Dr. Elaine Ryan is a highly experienced and compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping adults overcome anxiety disorders and OCD. With 20 years of experience in the field, she offers a unique blend of expertise, drawing from extensive training and a deep understanding of neuroscience to provide personalised therapy tailored to each individual’s needs
Dr of Psychology | MSc Psychology | BSc Psychology
I’m Dr. Elaine Ryan, one of Ireland’s leading psychologists specialising in OCD, anxiety disorders, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With over 20 years of experience, I bring a uniquely holistic perspective to mental health, blending advanced clinical expertise with a robust academic background—including a Doctorate, MSc, and BSc in Psychology, as well as a degree in Finance.
My diverse training enables me to view mental health challenges from a multifaceted perspective. Whether it’s my specialised work in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—a focused form of CBT for OCD—or my post-doctoral training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), I use a broad range of evidence-based approaches to tailor solutions for each individual. This comprehensive foundation allows me to combine clinical insight with analytical, strategic thinking for a truly personalised therapeutic approach.
I have worked in multidisciplinary teams within the NHS in the UK, including advanced settings such as a personality disorder team. In addition, I have served as a psychologist at Irish universities, taught introductory psychology to the local community, led psychoeducational groups for individuals with bipolar disorder, and conducted stress management classes. I have also supervised doctoral-level trainees during CBT placements, further establishing my role as a mentor and leader in the field.
I remain dedicated to continuous professional development by rigorously monitoring the latest research, emerging therapeutic techniques, and clinical breakthroughs. I integrate these cutting-edge, evidence-based approaches into my practice and self-help courses, ensuring that my clients benefit from the most advanced and effective strategies available
My work has been recognised both nationally and internationally, with features in the Wall Street Journal, Irish Independent, and Bored Panda, as well as an appearance on RTE. These accolades underscore my commitment to providing compassionate, innovative care grounded in the latest neuroscience and therapeutic research.
In addition, I have been invited to speak at several professional conferences, where I’ve shared my insights on OCD, anxiety disorders, and innovative therapeutic approaches.
By combining extensive training with real-world clinical experience, I offer a distinctive approach that empowers individuals to overcome complex mental health challenges and achieve lasting, positive change.
Throughout my career, I have honed my skills and knowledge through diverse roles, including:
- The National Health Service (UK): In this demanding environment, I gained invaluable experience working with a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. I developed a comprehensive understanding of various therapeutic approaches and honed her skills in providing evidence-based treatments. For example, I provided specialised support for individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress following accidents and worked as part of a Team delivery Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
- The Brothers of Charity (Ireland): Here, I was part of a Team who provided compassionate care to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, developing specialised interventions to address behavioural challenges.
- National University of Ireland, Maynooth: Working in The Student Counselling Centre, I helped students negotiate their time during their university years.
- Private Practice (15 years): For the past 15 years, I have dedicated my practice to helping adults in Ireland overcome anxiety disorders and OCD.
Professional Memberships
- Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Member of the UK Society for Behavioural Medicine
- Member of Division of Health Psychology, BPS
- Member of Division of Neuropsychology, BPS
- Registered European Psychologist
Values
It’s important to me to adhere to all guidelines to keep your information safe.
Confidentiality
Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (no. ZA472099).
Please see our privacy policy to read about how we handle your electronic data
Ethics
As a psychologist, I am bound by professional bodies’ ethical rules. I am registered with professional bodies and adhere to British Psychological Society.
In My Own Words
My passion lies in empowering individuals to achieve positive growth and overcome the challenges that anxiety and OCD can present. My experience in the UK’s National Health Service provided me with a broad foundation in understanding and treating a wide range of mental health conditions. I had the opportunity to work with individuals from all walks of life, facing diverse challenges – from those struggling with severe depression and psychosis to those seeking support for everyday stressors. This experience equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of human psychology and a diverse toolkit of therapeutic approaches.
Since returning to Ireland 14 years ago, I’ve focused my practice on helping individuals who are seeking to regain control over their anxiety and live fulfilling lives. I work with people from all backgrounds who are committed to personal growth and well-being. Whether you’re struggling with social anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, I’m here to provide support and guidance on your journey to a calmer, more fulfilling life.
My Approach
I believe in a holistic and personalized approach to therapy. While I am an expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – having even supervised Doctoral Level Trainees in CBT during my time in the NHS – I recognize that every individual is unique. I draw from various evidence-based approaches, including mindfulness techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy, to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Neuroscience and Your Well-being
Understanding the intricate workings of the brain is central to my practice. Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all rooted in the neural pathways of our brains. By understanding how your brain works, we can identify the patterns that contribute to anxiety and OCD and develop strategies to retrain your brain for greater well-being.
This means that I don’t just apply CBT techniques in a standardized way. Instead, I work with you to understand the underlying mechanisms driving your anxiety or OCD. We’ll explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact, and we’ll develop personalized strategies to help you break free from unhelpful patterns and create lasting change.
Outcomes and Feedback
My clients consistently report positive outcomes from our work together. Here’s what some have shared:
- Retrain Your Brain® program: 92% of participants reported significant improvements in their anxiety, and 95% would recommend the course to others.
- Health Anxiety Roadmap: 90% of participants experienced reduced health anxiety, and 97% would recommend the program to others.
- Stop Panic Attacks program: 80% of participants reported a decrease in panic attacks, and 96% would recommend the program to others.