Your Pain is Real. And Help is Here

Suicide describes the act of ending your own life, while the term ‘suicide ideation’ refers to the thought of ending your own life. If you are going through thoughts like this, or have attempted suicide, you may feel despair, as though things won’t get better. However, they absolutely can, no matter how bad things seem, and our trained therapists are here to help you recover in a safe, confidential environment.

We’re Here to Listen, Not to Judge

Anybody can have suicidal thoughts. It’s no reflection on you as a person. You are not broken. What is important, however, is that you seek the professional help and support that you deserve. Aspen’s team of trained therapists can promise you counselling that’s non-judgmental, supportive, safe, and confidential. Our therapists are experienced in crisis counselling and have helped many people overcome their suicidal feelings and get them to a better place.

What to Expect from a Therapy Session

Reassure the reader that therapy is safe, confidential and not overwhelming—even if they’re unsure about opening up.

Seeking help is a brave and important decision when you’re suffering from mental health issues, and it can feel overwhelming or even intimidating. Our counsellors understand this and will work with you to ensure that your therapy journey is undertaken at a pace that you are comfortable with; you will not be forced to open up and talk about anything until you feel you are ready to. You are in control. The role of our therapists is to listen and make you feel safe, and gradually explore what is causing you to feel suicidal. They will equip you with skills and tools to help you cope with these feelings as they arise and overcome them.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone. Reach Out Today

Online and In-Person Counselling Options

Aspen operates an in-person suicide counselling service in our clinic at Lucan, Co. Dublin. However, we understand that travelling to Dublin isn’t always an option for everybody who needs support for suicidal ideation. As such, we are pleased to provide an online therapy service that can be accessed all across Ireland. Our experienced therapists ensure that this is just as effective as in-person therapy. Online counselling can also be useful for those trying to juggle therapy with their busy work lives. We also offer this service at weekends. A blended approach, consisting of both in-person therapy and online sessions, is also available.

We Make the First Step Simple and Safe

Step 1: Book a therapy session

If you are suffering from suicidal thoughts, your first step is to book an appointment with our experienced counsellors. The session can be in our clinic in Lucan, Co. Dublin, or online.

Step 2: Meet one of our suicide ideation counsellors for an introductory session

During your first session, the therapist will make you feel comfortable and ask you basic questions to get a sense of where you are in your life. These could be about family, work, health, etc. Your counsellor will do this to formulate a plan as to what they need to do to help you recover. Rest assured, you won’t be asked any difficult questions or pressured into talking about anything you’re not comfortable with.

Step 3: Your counsellor will create a personal therapy strategy

Your counsellor will establish a therapy strategy, incorporating an approach that they feel is most appropriate to your situation, set regular appointments, and may also give you exercises to try in between sessions. Once again, you can be assured that you will not be pressured into talking about or doing anything that makes you uncomfortable.

Remember, at all times you can have confidence that anything you say in therapy will be kept confidential. You should also be certain of a safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment. Our therapists are here to help you on your journey of recovery, and you are in control.

You’re Not the First to Feel This Way—Here’s Why Others Called

When it comes to counselling for suicidal ideation, there is no ‘wrong’ reason to reach out for help. Different people experience this pain in different ways, and your feelings are always valid, and you deserve to be listened to.

Here are just some of these reasons people have reached out to us for help in the past:

Feeling empty or feeling emotionally numb
Not wanting to die, but feeling so overwhelmed by despair that they can’t see life improving
Exhausted from pretending to be ok
Wanting to escape from emotional or physical pain
Feeling consumed by immense grief
Feeling that there’s no way out from financial or relationship problems
Persistent feelings of loneliness
Just wanting someone to listen
Constant feelings of sadness
Excessive feelings of shame
They’re scared of their thoughts but don’t know what to do
Feeling constantly tormented by thoughts or guilt

People have also reached out for help for a loved one who is displaying potentially suicidal symptoms, which include but are not limited to:

Withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy
Frequent abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
Withdrawing from friends and family
Taking dangerous risks
Sleeping and/or eating too much, or too little
Stockpiling medication
Researching suicide methods
Purchasing weapons
Making a will
Wreckless spending or giving away important possessions

If you or a loved one is displaying any of the above symptoms or behaviours, it’s time to seek help.

Take your first step to healing—reach out to our counselling service for support today.

Testimonials

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 5 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jenn C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the minute you walk up the stairs you start feeling at easy . Kelly at reception was so welcoming and Michele and Patrick were extremely professional but put me easy immediately. I cannot recommend this place enough .
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shauna 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was very welcomed by Michelle , its a big step reaching for help when u feel like all is lost, and to be greeted by such a lovely understanding woman really really helps. Michelle did her best to accommodateme in anyway she could and got me in for an appointment so quick , quicker than any other service I presented to. I can not wait to start my sessions with carmel , and begin my road to recovering my mental health.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Silvano 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very big thank you to Mr William Aspen Counselling Lucan. to the people that need top care have no fear Aspen is there for you  ❤

Frequently Asked Question

Is everything I say confidential?

Mostly yes, what you say in therapy is confidential, but a therapist must break confidentiality if there’s an immediate risk of serious harm to you or others or when required by law (for example, some disclosures about children or vulnerable adults).

How long does counselling last?

How long counselling lasts will vary from client to client. Some people work with a counsellor for a few sessions, others for months or longer, depending on their needs and goals.

How soon can I start?

At Aspen, we aim to provide clients with a session within 48 hours of booking if needed.

A few things to know:

You set the pace. A therapist won’t force you to share details you’re not ready for. You can choose what feels safe to talk about.

It’s not all about retelling events. Therapy often focuses more on how past experiences affect you now—your feelings, relationships, or coping strategies—rather than every single detail of what happened.

There are many approaches. Some therapies use creative tools (art, writing, play, grounding exercises) that don’t require words right away.

Safety comes first. A good therapist will help you build trust and coping skills before encouraging deeper exploration.

It’s completely okay to ask your therapist, “Do I have to go into detail?” or “Can we focus on how I feel now instead of the past events?”.

What if I need help outside session hours?

You can make a safety plan with your therapist and use crisis resources (crisis lines, local emergency services or A&E) if you’re at immediate risk.

Can I get help if I’m supporting someone else?

Yes. There is counselling and guidance available for carers and supporters to help you manage stress, boundaries, and how to help safely.

At Aspen, we offer both options and tailor our approach to what best supports your healing journey.

Suicidal Ideation Therapy