Free Bereavement Counselling Services Available at CRY

CRY Team – Counsellors

CRY has retained the services of specialised counsellors and has a trained family support group working with families and friends who have been affected by sudden cardiac death or living with cardiac conditions. This is a free counselling service offered by CRY.

Cathy Spillane M.A. Counsellor & Psychotherapist: Cathy is a Humanistic and Integrative psychotherapist. She received her qualifications from U.C.C. –A H-Dip in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy 1996, Part Time Honours B.A. Developmental and Abnormal Psychology 1997, M.A. Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy 1999. She is an accredited member of I.A.C.P. Cathy has worked as a therapist for 20 years, she works with individuals, couples, and families. Cathy’s work includes counselling for bereavement, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, sexual and emotional abuse, addiction, and illness. Cathy has also trained in meditation and relaxation techniques. Cathy works privately from her home in Glenbrook Cork, in a calming atmosphere by the River Lee. Her approach is person- centred.

Lisa Gannon- Phsycotherapist Lisa has a B.A in Psychoanalysis and a Bsc in Counselling and Psychotherapy obtained from the University of Middlesex. Lisa carried out her training in Coolock Psychiatric day hospital. Lisa’s has trained in addiction therapy, person centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, grief therapy, family therapy and reality therapy. Lisa works in primary and post primary schools in North County Dublin and has a private practice which is operated from home. As a Psychotherapist, Lisa works with clients in a one to one capacity dealing with many varying issues, such as depression, anxiety issues, addiction, bereavement issues and issues as a consequence of abuse.

The Family Support Group Members

Cry currently has a five no. family support members group based throughout Ireland who are available to support family members who are trying to cope with the sudden death of a young family or where a young family member is trying to come to terms with a diagnoses of a condition, as a result of screening which can have profound effects on that person’s lifestyle. These family support members have all been trained and have experienced the consequences of a sudden death of a young family member.

Marie Greene This free counselling service is led by Marie Greene (co-founder of CRY), who is a qualified Social Worker who attended a specialised bereavement counselling programme at Warwick University in 2000 under the auspices of CRY UK.

Fionnuala Kelly Fionnuala Kelly co-ordinates the Family Support Group Members and is also a trustee of CRY.

The Family Support Group Members tell their stories

Noreen Dunne Our 19 year old son died in his sleep in June 1998. Peadar had just finished 2nd year at University and was fit and healthy. There were no warning signs or symptoms. Nothing compares to losing a child and my grief journey has been very painful. I would hope through my own experience to be able to help and support others on the same journey.

Aine Coyne My son was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 12. He was monitored each year and because he was asymptomatic we were told, other than not taking part in competitive sport he could lead a normal life. He died suddenly at the age of 20 leaving us broken hearted. Although his life was cut short, he lived it to the full. He was kind, full of fun and brought laughter, joy and happiness to our family.

Margaret Colvin Our son-in-law Paul died in September 2004. He was a healthy thirty year old who enjoyed sport as a hobby. Paul collapsed and died while playing five-a-side football. His death was recorded as Sudden Adult Death. He had been married to our daughter for eleven short weeks. I became a bereavement supporter because being able to talk to someone who has experienced a similar tragedy is sometimes all we need.

Antoinette Delamere June 4th 1998 my family’s life was sadly changed forever, when my brother David aged 20, collapsed and died while playing football at our local GAA pitch. Earlier that day he had his graduation ceremony, from agricultural college. A young fit active farmer and sportsman, who was loved by all who knew him. A mitral valve prolapsed was the reason given for his death. We all miss him so much, especially my parents. CRY gives you contact with people who understand. By volunteering I hope to extend that understanding and listening to others who have suffered similar loss of a family member by sudden adult death.

Kate Farrell: Our daughter Jennifer died suddenly aged 26 on the 22nd of May 2002 from Cardiomyopathy.  Jenny died while sitting with her best friend.  Jenny’s sudden death devastated all of our lives, she was bright, beautiful, kind and had so much to live for.   We miss her every day.  I hope that by volunteering  I can now help others in the same situation.

Amy Malone: My sister Sarah passed away in her sleep in June 2009. Sarah was a very healthy person, she was a dreamer with ambition. The cause of her death was found to be ‘Sudden Cardiac Death’. My journey with CRY began shortly after Sarah’s death. CRY provided full screening for my family which gave us great peace of mind. I have found speaking to others who have experienced the sudden and shocking loss of a young person very helpful.

To speak to one of our counsellors please phone the CRY Helpline on 01-8395438 or email at [email protected]