Gillian Taylor-Smyth

Education.

• Master of Applied Psychology (Coaching) MAACP – University College Cork (UCC), Ireland.

• Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychology – BSc (Hons) University of Southampton, UK.

• Foundation Degree in Psychology and Sociology – Bournemouth University International College 

• Higher Diploma in Crisis and Trauma Counselling (HDip) Glasgow Caledonian University 

• Higher Diploma in Health Sciences (HDip, HS). Northern Regional College, Northern Ireland 

Career Professional Development

• Diploma in the Therapeutic use of mindfulness.  Irish Mindfulness Academy. 

• Accredited Practitioner in psychometric personality testing with Spotlight 

• Diploma in the Therapeutic use of Art.  Harvard Street Life Sciences, London 

• Diploma in Addiction Studies.  Centre of Excellence 

• Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Addiction. PIC College, Dublin, 

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Memberships of Professional Bodies

Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M.Ps.S.I.)

Member in full of Special Interest Group in Coaching Society in the Division of Organisational Psychology in Psychological Society of Ireland (SIGPSI).

Member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS).

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My Work

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My practice has been built upon my lifelong love of education. This has led me to work within diverse arenas on an individual basis and with groups.

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One to one with the individual:  I have worked with people from all walks of life, struggling with many issues, such as transitional changes in life, stress, anxiety and addiction.  I also work with families and couples.

I am holistic, supportive and person-centred in my approach. I have a deep respect for the uniqueness of each individual and their situation.  My knowledge of psychology allows me to draw from its theories while applying coaching methodology and evidence-based interventions to help carve a unique personal development strategy to overcome blockages and attain goals.  I aim to achieve this by creating a supportive, stimulating and challenging environment by asking purposeful questions, welcoming difficult and challenging conversations in order to get to the heart of the matter. I believe this can be attained by providing a psychologically safe space where clients can feel heard, have space to self-reflect, time to plan, set and attain their goals.

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Group and Executive Work:  I have worked in arenas such as health professionals from the NHS and Health Service HSE, Veterinary Leaders and the legal profession. Humanitarian organisations (Help, for Humans, Ireland, CLG, Salvation Army, Greece, Samaritans, Ireland.), non-profits (Ballincollig Family Resource Centre, Ballincollig Drug and Alcohol Project) and in community health advocacy (Shine, CLG).   

Working within these arenas has allowed me to develop an understanding of leadership styles and have an appreciation of individual perspective. I am acutely aware of the challenges that senior leaders face in sustaining a high standard of performance from both themselves and their teams. I am passionate about helping leaders to develop healthy strategies to maintain high performance leadership whilst maintaining optimum mental health and work/life balance by building insight, knowledge and understanding of the self to enhance leadership qualities. 

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