
Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Across Ireland | In-person in Dublin 12
Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed, or Caught in Patterns You Can't Seem to Change?
Online and in-person psychotherapy for individuals in Ireland who feel stuck in their own head, overwhelmed by stress, anxiety or low-mood, or repeating patterns they can't seem to break, even when they know what they "should" be doing.
€60 per 50-minute session | Online or In-person

What is Macánta Psychotherapy?
Macánta Psychotherapy is a mental health counselling and psychotherapy practice in Dublin 12 founded by integrative psychotherapist Alan Byrne.
The practice provides therapy for anxiety, depression and addiction, offering both in-person sessions in Walkinstown and online therapy across Ireland.
The word Macánta means honest, sincere, and genuine. This reflects the core philosophy of the practice, creating a therapeutic space built on openness, authenticity, and respect.
Is therapy right for you?
A lot of people start thinking about therapy when something just isn't sitting right with them.
You might feel stuck in your own head, overwhelmed by things that didn't used to affect you, or caught in patterns you can't seem to break, no matter how hard you try.
Maybe your mind doesn't switch off, even when you're exhausted. Or you're getting through the day, but it feels like you're just managing rather than actually living.
Sometimes it's obvious what's wrong. Other times, it's just a feeling that something isn't quite right, even if you can't fully explain it.
You might recognise yourself in some of this:
-
feeling anxious, depressed, or constantly worring
-
struggling with burnout or emotional exhaustion
-
finding it hard to change addictive habits or behaviours
-
feeling stuck in repeating patterns
-
dealing with confidence, identity, or difficult life changes
Psychotherapy offers a safe space to slow things down, make sense of what's going on, and start moving forward in a way that feels managable and real.
You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. If something doesn't feel right, that's enough.

My approach to psychotherapy
I’m Alan Byrne, a qualified Psychotherapist and Pre-Accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).
I work with people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns they can’t seem to break.
My approach is practical, supportive, and focused on helping you actually move forward in a meaningful way. We don't just work on understanding what’s going on, we begin the process of changing it too.
Alongside my training as a psychotherapist, I bring lived experience of recovery and a background in behaviour change. This helps me understand both the emotional and practical side of change, including how difficult it can be to break patterns even when you know what you “should” be doing.
That experince shapes how I approach therapy, with an understanding that change isn't always straighforward, even when you want it to be.
In our sessions, we’ll work together to understand what’s going on beneath the surface, identify patterns that are keeping you stuck, and begin making changes that feel realistic in your day-to-day life.
You won’t be judged, rushed, or expected to have everything figured out. We go at your pace and focus on what matters most to you.
I use different approaches depending on what works best for you, which includes:
Person Centred Therapy
Person Centred Therapy focuses on creating a supportive therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and understood.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT helps people understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact and provides practical tools to respond differently to difficult situations.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on developing psychological flexibility and helping people move toward a meaningful life even in the presence of difficult thoughts or emotions.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns can influence present thoughts, emotions, and relationships, helping individuals gain deeper insight into the underlying causes of their current difficulties.
Online therapy across Ireland
Our online sessions allow you to access therapy from the comfort of your own home, without the need to travel or rearrange your day.
For many people, this makes it easier to stay consistent and fully focus on what's going on, without added stress or time pressure.
All you need is a quiet space and a stable connection.

What happens when you get started?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you're not sure what to expect.
That's why the first step is a free 15-minute call, where we can talk through what's going on for you and see if working together feels like the right fit.
There's no pressure, just a chance to ask questions and get a sense for how I work.
If you decide to continue:
Your first full session is a space for us to begin understanding what's been going on for you, and what you would like to get out of therapy.
We'll take it at your pace, with no expectation for you to share everything right away.
In the first session, we might explore:
-
what has been going on in your life recently
-
what you're finding difficult right now
-
what you'd like support with
-
what you hope to get from therapy
-
how the therapy process works
You're also free to ask any questions about the process along the way.
If you're unsure, the easiest place to start is simply having a conversation.

About Alan Byrne
I know that reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not used to talking about what’s going on within.
I work with people who struggle with anxiety, low mood, addiction, or who simply feel stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns they can’t seem to break.
My aim is to create a space where you feel comfortable, able to speak openly, and not judged.
Alongside my professional training as a psychotherapist, I also bring personal lived experience of addiction and recovery. This shapes how I understand the process of change, not just as something we talk about, but something that can feel difficult, frustrating, and at times overwhelming.
My background in health and behaviour change has also shaped a practical, down-to-earth approach to therapy, helping you not only understand your patterns, but begin to shift them in a way that feels realistic and manageable.
You can learn more about me on the About page.
If you’d like to get a sense of whether this feels like the right fit, the easiest place to start is a short conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Our Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
If you are exploring therapy, you may want to learn more about the counselling services available at Macánta Psychotherapy.
Support for anxiety, panic, worry, and ongoing stress.
Therapy for low-mood, loss of motivation, and emotional exhaustion.
Support for addiction and building long-term recovery.
You can view a full list of all of our services on our Psychotherapy Services page.
