Dr Ciara Banks
BA, Grad Dip Psy, MA, DClinPsy, CPsychol Ps.S.I. | Clinical Psychologist
Hybrid Psychology Practice available to clients remotely in Ireland and the UK, and face to face in Sligo, Ireland
*Update May 2026 - closed to new referrals*
Services
Dr Banks provides a range of psychological services for adults (18+). She draws upon her years of experience as a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, specialising in working with all ranges of problem-severity for problems including anxiety, depression, trauma and psychosis.
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This is the first step in starting therapy. Dr Banks provides an initial assessment with brief tailored recommendations on whether/what kind of further support is indicated. There is no obligation to progress to psychological therapy with Dr Banks following the initial assessment - €120
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Individual therapy occurs on a weekly, planned basis. Based on the initial psychological assessment, Dr Banks develops a tailor-made therapeutic approach to address the presenting problem, drawn from her experience in evidence-based psychological therapies - €120 per session
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A single session is sometimes enough to gain a good understanding of a problem, leading to insight on the solutions. Dr Banks is experienced in providing single session psychology consultations. A written summary report with tailored recommendations and resources can be provided if required - €120
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Dr Banks provides psychological consultation to teams, systems and organisations wishing to reflect on the socio-emotional roots of complex challenges. She is an experienced Reflective Practice facilitator, specialised in working with multidisciplinary teams on acute mental health wards. Length of session and fee are negotiable.
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Dr Banks is developing her interest in consulting to writers and editors on psychology and related topics. Prior work includes serving as expert reader for the Young Adult novel “Wise Creatures” (Deirdre Sullivan, 2023), and storylining/story-writing for the TG4 show Ros na Rún. Fee is dependent on length and depth of input requested.
Dr Ciara Banks is a native of Sligo, Ireland. She has nurtured an interest in the workings of the human mind from an early age, and has pursued education and training in Ireland, the UK and the USA. Dr Banks has eleven years experience as a therapist, and a total of seventeen years working in mental health services in both research and clinical roles. Alongside her private work, Dr Banks works with the HSE in a Crisis Resolution Service.
Dr Banks is a Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland, M15495C.
Dr Banks is also registered as a Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical Psychologist) with the Health and Care Professions Council, registration number PYL34930.
About
Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (King’s College London, 2017)
Master’s in Psychology (New York University, 2010)
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Oxford Brookes University, 2007)
BA (Hons) English and Psychological Studies (National University of Ireland, Galway, 2006)
Theoretical Orientation
Dr Banks is trained in a range of psychological therapies. Part of the assessment process is to help her determine which therapy is likely to be the best fit. Dr Banks is also skilled at an integrative approach, drawing techniques from different models to provide a bespoke therapy to fit individual needs.
Dr Banks practises the following models:
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Exposure Therapy
The Tree of Life Approach
How To Refer
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Self-Referral
Dr Banks welcomes self-referrals for single-session consultations and psychological assessment.
Please email hello@drciarabanks.com with the following information:
- the service requested
- main problem area
- what you hope to get from consultation/assessment
- your preference for face-to-face/online working
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Professional Referral
Dr Banks welcomes referrals from third parties (e.g. GP) and from teams/systems interested in consultation.
Please email hello@drciarabanks.com with the following information:
- reason for referral
- informed consent to refer
- risk assessment
- your preference for face-to-face/online working