It’s never been easy to be a teenager, but in the age of smartphones and 24/7 social media, it can seem overwhelming, and so very different to the adolescence that so many of us remember. Growing up in today’s world isn’t easy for anyone, but for young Travellers the challenges are enormous: racism, discrimination, financial challenges and the ordinary daily pressures of life can weigh heavily. At the Traveller Counselling Service, we’ve always known that young people in the community need a safe place where they can talk, feel heard, and find their own strength.
That’s why we’re proud to share some big news: for the very first time, we are offering adolescent counselling, specially designed for young Travellers aged 11 to 25.
This service has been a dream of the Traveller Counselling Service since the charity was first set up in 2008 by Dr Thomas McCann. It has taken us a while to get the resources in place, but now we finally can — and we couldn’t be more hopeful about the difference it will make.
What is counselling, anyway?
For some, the word “counselling” can sound a bit formal, or even a little scary. Let’s keep it simple. Counselling is really just about talking to someone who is trained to listen. A counsellor isn’t there to tell you what to do, or to judge you. They’re there to walk beside you while you figure things out for yourself.
Think of it like this: when life feels heavy, counselling is a place where you can put down the load for an hour and have someone help you sort through it. Sometimes it’s about working through stress, sadness or anger. Sometimes it’s about finding ways to deal with conflict or worries about the future. And sometimes it’s simply about having a space to be yourself — with no pressure, no judgement, and full respect for your privacy.
At the Traveller Counselling Service, we do this in a way that respects the Traveller community’s culture and values. We know that dignity, family, and trust are at the heart of Traveller life. That’s why this service is built by Travellers, for Travellers.
Meet our adolescent counsellors
We are delighted to introduce Mary and Sandra, our two dedicated adolescent counsellors. Both are compassionate, highly experienced, and most importantly, deeply committed to supporting young people. They don’t just offer counselling sessions — they offer understanding, encouragement, and belief in the strength of young Travellers.
Their approach is simple but powerful: it’s person-centred. That means the young person sets the pace and decides what they want to talk about – or if they want to talk at all. The counsellor doesn’t come in with all the answers, but instead helps the young person discover their own. Week by week, trust builds, and problems that once felt overwhelming begin to feel a little more manageable.
Parents aren’t left out either. Mary and Sandra also support parents, guardians and caregivers where appropriate, helping them understand what their young person is going through and how best to walk alongside them.
How the service works
For young people aged 11 to 17, we are offering free, in-person counselling at our office at 67 Amiens Street, Dublin 1. Sessions usually take place once a week and continue for as long as the young person needs.
At the moment, because this is our pilot year, we aren’t able to offer online or phone counselling to under-18s. But we are hopeful that in the future we’ll be able to expand the service so that even more young people can access it, no matter where they live.
For those aged 18 to 25, there’s a bit more flexibility. Counselling can be in-person, but it can also take place over the phone or online, which makes it easier for young adults who may be working, studying, or living outside Dublin.
Why now?
You might ask: why is this service starting now? The truth is, it’s something we’ve wanted to offer since the beginning. But providing a quality, safe, and culturally appropriate service takes resources, and it’s only now that we’ve been able to bring everything together.
We also can’t ignore the reality that young Travellers are at high risk of mental health difficulties. Many face racism and discrimination every day. Poverty and exclusion take their toll too. These are heavy burdens for young shoulders to carry, and we believe it’s vital that the Traveller community has a space where young people can come and be supported through them.
Building trust
We know that trust is at the heart of everything. Some people may feel nervous about counselling. They might wonder: Will what I say be shared with others? Will it get back to the authorities?
Let us be absolutely clear: confidentiality is a cornerstone of our work. What a young person says in counselling stays private between them and their counsellor. The only very rare exception is if someone is in danger — in that case, the counsellor has a duty to keep them safe. Apart from that, what is said in the counselling room stays in the counselling room.
We know that in the past, the Traveller community has been hurt by breaches of trust. That’s why protecting dignity and privacy is central to everything we do. We want young people, and their families, to know that this space is theirs — safe, private, and supportive.
What difference will it make?
Our hope is that this service will open up new possibilities for young Travellers. We want young people to know that even though they face barriers, their mental health matters. With the right support, they can find their own ways to cope, heal, and grow.
We believe that counselling can be life-changing. It can give a young person back their confidence. It can help them set goals and imagine a brighter future. And it can show them that no matter what struggles they face, they are not alone.
Each time a young person takes the brave step to come through our doors, we see it as a seed planted — a step toward better wellbeing for them, their families, and the whole community.
How to get in touch
If you’re a young person, or a parent or guardian, and you think counselling might help, we’d love to hear from you. Getting in touch is easy, and counselling sessions are free of charge.
📞 Call us on 01 8685761 or 086 3081476
📧 Or email us at info@travellercounselling.ie
Our friendly team will explain everything and help you take the first step.
A message of hope
The launch of adolescent counselling is more than just a new service. It’s a statement of hope — hope that our young people can be supported, hope that families can find new strength, and hope that the community can face the future together.
So, if you’re reading this and you or a young person you know could use some support, remember this: you don’t have to face things alone. Help is here, waiting with open doors and open hearts.
