Dip Addiction Counselling, BSc(Hons) Counselling Psychotherapy, Higher Diploma Supervision, MA Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Hi, my name is Declan Hughes and I am a Psychotherapist and Counsellor, trained in the
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. I provide specialist treatment for people suffering with addiction and mental health difficulties (dual diagnosis).
I am professionally accredited by Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI) and the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).
In 1999 I retired from private business as it came to a natural end. I went back to education and college that same year. I offer you over 22 years of experience in the addiction arena and I have worked in all areas of treatment provision. Currently I work fulltime with the Health Service Executive (HSE). I work as part of the multidisciplinary team with the Community Alcohol Drug & Mental Health Services (CADS-CMHT).
I am a qualified Clinical Supervisor accredited by ACI and offer supervision sessions face-to-face or on-line. I have been an associate lecturer on the degree in Addiction Studies at AIT, now TUS, and lectured on the Counselling Degree Course at TUS. I have presented at Conferences related to addiction and delivered many workshops on the area of marginalization, dependency, dual diagnosis and mental health. I have taken part in many CPD training programmes focusing on Addiction, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health and Humanistic Therapy approaches
I have served on the board of management with Addiction Counsellors of Ireland and held the post of Accreditation Secretary.
My Treatment Approach:
My work is on a one-to-one basis, within a confidential framework and child protection
legislation.
My approach to working with you will include the following therapies when appropriate.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Humanistic, Integrative, Person-Centred, Solution-Focused Brief
Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Therapy (CT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy.
I will offer psychoeducation, coping skills and life skills training to enhance your well-being
and function. I trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, The Decider Skills Programme,
Understanding and Responding to Domestic and Gender-based Violence and Abuse.
I am trained to deliver Evidence-Based Disorder-Specific Treatments.
I use proven methods that are carefully balanced with creative practice, awareness
understanding and compassion.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment and formulation, where baseline
measures are established in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment as we proceed.
The formulation of treatment goals is an important part of the process. These goals are
agreed collaboratively with a joint focus on the possibilities of change and are solution
focused.
Understanding and addressing what lies behind problematic alcohol and drug and behavior
addictions is the key to a successful long-term recovery.
Your personalised treatment plan, will help you gain insight, achieve healthy coping skills
and strengthen your physical, emotional, mental and social well-being.
Addiction / Dependency / Dual-Diagnosis:
Addiction can happen for people in different ways, substance misuse involves chemicals
such as alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, opioids, street drugs and over use of
prescription medication.
I work with behavioral addictions such as, pathological gambling, gaming, shopping, control
issues, sexual concerns, porn and internet issues.
Addiction brings with it a number of impairments, inhibition and compromises the ability to
make healthy choices. It disrupts executive function and dominates in a person’s life. Once
the addiction process is established it becomes automatic and acquires a life of its own.
Rehabilitation:
If Residential Treatment is a requirement arising out of our assessment, I will offer
assistance and recommendations to you of all rehabilitation centers, both public and
private.
Family Members:
It is very common for partners and family members to face a mountain of questions and
overwhelming concerns when a loved one is dependent on a drug or behavior. Frequently
family members feel defeated, exhausted, anxious and in crisis. I will work with family
members/concerned loved ones on a one-to-one basis so as to improve their quality of life
and lived experience.
Recovery:
Recovery is an ongoing process of your own understanding. Everyone is accustomed to
different life settings, life experiences, and responsibilities. My role with you, is to help you,
maintain the gains you achieved in therapy and to improve your engagement with life more
generally.
My private clinic is at evening time from 5pm.
If you would like to discuss issues of addiction and/or mental health concerns, or schedule a
private one-to-one appointment, I can be contacted at 086 8690623.
