Mary Shiels, BACP

Mary Shiels is a counsellor, trainer and TEDx speaker who brings focused expertise to people navigating trauma, anxiety and diverse sexual and gender identities. She works with clients across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, offering an affirming, non-judgemental therapeutic space for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, intersex or who describe themselves as gender, sex or relationship diverse.

She welcomes people expressing a wide range of gender and sexual identities, including those involved in consensual but transgressive sexualities, and provides support for sex workers. Mary is also one of Ireland’s Ambassadors for Training in Consensual against Sexual Violence for both teenagers and adults. Her practice integrates specialized methods such as the Clearing Method to help uncover and heal deep emotional wounds, and she identifies as an Emotional Mastery specialist who supports clients in strengthening the body-mind connection.

Mary has a particular focus on anxiety and panic and describes herself as an Anxiety Specialist who helps clients work toward relief from anxious patterns. Her clinical experience spans trauma-led therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, bereavement and loss work, post-traumatic stress, childhood and adult sexual abuse, suicide training, neurodiversity-related needs including ADHD, ADD and ASD, domestic abuse and coercive control, as well as mindfulness, resilience building and menopause-related concerns. She holds BACP credentialing - member status with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and provides therapeutic support in English.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and feelings and then commit to actions that reflect their values. It can be useful for managing anxiety, depression and difficulties with motivation by building psychological flexibility.

Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns formed in early relationships and how they influence current connections and emotional responses. This approach can help with attachment issues, relationship struggles, loneliness and recovery from relational trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Mary works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit best based on their needs, goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility - clients can meet by video call, speak by phone, or use live chat and text-based messaging when that better suits their life and comfort. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals, accommodate busy schedules, and receive ongoing care regardless of location.