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-1.00pm, 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.
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.
There are three 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
- Email [email protected] to make an appointment
- Drop-in session - Come to Room 41/42 St Patrick’s Hall (Library Building), Monday to Friday from 12.30pm-1.00pm (30 minute appointment). 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.
What to Expect at a Drop-In
Need to talk to someone but not sure where to start?
Our daily drop-in offers a chance to meet with a Student Counsellor for up to 30 minutes without needing an appointment. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, upset or simply unsure if counselling is right for you, you're welcome to come along.
During the session, you can expect to:
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Meet one-to-one with a Student Counsellor in a confidential space.
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Talk through what's been going on for you at your own pace.
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Be listened to without judgement.
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Discuss what support might be most helpful for you.
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Decide together on the next steps, whether that's booking counselling sessions, exploring other supports or simply using the drop-in as a one-off conversation.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you come. Sometimes people attend because something specific has happened, while others simply know they haven't been feeling like themselves.
If you decide that ongoing counselling would be helpful, we'll explain the registration process and guide you through the next steps.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Just come to Student Counselling Services during our daily drop-in time.
Monday-Friday (term time)
12.30pm-1.00pm
Subject to availability.
If you're unsure whether your concern is "big enough", that's often a good reason to come and chat. You don't have to wait until things feel overwhelming.
You don't need to be in crisis to use the drop-in. Sometimes a single conversation is enough, and sometimes it's the first step towards ongoing support. Either way, you're welcome.
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.
Whether you’re looking for information, trying to manage a specific issue, or just want to learn more about your mental health, there are plenty of resources available.
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 Maternity Leave.
Eimer Kernan
Student Counsellor
Eimer is an 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 Tuesday - Thursday.
Eamonn Ó Dochartaigh
Student Counsellor (Comhairleoir nua le Gaeilge)
Sophie Kelly
Student Counsellor
Sophie is an accredited Psychotherapist with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and a member of PCHEI.
She works from an integrative perspective, incorporating creative arts approaches where appropriate to support students in exploring their experiences in ways that extend beyond talking alone. As a former Marino Institute of Education student and primary school teacher, Sophie has a strong understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges of teacher education. She works collaboratively with students on a wide range of personal, emotional, and academic concerns and is on campus on Monday and Tuesday.