Netflix’s House of Guinness isn’t really about a pint of stout. It’s about family secrets, the weight of expectations, and people trying to figure out who they are while living under someone else’s rules. And honestly, that hits close to home. Because most of…
Blog
Defensiveness – “We Were on a Break!” and Other Ways We Miss the Point
Let’s be honest if you’ve ever heard the phrase “We were on a break!” you probably instantly think of Friends and Ross shouting it from the rooftops. But behind the sitcom punchline is something many of us recognise in ourselves or our relationships: defensiveness.…
Music, Emotion, and Counselling: Finding Connection in Struggle
“Discomfort endlessly has pulled itself upon me, distracting, reacting. Against my will I stand beside my own reflection; it’s haunting how I can’t seem to find myself again; my walls are closing in.” ~ Chester Bennington, 1976 – 2017 The first time I…
Introducing Siobhan McCarthy
Meet Siobhan McCarthy: A Pluralistic Psychotherapist at Summit Counselling & Psychotherapy Swords At Summit Counselling & Psychotherapy Swords, we know that finding the right counsellor is one of the most important steps on your journey. Every therapist brings their own style, training, and personality…
Why Is Self-Care So Hard?
Self-care is everywhere these days — from TikTok tips to wellness podcasts to those “treat yourself” memes. It sounds simple enough: take care of yourself. Rest. Recharge. Eat a vegetable. So why does it often feel… overwhelming, confusing, or just plain out of reach?…
Contempt – Eye Rolls & Emotional Distance
Contempt is often described as the most destructive of the Gottman’s’ Four Horsemen. It doesn’t just hurt — it erodes the very foundation of emotional safety in a relationship. Where criticism attacks a partner’s behaviour or character, contempt communicates disgust, often through sarcasm, sneering,…
Criticism: The First Horseman
What Ross and Rachel Can Teach Us About Communication We’ve all been there—feeling frustrated with our partner and blurting out something that starts with, “You always…” or “Why do you never…” According to Dr. John Gottman, this is the first sign that a relationship…
Thinking About Counselling? Here’s What You Need to Know
You’re not alone in wondering what counselling is actually like. Maybe life’s felt a bit off lately. Maybe you’ve been feeling anxious, low, stressed — or just not quite like yourself. You might have considered counselling, but something’s holding you back.What do I even…
Why Am I Still Single? Understanding the Deeper Reasons Behind Relationship Patterns
If you’re wondering why you’re still single, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. Many people in Swords, Malahide, and surrounding areas come to counselling with similar questions. Understanding your patterns in relationships, how you approach emotional connection, and even how your past shaped…
Coping with Loss: Finding Stability in Uncertain Times
Loss isn’t just about death. It can take many forms—losing a relationship, a job, a friendship, your health, or even a sense of security. Any major life change can bring feelings of uncertainty, grief, and a loss of control over your own situation. When…