Lighthouse Psychology

Lighthouse Psychology Lighthouse Psychology based in Waterford offers comprehensive psychological services to all.

A new study recently published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders explores the Quality of Life for car...
13/03/2026

A new study recently published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders explores the Quality of Life for caregivers of children with developmental disorders. The research highlights several key factors that predict a higher quality of life for parents and guardians:

🔹 Social Support: Having a reliable network is one of the strongest buffers against stress.
🔹 Access to Services: Timely, professional support for the child significantly reduces caregiver burden.
🔹 Resilience & Coping Strategies: Learning specific tools to manage daily challenges makes a measurable difference in long-term wellbeing.

Our takeaway? You cannot pour from an empty cup. To give your child the best support, your own mental health and quality of life must be a priority. 💡

Stop looking for a "tutor" and start looking for an interventionist. If you’ve felt like standard coaching hasn't "click...
11/03/2026

Stop looking for a "tutor" and start looking for an interventionist. If you’ve felt like standard coaching hasn't "clicked," it’s likely because it lacked a psychological backbone. We bridge the gap between simple organisation and deep-level behavioural change.

We focus on:
👉The Context: Because ADHD doesn't exist in a vacuum.
👉The Person: Tailoring the approach for the boardroom vs. the classroom.
👉The Science: Coaching integrated with psychological frameworks.
👉The Outcome: Performance, regulation, and responsibility.

Generic is easy. Expert is rare. We choose the latter.

Big kudos to Jennifer Roach, United In Blue ASD group for raising the financial issues that families have with ‘beige di...
11/03/2026

Big kudos to Jennifer Roach, United In Blue ASD group for raising the financial issues that families have with ‘beige diet’ eating in ASD. Lighthouse Psychology fully support her wish for the big fast food chains to provide a discount to families who rely on certain foods to feed their kids. Prof Chrissie, Clinical Director of Lighthouse will be on WLR tomorrow at 11.15 to support this.

Ever wondered what EMDR is and how it helps?EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence...
04/03/2026

Ever wondered what EMDR is and how it helps?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process traumatic or distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses “bilateral stimulation” (like guided eye movements) to help unstick painful memories so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.

At LightHouse Psychology, we are proud to offer EMDR as part of our services.

Learn more at https://lighthousepsychology.ie/

Meet the Team: IsabelaWe’re delighted to introduce Isabela, our Psychologist, whose work is grounded in empathy, clinica...
02/03/2026

Meet the Team: Isabela

We’re delighted to introduce Isabela, our Psychologist, whose work is grounded in empathy, clinical depth, and a strong commitment to understanding each individual’s unique profile. She has a particular passion for neurodevelopmental assessment and is dedicated to providing clear, comprehensive, and compassionate diagnostic evaluations.

Isabela holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Hospital Psychology. She brings over 12 years of professional experience and remains deeply committed to ongoing learning and continuous professional development, consistently refining and expanding her clinical expertise. Her background in psycho-oncology strengthened her ability to support individuals and families through complex emotional experiences with sensitivity and care.

She specialises in Autism and ADHD assessments and is deeply passionate about diagnostic work. In addition to psychological assessments, Isabela is trained in EMDR therapy and provides trauma-focused intervention for children, adolescents, and adults.

Her approach integrates evidence-based practice with a holistic understanding of emotional regulation, sensory profiles, developmental history, and lived experience. She believes that assessment is not only about identifying challenges, but about recognising strengths, validating experiences, and guiding meaningful, tailored support.

Outside of her clinical work, Isabela treasures time with her family and values the balance between professional dedication and personal connection. Originally Brazilian and Italian, she has made Ireland her home, embracing it not only as the place where she works, but where she has built her family life and chosen to grow her roots.

We’re truly grateful to have her expertise, warmth, and dedication as part of our team.

Finding light in the darkness 💡At LightHouse Psychology, we know that the journey toward mental wellness isn’t always a ...
25/02/2026

Finding light in the darkness 💡

At LightHouse Psychology, we know that the journey toward mental wellness isn’t always a straight line. There are days when the world feels heavy, and finding hope can feel like an uphill battle.

That’s why we want to share a beautiful resource with our community: https://reasonstostay.co.uk/

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Is it ADHD, or is she just wired differently?If your daughter is struggling with focus, seems perpetually anxious, or is...
20/02/2026

Is it ADHD, or is she just wired differently?

If your daughter is struggling with focus, seems perpetually anxious, or isn't responding to typical ADHD strategies, you might be looking for a missing piece of the puzzle.

Many parents are surprised to learn that Triple X Syndrome (47,###), a genetic difference affecting about 1 in 1,000 girls, often goes unrecognised because its "footprint" looks so much like ADHD.

Common Overlaps:
👉 Focus: Difficulty staying on task or following instructions.
👉 Learning: Specific struggles with reading or language.
👉 Social: Intense shyness or feeling easily overwhelmed in groups.
👉 Emotional: High sensitivity to her environment.

Why Clarity Matters: While the symptoms look the same, the support shouldn't be. Understanding if it is a genetic difference rather than a neurological one changes how we approach her education, her social development, and her self-esteem.

The Good News: A simple blood test (karyotype) provides a definitive answer. An experienced psychologist can help you determine if this is a path worth exploring.

It isn’t about "labelling" your daughter, it’s about giving her a roadmap that actually fits her terrain. If your gut is telling you there’s more to the story, trust that instinct.

ADHD is not a motivation problem and effective ADHD support is not about tips, hacks, or encouragement.Real ADHD interve...
18/02/2026

ADHD is not a motivation problem and effective ADHD support is not about tips, hacks, or encouragement.

Real ADHD intervention requires psychological understanding of:
👉executive functioning
👉emotional regulation
👉cognitive load
👉avoidance and overwhelm

Coaching works best when it is psychologically informed and grounded in how the ADHD nervous system actually functions.

📢 Important Notice for Our Clients: New Parking RulesIf you have an upcoming appointment at Lighthouse Psychology or the...
16/02/2026

📢 Important Notice for Our Clients: New Parking Rules

If you have an upcoming appointment at Lighthouse Psychology or the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, please be aware that Ardkeen Shopping Centre has introduced new parking arrangements from Monday, 26 January.

To ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible, please take note of the following:

Free Period: The first 90 minutes of parking are free.

Extended Stays: If you plan on staying more than 90 minutes, a charge of €2 per hour applies (max €10/day).

Payment Method: Payment can ONLY be made via the Easytrip app.

Enforcement: Euro Car Parks monitors the area using camera technology. While warnings may be issued initially, repeat non-compliance may lead to clamping (€80 release fee).

💡 Our Recommendation
We highly recommend downloading and setting up the Easytrip app on your smartphone before your next appointment. This ensures that if your session runs over, you can manage your parking easily without any interruptions.

School shouldn’t feel like a battleground.At The Lighthouse Psychology Clinic, we don’t believe in forcing children back...
13/02/2026

School shouldn’t feel like a battleground.

At The Lighthouse Psychology Clinic, we don’t believe in forcing children back to the classroom. Instead, we focus on healing the distress, shutdown, or panic that keeps them away. Our School Refusal & Reintegration Clinic is a dedicated space designed to help children build the emotional strength to return on their own terms.

Ready to find a way forward? https://lighthousepsychology.ie/

Getting what you need shouldn’t mean losing your peace.Do you ever find it hard to ask for what you need without feeling...
09/02/2026

Getting what you need shouldn’t mean losing your peace.

Do you ever find it hard to ask for what you need without feeling guilty or starting an argument?

At Lighthouse Psychology, we use Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help you navigate these tricky interpersonal waters. One of the most effective tools in the DBT toolkit is DEAR MAN.

This skill is designed to help you communicate your needs clearly and assertively while keeping your relationships healthy and your self-respect intact.

🔹 Describe the situation (stick to the facts!)
🔹 Express your feelings
🔹 Assert what you want
🔹 Reinforce the benefit to the other person
🔹 Mindful of your goal
🔹 Appear confident
🔹 Negotiate for a win-win

Getting stuck in "either/or" thinking can often lead to unnecessary stress and self-criticism. Dialectical thinking allo...
06/02/2026

Getting stuck in "either/or" thinking can often lead to unnecessary stress and self-criticism. Dialectical thinking allows us to hold two seemingly opposite truths at the same time, finding balance in the middle. ⚖️

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we learn that life isn't always black and white. You can be doing your absolute best AND still have room to grow. You can feel angry with someone AND still hold deep love for them.

By replacing "but" with "and," we open up space for self-compassion and more nuanced relationships. Which of these "ANDs" resonates most with you today? 👇

Address

Top Floor, Ardkeen Shopping Centre, Dunmore Road, Waterford X91 AE01
Waterford

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