About PPCAI
Our Mission
The Perinatal Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Ireland strives to maintain an engaged, credible and nationally recognised body of accredited and specially trained perinatal mental health professionals who serve the perinatal population of Ireland. PPCAI is dedicated to the advocacy of all individuals, couples and families navigating the perinatal period and to reducing barriers to accessing needed care and support.
PPCAI FOUNDING MEMBERS
Linda Bolger, MIACP Counsellor/Psychotherapist - Current PPCAI Chairperson
Linda Bolger is an IACP accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and runs her private practice STL Counselling & Psychotherapy from Celbridge, Co. Kildare & online.
Linda has a Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Professional Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a Level 9 Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health & a Professional Certificate in working with Adolescents. Linda has also completed the Perinatal IPT Training with the IPT Institute (Interpersonal Psychotherapy Institute) and many more shorter trainings in the area of perinatal mental health.
Linda has additional specialised training in Fertility Counselling and is a professional member of the Irish Fertility Counsellors Association (IFCA).
To add another great passion of hers to her work Linda has also trained and qualified as a EAGALA professional in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and facilitates both group and individual sessions in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Linda specialises in all areas of women’s health – working with women with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to the following: Preconception & Fertility, Infertility, IVF & Assisted Reproduction, Pregnancy, Miscarriage & Loss, Traumatic Birth, Post Natal Anxiety, Post Natal Depression, Transition to Motherhood, Perimenopause & Menopause, Stress, Anxiety & Depression, Self Esteem & Confidence.
Linda lectures part time on the Degree programme in Counselling & Psychotherapy and runs workshops and training in the area of fertility and perinatal mental health.
Linda is a founding member of The Perinatal Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Ireland.
Rebecca Reddin C.Psychol., Ps.S.I., LMFT, LMHC, SUPD, PMH-C - Current PPCAI Vice Chairperson
A Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C) with Postpartum Support International, Rebecca founded The Perinatal Mental Health Institute to provide comprehensive training and education to perinatal providers about perinatal mental health. She also serves as a Board Member for the Psychological Society of Ireland's Special Interest Group for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and as the Ireland Support Coordinator for Postpartum Support International.
Rebecca is passionate about supporting those navigating the transition to parenthood through her private practice, Mindful Roots Counselling, where she works with women and couples during this tender transition; from the expected challenges of Matrescence to the intense impact of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and everything in between.
With a Master of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Rebecca is triple licensed as an LMFT, LMHC, and SUDP in the USA. She is also a member of the Irish Fertility Counsellors Association and a founding member of The Perinatal Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Ireland.
Michelle Flynn, MIACP - Current PPCAI Secretary
Michelle Flynn is a fully qualified, IACP accredited Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. She is the founder of An Croí Beag Psychotherapy.
Michelle holds a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy as well as a Higher Diploma in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and a Level 9 Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health.
Michelle has additional training in Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Somatic Experiencing, and Parent-Infant mental health.
She enjoys working with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. As a mum of three herself, Michelle has a particular interest working with perinatal mental health, postnatal depression, traumatic births, perinatal loss, and anxiety. Michelle has extensive experience working with parents on all aspects of parenthood and relationships.
Alongside her private practice Michelle regularly teachers on Psychotherapy training programmes and has made a number of appearances on podcasts and radio.
In her private time, Michelle enjoys being in the sea, yoga and generally being outdoors with her family.
Michelle is a founding member of The Perinatal Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Ireland.
Marci Carroll, MIACP - Current PPCAI Treasurer
Marci is a qualified psychotherapist and holds a Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and has undertaken Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Specialist Training with the Perinatal Mental Health Institute. She also holds a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a BA (Hons) Psychology; and a H. Dip in Primary Education. She is a fully accredited member of the IACP. Marci regularly teaches on IICP’s Psychotherapy training programmes. She also has 20 years’ experience in primary school education.
Marci is passionate about supporting mothers through the early stages of motherhood and the challenges this transition brings. She founded Motherhood Matters in response to some of the gaps she identified in maternal mental health care, and offers accessible therapy sessions where baby is welcome too (including Walk, Talk and Coffee sessions in South Dublin parks), a 6-week group support and psychoeducation programme, and hosts free monthly coffee mornings for mothers and babies. She provides psychoeducational workshops and talks for mothers and the practitioners who support them on topics such as Matrescence and self-compassion, and has also spoken on podcasts on these topics.
Marci strongly advocates for both mothers and the practitioners who support them, and is a founding member of The Perinatal Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Ireland.