Patricia Harrison
Ballina,Ireland
Summary
Compassionate Addiction Counsellor with a capability of creating a therapeutic relationship in a safe, supportive environment. Experienced at developing tailored treatment plans, leading group therapy sessions, and providing one-on-one counselling. Specialised in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, with emphasis on understanding each client's individual journey.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Addiction Counsellor
Hope House
Foxford, County Mayo
2024.04 - Current
- Demonstrate empathy and active listening skills during one-on-one counselling sessions.
- Utilise motivational interviewing techniques towards empowering clients towards change.
- Create individualised client treatment plans.
- Participated in continuous professional development opportunities to stay updated on latest research findings and therapeutic approaches in addictions counselling field.
- Applied cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for effective treatment outcomes.
- Conducted assessments of clients' substance use patterns for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Conduct group therapy sessions, promoting emotional healing and peer support.
- Enhanced patients' understanding of addiction through informative sessions.
- Encouraged positive lifestyle changes by suggesting healthy habits and coping mechanisms.
- Organised regular follow-ups post-treatment for sustained recovery and relapse prevention.
- Maintained strict confidentiality protocols, protecting sensitive patient information at all times.
- Facilitated family therapy sessions.
Intellectual Disability Nurse
HSE West and Sisters of La Sagesse, Cregg HOUSE
Sligo
2007.01 - 2016.01
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team for improved patient outcomes.
- Ensured adherence to nursing standards by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of nursing practices and ethics.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with colleagues and patients alike.
- Safeguarded patients' wellbeing with diligent observation and immediate action on any changes in condition.
- Managed challenging behaviour by utilising de-escalation techniques.
Administrative Assistant
Mayo-Sligo Mart
1997.01 - 2003.01
- Receptionist
- Manual and Computerised accounts
- Communicating with the Department of Agriculture
- Improved customer satisfaction through prompt response to email and phone queries.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly maintaining high level confidentiality at all times.
- Performed bookkeeping tasks, including invoicing and expense tracking.
Plant Manager
Colour Communications
Castlerea, County Roscommon
1993.01 - 1997.01
- I was responsible for team moral and carried out training needs assessments and implemented training programs
- I was accountable for quality control
- As the manager for the night shift, I supervised production and delegated duties
- I was part of the interview team for employing staff and was accountable as the safety officer
- Ensured safe work environment with strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
St. Angela's College
Sligo, County Sligo 2003.09 - 2007.04
Higher National Diploma - Psychotherapy
Castlebar Counselling and Therapy Centre
Castlebar, County Mayo 2017.09 - 2021.04
Certificate - EMDR Therapy Accredited Training Program
Colloquy Trauma Centre
Dublin 2023.11 - 2024.06
Certificate - EMDR Child and Adolescent Accredited Training
Colloquy Trauma Centre
Dublin, Leinster 2023.11 - 2024.06
Skills
- Client-Centred therapy
- Substance abuse counselling
- Group therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy practiced
- Familiarity with 12-step program
- Relapse prevention knowledge
- Treatment planning competency
- Ethical decision-making capability
- Client confidentiality
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Addiction Counsellor
Hope House
2024.04 - Current
Certificate - EMDR Therapy Accredited Training Program
Colloquy Trauma Centre
2023.11 - 2024.06
Certificate - EMDR Child and Adolescent Accredited Training
Colloquy Trauma Centre
2023.11 - 2024.06
Higher National Diploma - Psychotherapy
Castlebar Counselling and Therapy Centre
2017.09 - 2021.04
Intellectual Disability Nurse
HSE West and Sisters of La Sagesse, Cregg HOUSE
2007.01 - 2016.01
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
St. Angela's College
2003.09 - 2007.04
Administrative Assistant
Mayo-Sligo Mart
1997.01 - 2003.01
Plant Manager
Colour Communications
1993.01 - 1997.01