Student Counselling Service - Here for You
The Student Counselling Service is a free and confidential counselling support available to all fully registered MIE students.
To book an initial consultation please click here
We're based in Rooms 36, 41 and 42 on the second floor in St. Patrick's Hall (Library Building) and open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (with extended hours on Tuesdays until 6.00pm).
You can book counselling appointments either in person or online (via Zoom), depending on what suits you best. We also offer a daily drop-in session at 12:30pm, Monday to Friday - no need to book in advance.
If your appointment overlaps with a class, we can provide a letter of attendance to confirm your visit.
Please review our Student Counselling Service Statement of Care.
How we can help
Counselling provides you time and space to explore issues that are of concern. Counsellors are specially trained to listen attentively and to offer a supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental environment where you can engage in a process of self-reflection and discovery with a focus on personal growth, mental health, and wellbeing.
Issues that students bring to counselling include:
- Stress/worrying/overwhelm
- Low mood
- Placement concerns
- Body Image
- Academic concerns
- Confidence/self-esteem
- Homesickness/loneliness
- Relationship/family difficulties
- Alcohol/substance use
- Identity (Sexual, Gender, Ethnic)
- Physical, Verbal, Sexual or Emotional harassment/assault
- Bereavement
- Concerns about the wellbeing of a friend/classmate.
How to meet with a counsellor
There are two main ways to access the Student Counselling Service:
- Book an appointment online - You can schedule an initial consultation using the online booking system click here
- Drop-in session - Come to Room 41/42 St Patrick’s Hall (Library Building) at 12:30pm, Monday to Friday. No appointment needed.
Need to Speak with Someone Urgently?
While we're not an emergency service, if you're feeling overwhelmed or need to speak with a counsellor urgently, you can email [email protected] and request a same-day crisis appointment. We'll do our best to respond and support you as quickly as possible.
Even when the Counselling Service is closed, you're not alone. There are a number of services available 24/7 or after-hours if you're feeling overwhelmed or need support.
Meet the Team
Scott Ahearn
Director of Counselling and Student Support Services
Scott is a qualified Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor, accredited with the Family Therapy Association of Ireland (FTAI) and the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP).
He works systemically with students around personal, academic, and family issues, and is committed to developing high-quality, evidence-informed support services. Scott is on campus Monday to Friday and welcomes student and staff input into the development of the service.
Lynne Chen
Student Counsellor
Lynne is an accredited Psychotherapist with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and a member of PCHEI.
She uses an integrative approach and has a particular interest in identity, culture, and inclusion in therapy. Her work is shaped by a deep respect for each student’s background and lived experience. Lynne is on campus Monday to Friday.
Eimer Kernan
Trainee Psychotherapist
Eimer is a pre-accredited Psychotherapist with the IACP and a member of PCHEI.
She takes a warm, collaborative approach, drawing on person-centred, CBT, and integrative models. Eimer is available on campus Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Eamonn Ó Dochartaigh
Student Counsellor (Comhairleoir nua le Gaeilge)