Ph.D., DClin.Psych., C.Psychol., Ps.S.I (M9894C)

I am Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director at The Butterfly Practice. I draw from many years of clinical experience and from a breadth of evidence-based approaches to support those I work with to explore and discover their neuro-types and embrace their essence.

I attained my B.A. in Psychology (1st Class. Hons) in 1999, a Ph.D. in Cognitive Development in 2006 and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psych.) in 2010, all from Trinity College Dublin. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland and am looking forward to when Psychologists are called to the Irish Regulatory Body for allied health professionals, CORU to register.

I have three decades of experience working with children, families and adults with specific needs, including time spent as a child-care worker, a teacher and an Assistant Psychologist in the area of acquired brain injury. As a Clinical Psychologist, I spent 8 years in HSE Primary Care Services, and 8 years and counting as a Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice. Two of those years I worked concurrently as a Senior Clinical Psychologist contractor in the HSE Sligo/Leitrim Children’s Disability Service (CDNT) and two with The Adult Autism and ADHD Practice.

I have been deeply inspired and humbled by the neuro-affirmative movement which motivated me to take a critical look at my own clinical practice and to change to become more conscious of the strengths and needs of all of those I work with, especially those in Autistic and otherwise-neurodivergent community. This spurred me to found The Butterfly Practice in 2023 - a Practice of like-hearted clinicians committed to providing best practice and neuro-affirmative discoveries,  where we support our clients to explore and discover their neuro-types. It also inspired me to ask more questions about my own ways of being, leading to my own identification as an ADHDer in recent years. 

I am passionate about so many things Neurodivergent, especially:  Autistic and ADHD ways of being in girls and women and the intersection of Autistic, ADHD and other wise neurodivergent ways of being across the lifespan; the intersectionality of neurodivergence and trauma, and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy in Neurodivergence (PDA).

My greatest learnings come to me not through books or training, but through the immensely rich experience of working with clients and their families and seeing my entire life as a teacher. My two children are, of course, my 'very greatest' teachers 😊 and my Portuguese water dog Manni, who shows me how to come back into connection with my own essence over and over again.

B.A., Psychology; MSc., Applied Psychology; D.Clin.Psych., C.Psychol., Ps.S.I. (M14252C)

I’m Martina, a clinical psychologist, with over 15 years of experience working across a variety of primary and secondary care services in the HSE.

I have a degree in psychology from NUI Maynooth, a masters in Applied Psychology from Trinity College Dublin and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from NUI Galway. I am also a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

Using a neuro-affirmative approach, I am experienced in working with autism and ADHD in both children and adults. I am passionate about psychology, mental health and about getting the best supports to people to help them thrive in life.

I value creating a safe, warm and collaborative environment in which I can get the very best from those I am privileged enough to work with.

D. Couns. Psych. C.Psychol. PsSI. (M14812C)

I’m Lia, a Counselling Psychologist with over 13 years of experience “meeting people where they are at” and providing psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and various psychological interventions in various multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary settings, both public and private. I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland.

After studying Arts, working, and travelling, I then began my journey into professional psychology by completing the Higher Diploma in Psychology in Dublin Business School, (2011) and the a MSc in Applied Psychology (Mental Health) at the University of Ulster at Magee in Derry (2012). Throughout this time I was working in supporting and caring roles with adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities, enjoying really being with my clients in their daily lives, joys and struggles. 

I completed my doctoral training in Counselling Psychology (DCounsPsych) in 2015. And spent two years working in youth mental health for Jigsaw both in Tallaght, and in Donegal. I then moved into the HSE spending 8 years working as a Counselling Psychologist with HSE Donegal in both Primary Care Child Psychology services and as part of a Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT). During this time, I worked with many children, young people and their families as they navigated their own journeys through Autistic discovery and assessment, as well as supporting them with their unique Autistic experiences. 

With a young family to enjoy, I recently stepped out of the HSE and into my own private practice in 2025. I now work therapeutically with couples and with adults with a strong attachment-focused and emotionally-focused lens. I am delighted to be also partnered with The Butterfly Practice to offer neuro-affirmative and trauma-informed Autistic Discoveries for children and young people. 

I love what I do, because I do what I love. I thrive on helping others to understand themselves more fully, to make sense of their experiences and to find peace in who they are.

B.A. Psychology; H.Dip. Disability Studies; P.G.C.E (Primary Teaching); M.A. Educational Psychology, H.I.C.A.T; C.Psychol., Ps.S.I. (M14058)

I have been a member of The Butterfly Practice team here in Sligo since 2024 and I experience real satisfaction and meaning through working with children and families in a neuro-affirmative way. 

Working in a role that promotes and supports emotional wellbeing in children and young people was a leading motivation in my decision to study Psychology at UCD and subsequent completion of the HDip in Developmental Disability Studies, followed by Primary School Teacher Training and then professional training in Educational Psychology at UCD. In more recent years, I returned to academic study and have since become a certified practitioner in Holistic Creative Arts Therapy. 

Professionally, after completing my formal and academic training in Educational & Child Psychology in 2007, I followed my heart and moved back to the West of Ireland and began my career as the Autism Team Psychologist with WesternCare Association in Mayo. Then, in 2008, I joined the National Educational Psychology Service and worked with many fantastic children, young people, parents, educators, colleagues and multi-disciplinary professionals until 2023.

On a final note, since becoming a parent in 2011, my commitment to supporting children, young people, parents, teachers and carers has naturally deepened. It is my hope that our sessions at The Butterfly Practice are validating, supportive and empowering for our clients and I strongly believe that by acknowledging each person and their unique way of being in the world, we can water the seeds of understanding and compassion for ourselves as well as others, which naturally cultivates greater resilience, contentment and overall wellbeing.

D.Clin.Psych., C.Psychol., Ps.S.I. (M12545C)

With over 30 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist, I have worked across a wide range of public health services in both Ireland and the United Kingdom and, since 2020, within my own private practice in County Louth. I joined the Butterfly Practice in 2025.

Much of my professional career has involved supporting children, adolescents, and their parents. Through this work, I have come to understand the lasting impact of growing up neurodivergent, in a world that is largely designed around neurotypical ways of communicating, behaving, socialising, and learning.

I now work exclusively in neuro-affirmative assessments/explorations with adults. I have a particular interest in the experience of neurodivergence during the menopause years.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Kent in 1987, before undertaking clinical psychology training at the University of East London, where I graduated with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1995. I have also contributed to the training of future psychologists, as an Honorary Lecturer on Clinical Psychology Doctoral programmes at both the University of East London and Queen's University Belfast. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland 

Outside of my professional work, I find nourishment and sanity in nature — particularly in gardening and walking in the mountains around my home. I have been an enthusiastic traveller throughout my life, with recent journeys taking me to Iraq and Pakistan. Underpinning both my personal and professional life is a longstanding commitment to social justice, in Ireland and internationally.

BSc., CORU (SL019495)

I’m Faye Speech and Language Therapist. I graduated with a BSc in Speech and Language Pathology, from Queen Margaret’s University, Edinburgh, in 2003. Since then I have been working with children, of all ages, who present with a wide variety of speech, language and social differences. I began my career providing supports to teachers and SNA’s in schools for Autistic children. It was as part of the Team in Mater CAMHs service in 2004, that I began my training and experience and learning in providing Autism assessments.

The sea and the mountains drew me back to Sligo where I began work for the HSE Early Intervention Team, playing a key role in establishing this team alongside my esteemed colleagues. My role as a Senior Speech Therapist, enabled me to provide assessment, therapy and parent training to many families over the years.

On the journey for a more balanced life for myself and my family, I became an independent Speech and Language Therapist in 2011 setting up a private practice where I supported children and their families in a space where we could work at a pace that was needed for each individual. In 2018 I partnered with Dr. Julie Meehan, Clinical Psychologist to provide MDT Autism assessments for children and young people. I am now delighted to be able to work with The Butterfly Practice since 2024 engaging in neuro-affirmative Autistic Discoveries for children and young people. I also work with adults with disabilities in Donegal and I love the diversity and range that my various roles offer me.

I am a full member of CORU, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT), past chairperson of the Independent Speech and Language Therapists of Ireland (ISTI) and most importantly, a mummy of two boys.

BSc. (Hons), CORU (OT023720)

I am a CORU registered Occupational Therapist with more than 16 years of experience. I am dedicated to empowering individuals and their families by combining evidence-based approaches with neuro-affirming practices to help them achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.

I am a Mum of 3 children and the founder of Pebbles Occupational Therapy, a private practice located in Strandhill Co. Sligo. The practice offers a compassionate and high-quality OT service to children, young people, and their families. I am passionate about promoting well-being, inclusion, and self-advocacy for all of the clients I work with. 

I love working in a multidisciplinary way with The Butterfly Practice and it gives me great joy to be part of the Autistic Discovery Process for children and young people that the practice offers. 

B.A, MSc. (Psychology), P.S.I. (Graduate member): M14294

Hi, I’m Zita, I have been working at The Butterfly Practice since 2023 as an Assistant Psychologist. My background is in Drama, Theatre and Performance and Law, which I studied at The University of Galway, where my interest in psychology first began through studying performance, human behaviour, and identity. I also studied comparative disability law, which encouraged me to think more deeply about disability and inclusion.

I later completed a Psychology Conversion course in 2022, where I focused my research on autistic experiences and hoarding. I am currently completing a Masters in Applied Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, where my research aims to explore the strengths of ADHD women working in healthcare settings, and how they navigate demanding environments while drawing on the creativity, adaptability, and energy that ADHD can bring.

My interest in ADHD is both professional and personal, especially how strengths-based, neuro-affirming approaches can help people understand themselves more with more compassion and acceptance.

When I’m not working or studying, I’m usually out hiking with family and friends, cooking, or walking my dog, Tobias.

P.S.I. Graduate Membership, M15972

I am an assistant psychologist with The Butterfly Practice and a PhD researcher at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo. I trained in Clinical Psychology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and practised for over six years as a psychotherapist and clinical teacher at Shanghai Mental Health Center, working with adults drawing from therapeutic modalities including  mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioural, and family-based approaches.

I have a particular interest in ADHD and my PhD is focused on exploring the effect of nature and virtual reality in adults with ADHD. Working as an Assistant Psychologist with The Butterfly Practice complements my clinical experience and research interests and offers me the opportunity  to be part of a busy, neuro-affirmative practice whilst also pursuing my research interests. 

B.Sc., Diploma in Business and Executive Coaching, HDip Psych, PSI Membership Number M16225

Hi, I am Susan, one of the Assistant Psychologists at The Butterfly Practice. I began my career working in Technology in 2000 as a Technical Support Manager for a large messaging company, where my passion for psychology, coaching and mentoring began. At the same time, I completed a degree in Business and IT from Trinity College Dublin and transitioned into Marketing. Following the birth of my children, I took a career break. Throughout this time, I found my thoughts returning to work and, after much consideration, I decided to retrain as a Life Coach. 

I qualified as a Business and Executive Life Coach in 2016 and worked in coaching for several years, before pursuing my long-standing interest in psychology. In 2021, I returned to third level education and completed a Higher Diploma in Psychology at University College Dublin, graduating in 2025. During my studies, I explored a broad range of psychological disciplines, developing a particular interest in clinical psychology and youth mental health.

I am passionate about neurodiversity and supporting individuals in a neuro-affirming, strengths-based, and empowering way. I feel privileged to work with The Butterfly Practice, whose values of integrity, transparency and compassionate support closely align with my own professional ethos.

When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, going to the theatre, working out in the gym, walking my dog, and socialising with friends.

B.A., MSc. PsSI Membership Number M16252

Hi, I’m Sian, Assistant Psychologist at The Butterfly Practice, joining the team in October 2025. I undertook a BA in Psychology and Criminology, before completing an MSc in Psychology (Conversion), both at Maynooth University. It was during my undergraduate studies that I began to understand the complex relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system, and how many experiences that are pathologised are, in reality, understandable responses to pain shaped by systemic injustice. This realisation budded my passion for psychology and continues to inform my work today. 

After I graduated in 2024, I volunteered with A.S.S.C (Accompaniment Support Services for Children) as an accompaniment worker, supporting child victims and witnesses of crime within the Criminal Court of Justice in Dublin, Sligo District Court, and the Dublin SATU (Sexual Assault Treatment Unit). This experience was beyond meaningful and strengthened my commitment to working with children and young people. 

Since becoming an Assistant Psychologist at The Butterfly Practice, immersing myself in the field of neurodiversity has deeply expanded my perspective and appreciation for the importance of compassion, acceptance, and neuro-affirming support. This work has further strengthened my commitment to creating safe, understanding spaces where children, young people, and families feel valued and supported to thrive just as they are. 

When I’m not at work, you can find me in the garden tending to my plants and flowers or cuddling with my 3 cats - Chester, Mila, and Juni! 

My name is Kylie and I have the great joy of holding space and facilitating our peer lead neurodivergent meet ups for adults. We started these meetups over a year ago and they have become a safe and welcoming space where neuro divergent adults can share, be themselves and feel supported.

I have worn many different cloaks in my life, but I have always been drawn to working in a shared community space. Over my many years here in Sligo I have had the privilege of working in different community settings and I truly believe that there is so much healing and nurturing to be found when we can share our lived experiences with others. 

Hello! I’m Nigel, I’m a co-director and practice manager at The Butterfly Practice, and my job is to manage the practice to keep it running smoothly. That means day-to-day operations, risk and compliance, finances, suppliers, contracts… everything and anything that keeps the house in good order!

I spent most of my career in the banking sector, working in risk management and consumer protection for 20 years, and more recently before joining The Butterfly Practice, I worked for a local disability services charity in Sligo. I’ve learned how important it is to see and feel how different the world is for people who don’t fit a ‘typical’ mold, whether that’s a physical, neurological or any other type of mold, and how we as a society can do so much more to make the world a more equitable place for all.

My absolute favourite colour is green, and when I’m not at home or at work, I’m probably swimming in the lovely waters of the Atlantic 😊