Psychotherapist Dublin 12: Counselling & Psychotherapy in Walkinstown & Online
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns you can't seem to change? Macánta Psychotherapy offers online and in-person counselling for individuals across Ireland struggling with chronic anxiety, overwhelming stress, or navigating addiction recovery. If you feel stuck in your own head or find yourself repeating habits you can't seem to break, even when you know what you "should" be doing, we provide a practical space to help you move forward.
Professional Mental Health Support in Walkinstown, Dublin 12
Macánta Psychotherapy is a mental health counselling and psychotherapy practice in Dublin 12 founded by myself, integrative psychotherapist Alan Byrne.
I provide therapy for anxiety, depression and addiction, offering both in-person sessions in Walkinstown and online therapy across Ireland.
The word Macánta means honest, sincere, and genuine. This reflects the core philosophy of the practice, creating a therapeutic space built on openness, authenticity, and respect.
Counselling and Therapy Services for Anxiety,
Depression, Addiction & Burnout
If you are exploring therapy, you may want to learn more about the counselling services available at Macánta Psychotherapy.
Support for addiction and building long-term recovery.
Therapy for low mood, loss of motivation, and emotional exhaustion.
Therapy support for exhaustion, emotional depletion, and recovery from chronic stress.
You can view a full list of all of our services on our Psychotherapy Services page.
Is Therapy Right for You?
A lot of people start thinking about therapy when something just isn't sitting right with them.
You might feel stuck in your own head, overwhelmed by things that didn't used to affect you, or caught in patterns you can't seem to break, no matter how hard you try.
Maybe your mind doesn't switch off, even when you're exhausted. Or you're getting through the day, but it feels like you're just managing rather than actually living.
Sometimes it's obvious what's wrong. Other times, it's just a feeling that something isn't quite right, even if you can't fully explain it.
You might recognise yourself in some of this:
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feeling anxious, depressed, or constantly worrying
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struggling with burnout or emotional exhaustion
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finding it hard to change addictive habits or behaviours
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feeling stuck in repeating patterns
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dealing with confidence, identity, or difficult life changes
Psychotherapy offers a safe space to slow things down, make sense of what's going on, and start moving forward in a way that feels manageable and real.
You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. If something doesn't feel right, that's enough.
Meet Alan Byrne: Pre-Accredited IACP Psychotherapist
I’m Alan Byrne, a qualified Psychotherapist based in Walkinstown Dublin 12, and Pre-Accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).
I work with people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns they can’t seem to break.
My approach is practical, supportive, and focused on helping you actually move forward in a meaningful way. We don't just work on understanding what’s going on, we begin the process of changing it too.
Alongside my training as a psychotherapist, I bring lived experience of recovery and a background in behaviour change.
This helps me understand both the emotional and practical side of change, including how difficult it can be to break patterns even when you know what you “should” be doing.
That experience shapes how I approach therapy, with an understanding that change isn't always straightforward, even when you want it to be.
In our sessions, we’ll work together to understand what’s going on beneath the surface, identify patterns that are keeping you stuck, and begin making changes that feel realistic in your day-to-day life.
You won’t be judged, rushed, or expected to have everything figured out. We go at your pace and focus on what matters most to you.
I use different approaches depending on what works best for you.
An Integrative Approach to Psychotherapy
Person Centred Therapy
Person Centred Therapy forms the foundational relationship of our work together. It is built on the belief that you are the ultimate expert on your own life, and that true change happens when you are provided with the right conditions to explore your experiences. In practice, this means creating an entirely non-judgmental, authentic space rooted in empathy and respect. When navigating the heavy shame or isolation that often accompanies addiction, or the vulnerability of opening up about severe anxiety, having a safe environment where you feel genuinely heard and accepted is vital for healing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT is a practical, action-oriented approach that looks at how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected. In our sessions, we will use CBT to identify the specific triggers behind substance or behavioural addiction, or build concrete tools to disrupt the exhausting worry loops if you're struggling with chronic anxiety. The goal is to move away from automatic, reactive habits and regain conscious power over your day-to-day choices.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT centres on building psychological flexibility, which is the capacity to experience but defuse from uncomfortable internal states without letting them dictate your behaviour. Instead of engaging in a constant, draining fight to suppress your feelings, ACT provides a framework for effective anxiety management and long-term addiction recovery. It teaches you how to acknowledge intense cravings or anxious thoughts, drop the struggle with them, and redirect your energy toward actions that align with your values.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy looks beneath the surface to explore how your past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious habits shape how you think, feel, and behave in the present day. Many people find themselves trapped in painful worry loops or compulsive behaviors because those actions were once survival strategies that no longer serve them. By gently bringing these hidden dynamics into your awareness, we can understand the root causes of why you feel stuck, allowing you to break long-standing defensive patterns and build a healthier relationship with yourself.
Flexible Therapy Formats: In-Person in Walkinstown or Online Across Ireland
Online Therapy Sessions Across Ireland
While I am based in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, my online sessions allow you to access therapy from the comfort of your own home, without the need to travel or rearrange your day.
For many people, this makes it easier to stay consistent and fully focus on what's going on, without added stress or time pressure.
All you need is a quiet space and a stable connection.
How to Begin Your Therapy Journey
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you're not sure what to expect.
That's why the first step is a free 15-minute call, where we can talk through what's going on for you and see if working together feels like the right fit.
There's no pressure, just a chance to ask questions and get a sense for how I work.
If you decide to continue:
Your first full session is a space for us to begin understanding what's been going on for you, and what you would like to get out of therapy. This session can be done in-person in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, or online via Zoom or over the phone.
We'll take it at your pace, with no expectation for you to share everything right away.
In the first session, we might explore:
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what has been going on in your life recently
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what you're finding difficult right now
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what you'd like support with
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what you hope to get from therapy
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how the therapy process works
You're also free to ask any questions about the process along the way.
If you're unsure, the easiest place to start is simply having a conversation.
Therapy Fees & Session Structure
To ensure complete transparency before we begin working together, here is a clear breakdown of the practical investment and structure for counselling sessions:
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Individual Session Fee: €60 per session.
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Sliding Scale Options: I maintain a limited number of reduced-rate places for students, low-income individuals, or those experiencing genuine financial hardship. Please feel free to inquire about availability during your initial consultation.
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Session Duration: 50 minutes.
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Frequency: Sessions are typically held on a weekly basis, providing consistency to support your progress.
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Payment & Cancellation: Payments are made the day before each session. A standard 48-hour cancellation policy applies to protect both of our schedules.
There are no hidden costs or long-term financial commitments required upfront.
We will review our work together regularly to ensure you are getting the exact support you need.
Clinical Qualifications & Evidence-Based Therapy Standards
I work with people who struggle with anxiety, low mood, addiction, or who simply feel stuck or caught in patterns they can't seem to break; both in-person in Dublin 12 and online across Ireland.
I believe that effective therapy must be grounded in both professional expertise and genuine human connection. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Counselling and Psychotherapy and practice as a pre-accredited member of the IACP, working strictly under the clinical supervision of a fully accredited member.
Alongside my professional training as a psychotherapist and my background in health and behaviour change, I bring personal lived experience of addiction and recovery. This shapes how I understand the process of change, not just as something we talk about, but something that can feel difficult, frustrating, and at times overwhelming.
My aim is to create a space where you feel comfortable, able to speak openly, and not judged.
You can learn more about me on the About page.
If you’d like to get a sense of whether this feels like the right fit, the easiest place to start is a short conversation.
Taking The First Step
Starting therapy for anxiety or taking the first step toward addiction recovery can feel like a significant step, especially when constant worry or overwhelming thoughts are present.
There is no requirement to have everything figured out before reaching out; the easiest place to start is simply having an informal conversation.
This brief, no-pressure call is a chance to discuss what brings you to therapy, answer any practical questions, and figure out if this practical approach is a supportive match for you.
How to book: Take a moment to fill out the form below. Once you do, Alan will send you a WhatsApp message within 24 hours to confirm a suitable day and time.
