In this episode of Alimentary! I am delighted to welcome Penny Sharkey (and yes we are related!) to discuss how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be used either by itself or with other therapeutic tools in therapy to support mental health and wellbeing. Penny is a professional counsellor and psychotherapist, and a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). She holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Degree in Social Studies, and a master’s Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Currently, she works in a private practice in Celbridge and Maynooth, in Co. Kildare.

From an early age, Penny developed a curiosity in how the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit worked. This passion was sparked by witnessing a friend struggle with severe anxiety and depression and seeing how effective therapy was in transforming their life. That experience motivated her to help others navigate their own challenges and find healing. In her practice, she strives to create a warm, accepting, and honest environment where clients feel safe to explore their feelings. Her therapeutic approach is flexible and client-centered, emphasizing empathy and tailored interventions to meet each person’s unique needs. She believes in the power of active listening, congruence, and guidance to help clients discover meaning, build resilience, and achieve personal growth.

She primarily works with Person-Centred Therapy, Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to support clients on their journey towards well-being. She said that it has been so fulfilling to work in supporting those who are seeking support, helping them find their own strength and clarity in times of distress. Other Resources Penny Sharkey Linkedin https://ie.linkedin.com/in/penny-sharkey-a4205527a Penny Sharkey Private Practice website https://www.thelisteningco.ie/ IACP List of Therapists https://iacp.ie/page/therapists?co=6&cat=11 HSE National Counselling Service https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/ncs/ Mental Health Ireland https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/ Aware https://www.aware.ie/ Youth Mental Health https://jigsaw.ie/ The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT Recipes for Kale https://www.jamieoliver.com/inspiration/killer-kale-recipes/ https://www.loveandlemons.com/kale-recipes/ Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie