About Dr Donagh Ward

I am an experienced counselling psychotherapist and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) practitioner based in Tramore, Co. Waterford. I provide confidential, one-to-one therapy for adults, both in person and online, throughout Ireland.

I have worked in counselling, psychotherapy and mental health education for more than 20 years. During that time, I have supported people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, stress, obsessive-compulsive difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, addictive behaviours and significant life changes.

My Approach to Therapy

I feel that one of my key strengths as a therapist is my ability to put people at ease quickly, meet them where they are, and communicate in a clear, accessible, and human way.

I place great importance on empathy and on developing a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. I aim to treat every client with unconditional respect and without judgement, giving each person the care and individual attention they deserve.

My approach integrates person-centred talk therapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other appropriate therapeutic techniques. This allows us to explore the experiences underlying a difficulty while also developing practical ways of addressing unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

Integrity, honesty and authenticity are central to how I practise. I believe in being genuine and straightforward while doing everything within my professional ability to support each person who seeks my help.

Qualifications and Experience

I have worked in clinical practice since 2005 and have accumulated thousands of hours of counselling and psychotherapy experience.

I also have more than a decade of experience teaching counselling and psychotherapy at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This has included lecturing, supporting trainee therapists and supervising master’s-level research.

My qualifications include:

  • Professional Doctorate in Health, University of Bath

  • MSc in Psychotherapy Studies, University of Sheffield

  • BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy, First Class Honours, Middlesex University

  • Diploma in Counselling Supervision, PCI College

My doctoral research examined therapists’ awareness of physical activity as an additional support for people experiencing depression and anxiety. This reflects my wider interest in evidence-informed therapy and the relationship between psychological, behavioural and physical health.

Professional Accreditation

I am a fully accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), membership number M5735. I practise in accordance with the IACP Code of Ethics and undertake regular professional supervision and continuing professional development.