Dr Elaine Ryan Chartered Psychologist

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

Dr. Ryan’s journey in psychology has taken her from working in Multi-Disciplinary Teams in The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK to private practice in Ireland. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills and knowledge through diverse roles, including:

  • The National Health Service (UK): In this demanding environment, Dr. Ryan gained invaluable experience working with a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. She developed a comprehensive understanding of various therapeutic approaches and honed her skills in providing evidence-based treatments. For example, she provided specialized 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, Dr. Ryan focused on providing compassionate care to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, developing specialized interventions to address behavioural challenges.
  • National University of Ireland, Maynooth: Working in The Student Counselling Centre, Dr. Ryan helped students negotiate their time during their university years.
  • Private Practice (15 years): For the past 15 years, Dr. Ryan has dedicated her practice to helping adults in Ireland overcome anxiety disorders and OCD. She has cultivated a warm and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and work towards meaningful change.

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.