Coaching and support for autistic people
- Is there a goal you want to achieve or something you want to change in your life?
- Do you feel stuck and are unsure of what to do next?
- Do you want a better life balance, improved wellbeing, or learning more about yourself as an autistic person?
- Working with a coach can help you discover what works for you and move towards achieving those goals.
About me
Get to know me
Hello. My name is Claire O'Halloran. I am a psychological coach and have completed Accredited Coach Specific Training with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). My training has helped me to explore what it means for me to be autistic and how I can be my authentic self with my clients. I draw on my own experiences of being in a neurodiverse family and being autistic myself. I want to support autistic clients by creating a safe and neuro-affirming space for them, and tailor sessions for each client. Here, they can explore ways of moving forward in areas where they may feel stuck; harness their strengths and potential; work through issues that are important to them. I collaborate with them to achieve their goals.
I previously worked as a laboratory technician before taking a career break to give extra support to my family. During this time I knew I wanted to balance my family and caring duties with work and decided to retrain. While undertaking a Diploma in Autism Studies I began to realise that I could be autistic. Discovering my autistic identity as an adult has been life-changing for me. I am proud to be autistic and part of a neurodiverse family. Being back in college also reignited a passion for learning. I love to know what motivates people. I went on to complete my HDip in Psychology before training as a coach. I am currently studying for a MA in Applied Psychology (Positive Psychology and Coaching).
I am a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and abide by their ethics and professional standards. I am a graduate member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and a member of Special Interest Groups in both Coaching Psychology and in Autism. I am fully insured.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What I offer
In coaching, I believe that people are the experts of their experience and every person has the capacity and potential within them to achieve their goals and ambitions. I appreciate the value of working with a professional who is neurodivergent themselves. As an autistic coach I draw on my own lived experience of navigating life before and after discovering my autistic identity, parenting autistic children, and what it means for me to be autistic. I greatly value respect, trust and equality in coaching, and provide a neuroaffirming coaching process where I respect and support the preferences of my client in areas of communication, culture, and autonomy. I use a positive psychology coaching framework to support my clients. I am available to work with autistic adults and older teenagers, and also family members.
My qualifications & memberships
- Coaching Development Ltd. Certificate in Professional Coaching Skills ICF qualification (2022 – 2022)
- University College Cork. HDip in Applied Psychology. NFQ Level 8 (2017 - 2021)
- University College Cork. Certificate in Arts (Psychology). NFQ Level 6 (2016 - 2017)
- University College Cork. Diploma in Autism Studies. NFQ Level 7 (2015 - 2016)
- University College Cork. Certificate in Autism Studies NFQ Level 6 (2014 - 2015)
- Graduate member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. Member of the Special Interest Groups in both Coaching Psychology and in Autism
- Member of the International Coaching Federation
The coaching process
1: An introductory call or chemistry meeting to chat about what you would like to bring to coaching and to determine if we each could work together. This is free of charge.
2: If we agree to proceed, we will arrange a session to decide how we can work best together. We will contract for what you want to achieve in our partnership, what coaching is and our responsibilities, confidentiality, cancellation, fees and payment terms and duration of the sessions. This is called a contract session and there is a fee charged.
3: Following coaching sessions are for 60mins in duration. Coaching relationship can last 6-8 sessions depending on what you want to work on. A fee is charged per session.
Fees
Coaching sessions are for 60mins and are €90. I offer flexible payment plans on request.