Meet the team
Deirdre Ryan
Clinical Director & Senior Psychotherapist · MIACP
Deirdre Ryan is the Clinical Director and Founder of Tipperary Counselling Service, established in Templemore in 2011. She holds a Degree in Social Care, a Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Master's Degree in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, and has over 15 years' experience working therapeutically with adults, teenagers and children.
Deirdre believes strongly in the human capacity for change. In her work, she supports people to understand how they see themselves, the patterns they have been living by, and how those patterns shape their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. She works from the understanding that these patterns developed for a reason — and that with insight, compassion and the right support, they can begin to shift.
A central focus of her work is self-worth. Deirdre believes that when people begin to value themselves differently, it naturally changes how they experience the world, their relationships, and their sense of possibility. Her approach is thoughtful, grounded and collaborative.
Deirdre also writes a fortnightly mental health column in the Tipperary Star.
Edina Clohessy
Play Therapist · Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, MTU Cork
Here's Edwina's polished bio — paste this into the text element in the right column:
Edwina Clohessy is a dedicated play therapist with a particular passion for supporting children and young people aged 3 to 18 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and History, a Master's Degree in Primary Teaching, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy from MTU Cork.
With over nine years of experience across mainstream and special education settings, Edwina developed a deep understanding of children's emotional worlds and a strong commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice. It was this experience that inspired her to pursue specialist training in play therapy.
Edwina has a particular passion for supporting neurodivergent children, including children on the autism spectrum. Her approach is grounded in empathy, creativity, and deep respect for each child's unique way of being. She creates a safe, engaging therapeutic space where children feel seen, understood, and free to express themselves — often without the need for words.
Edwina works in close collaboration with families and is committed to ongoing professional development, continually expanding her knowledge of autism and neurodiversity. She believes every child deserves to be heard in their own language, at their own pace.
Ready to take the first step?
It doesn't have to be a big decision. A short conversation is enough to start. Call us or send a message — we'll take it from there.
📞 086 891 8075 · ✉️ deirdre@tipperarycounsellingservice.ie