a parent or guardian. If you are a young person thinking about therapy, a good first step is to talk to a parent, guardian or another trusted adult, who can then get in touch with us. If you need to talk to someone now, you can call Childline free on 1800 66 66 66 or text 50808, any time of day or night.
For children and teenagers, the first meeting is with the young person and their parents or guardians together. Young people are always welcome in this meeting, so there is no mystery or worry about adults talking about them, and they have a voice from the very start. It is a chance to share your concerns and hopes, and to hear how we work. From there, sessions go at the young person's pace.
Sessions are €85 for 50 minutes, for children, teenagers and adults. The initial 30-minute telephone consultation is free.
Many health insurance plans with VHI, Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health cover part of the cost of sessions with an accredited psychotherapist. The amount depends on your plan, so please check with your insurance provider first. Receipts are provided for claims.
Please give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel a session.
For young children, sessions often look like play. We use play therapy, sand tray therapy and art-based activities, chosen to match each child's age and development, because children often express through play what they cannot yet put into words.
Children and teenagers need privacy to feel safe in therapy, so the details of what they say are not shared. We do keep parents informed about how things are going in general, and we explain the limits of confidentiality, which exist to keep young people safe, to everyone before we begin.
Yes. We work alongside parents and guardians, starting with a first meeting that includes your child, and checking in regularly along the way.
Northcore Health is at Hilton House, 3 Ardee Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 FK18, in the building at the rear of the grounds. The therapy room has its own private entrance and exit, and there is free parking on site. It is about a 10 minute walk from Rathmines main street, and easy to reach from Rathgar, Ranelagh and Terenure.
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 8:30pm, including after-school and evening appointments.
Northcore Health was founded by Orla Tobin MSc, a fully accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), membership number M12400. She leads Northcore Health's clinical work.
Yes. Alongside our work with children and teenagers, Northcore Health offers psychodynamic and Jungian psychotherapy for adults.
Still have a question? Email us and we will get back to you within 48 hours.
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