A Decade of Care: How Midlands Counselling Clinic Built a Sanctuary of Healing in Athlone

This October marks a major milestone for regional mental health support as Midlands Counselling Clinic celebrates its 10th anniversary. Founded in 2016 by accredited trauma psychotherapist Brian Walsh, the Athlone service has grown from a visionary local initiative into a highly respected multi-disciplinary practice. Today, a team of 14 full-time psychotherapists support over 230 clients a week from their clinic at Ankers Bower on the Old Dublin Road, ensuring that finding professional help does not have to be part of the struggle.

The clinic’s landmark year coincides with a major national accolade: receiving the prestigious Business All-Star Counselling & Psychotherapy Excellence Accreditation 2026 from the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF). This follows recognition in 2021, when founder Brian Walsh was named the inaugural recipient of the IACP Regional Award for his outstanding contribution to the profession in the Midlands.

"Looking back on the past decade, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude," says Brian Walsh. "I feel incredibly privileged to work alongside such a compassionate, highly skilled team of psychotherapists, many of whom have been part of this journey since day one. Of course, our shared path began with a vital gesture of community support. I want to extend my sincere thanks to GPs Dr Mark McCormick and Dr Graham Kearon. By generously offering me space in their original Garden Vale medical practice, they created the birthplace of Midlands Counselling Clinic. Their early belief in my vision truly laid the foundation for everything we have built together."

From those early days, Walsh’s goal was clear. He wanted to move beyond the traditional model of standalone, home-based counselling practices and generalised holistic centres. Instead, he envisioned a centralised, fully integrated practice operating to the highest standards of clinical governance. By bringing accredited specialists together under one roof, the clinic could seamlessly deliver advanced, highly specialised psychological care.

This collaborative framework has become the backbone of the clinic, supported by a strong network of community trust. The practice receives direct referrals from GPs throughout Westmeath, Offaly, Roscommon, Longford, and East Galway, alongside regional hospitals.

"Our growth would not have been possible without the support of local medical professionals and Midlands based businesses," Walsh notes. "But above all, my deepest gratitude goes to our courageous clients. To commit to the vulnerability of healing requires immense bravery. It is an absolute privilege that thousands of people across the Midlands have trusted us with their stories."

To maintain the highest ethical standards, all psychotherapists are fully registered and accredited with premier Irish professional bodies, including the IACP, IAHIP, ACI, FTAI, EMDR All Ireland, ICP, and APCP.

By bringing diverse therapeutic modalities together, the clinic supports a wide spectrum of clinical needs, providing dedicated care for anxiety, depression, bereavement and complex trauma/PTSD.

The clinic's collective expertise also encompasses specialised areas:

· Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy for ADHD and Autism.

· Eating Disorder Support and body image healing.

· Perinatal Mental Health supporting early parenthood and fertility.

· Child & Adolescent Therapy using creative art and play therapies.

· Systemic Family Friction and relationship distress.

· Couples Counselling

· Medical Trauma and Chronic Illness

· Addiction Recovery for substance and behavioural dependencies.

· Employee Counselling Support for Businesses and Organisations

Therapists draw on evidence-based methods such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapies to deliver tailored care.

Reflecting on the past decade, Walsh has observed a profound shift in how the Irish public views mental well-being.

"There has been a very positive, noticeable evolution," Walsh shares. "Ten years ago, a lingering stigma meant people often waited until they hit a crisis point before seeking help. Today, men and women of all ages are far more proactive, recognising that mental health care is a fundamental part of overall well-being. To reflect this change, we launched a new, user-friendly website in

early 2026, making it easier than ever for clients to self-refer and ensuring the search for the right therapist is a supportive, stress-free experience."

To ensure care remains accessible, the clinic offers extended hours, operating from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM Monday to Friday, and 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays.

While the welcoming environment at Ankers Bower remains a cornerstone for local visits, a secure online platform expands their reach across Ireland and Europe. Treatments are also frequently eligible for health insurance coverage through major providers like VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Level Health, and St. Paul’s Garda Medical Aid.

Looking ahead, the clinic remains committed to expanding its specialties—particularly in EMDR, neurodivergent-affirming therapies, behavioural addiction (to technology, pornography), LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and perinatal care—ensuring a clearer, kinder, and calmer path forward for the Midlands community.

For those looking to take the first step on their own journey toward change, personal growth or healing, further information regarding practitioner profiles, therapeutic specialties, and appointment booking can be explored directly on the clinic's website at www.midlandscounsellingclinic.ie.