Parkinson’s Ireland Counselling Service Now Accepting New Referrals

Parkinson’s Ireland is pleased to announce that our counselling service is now accepting new referrals, offering free, confidential support to people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

Living with Parkinson’s can bring a range of emotional and psychological challenges, both for the person diagnosed and those supporting them. Access to counselling can provide an opportunity to talk through these challenges, explore difficult feelings and develop strategies to support emotional wellbeing.

Our dedicated counselling service is provided by counselling psychotherapist Kathleen Moore Avila and is designed specifically to support people affected by Parkinson’s. Whether you are adjusting to a diagnosis, navigating changes in daily life or supporting a loved one, counselling offers a confidential space to discuss your experiences and concerns.

The difference counselling can make

Feedback from people who have accessed the service highlights the value of having a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges.

One service user described their experience:

“Empathic therapist, a very good listener who reflected back the positives I could build on in future and who encouraged perspective on the negatives. Six sessions all well-paced.”

Another service user spoke about the support they received from Kathleen:

“The counselling sessions I had with Kathleen were really helpful and valuable. Kathleen made me feel relaxed, comfortable and safe in the sessions. She was professional but friendly. This is an excellent service and I’d encourage anyone struggling with their diagnosis to use it. Thanks Kathleen!”

A further service user highlighted the positive impact the sessions had on their confidence and outlook:

“The sessions were wonderful. I looked forward to them each week. I felt I could be totally honest with the therapist and was made to feel heard, appreciated, stronger than I thought I was and relaxed. I feel more positive about myself now. Thank you so much.”

These experiences reflect the importance of having access to emotional support when navigating the challenges that Parkinson’s can bring.

How to access the service

Parkinson’s Ireland is now welcoming new referrals to the counselling service. If you are living with Parkinson’s or are a care partner and feel you would benefit from support, you can contact our team to request a referral.

To request a referral, call Parkinson’s Ireland on 1800 359 359.

Our helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

Parkinson’s Ireland recognises that emotional wellbeing is an essential part of living well with Parkinson’s. We encourage anyone who feels they may benefit from counselling to get in touch and find out more about the support available.