Clare mental health professional awarded for work in local community

A CLARE mental health professional has won a regional award for her work in contributing to her local community.

Ríona Browne of Crusheen, Co. Clare was honoured with the Western Regional Award by  the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) at its eighth annual conference.  

The IACP Regional Awards recognise an IACP accredited member, who makes a notable  contribution to the profession of counselling and psychotherapy in their local area.  

Ms Browne recognised the need for an IACP voice on the ground in the west of Ireland and has volunteered as secretary of the western regional committee. This included bringing professional development events to the west and several networking opportunities for counsellors and psychotherapists.   

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“The Committee is a committed group of  people who bring support to counsellors and psychotherapists and who work on raising the profile of the IACP in the region. It has been a privilege to have contributed to this work,” said Ms Browne, upon receiving her award. 

The IACP was established in 1981 and represents more than 5,600 members.

Saying Ms Browne was an ‘excellent choice’ to receive the award, Cathaoirleach Séamus  Sheedy said: “I commend Ríona’s clear vision for this part of  Ireland, and I am aware of the activities Ríona has been involved in across the entire region.”

The annual awards ceremony was held at the IACP’s at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.