Patrick Moloney

A conversation with Patrick Moloney

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  When I was young certain people in my life were great role models. One person in particular was accepting of some of my issues and was great to talk to. As I grew older and wiser I developed a belief that I too could help people by being a non-judgemental listener. So I studied counselling after having a broad working life.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  My basic philosophy is that every person is different and worthy of validation. Ultimately we all have challenges in life and need to be accountable to ourselves. Unfortunately many of the skills we need for a successful life are not taught at school. And this is where counselling can make all the difference.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  We all have a journey punctuated by crucial relationships that have both positive and negative affects on us. These relationships coupled with our need to resolve conflicts are my main areas of interest.

• What methods do you use?

  Person Centred Counselling, Mindfulness, Meditation and Hypnosis, Art Therapy

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  Often the client or clients will see immediate progress but each situation is different and so I am reluctant to make any promises.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Apart from my own personal therapy, working as a therapist has given me a much better appreciation of the challenges that affect others. I have become more broadminded and accepting of others.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  Helping others, to me is a humbling and gratifying position to be in. I like the challenge of helping my clients broaden their field of vision: "see the wood from the trees" as it were!

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  I am sure some days I am better than others but I do attempt to be ethical and give my clients my full attention. I may even admit that I am a bit stressed or have something on my mind to my clients. I believe it is important to be real.

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  I believe climate change is a huge issue but we also have international conflicts. On a more personal level we have relationship conflicts and our own mental health issues.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  It is hard to name one thing but in a difficult period of my life some years ago, I was comforted by playing on my guitar some of James Blunt's music.