The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) has recognized Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, a Maynooth University academic and bestselling author of Poor, with the 2025 Public Inspiration Award.
This prestigious honor celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to mental health awareness and the counselling profession.
Dr O’Sullivan’s journey—from overcoming adversity to becoming a leading advocate for social inclusion, education, and mental well-being—aligns with the core mission of counselling and psychotherapy. Through her work, she has inspired countless individuals by sharing her personal experiences and championing the importance of accessible mental health support.
“By sharing her uplifting story and championing the importance of access to counselling and mental health support services, Katriona O’Sullivan provides hope and motivation to many. Her leadership and impactful contributions are an inspiration, and she truly embodies the spirit of the IACP Public Inspiration Award. During her speaking engagements, Dr O’Sullivan often discusses resilience and overcoming adversity, drawing from her personal experiences and therapeutic journey while highlighting the need to remove barriers so that therapy and its benefits are available to everyone.”
said IACP Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy.
Reflecting on the award, Dr O’Sullivan expressed gratitude, stating that therapy played a pivotal role in her personal growth and understanding of trauma. She emphasized the need to remove barriers to mental health services so that more people can benefit from counselling and psychotherapy.
Dr O’Sullivan said:
“As a failing adult, who found it hard to make 'good choices' I never understood what was wrong with me. I never knew that trauma, hurt, and poverty from my childhood could affect my ability to be good, and happy - until I started therapy at the age of 21."
She added:
“This is when I began to heal, and to understand, that I did the very best I could with the tools I was given. To receive the IACP Public Inspiration Award is an honour for me; not only because it recognises the work, I am doing to try to change mindsets, but because it comes from an organisation that advocates for therapy, for support, which knows the importance of supporting the mental health of people. Thank you for the award and the work you do - I am truly honoured.”
The IACP Public Inspiration Award is presented annually to individuals who influence projects, promote therapy, and contribute to the development of the profession at both local and national levels. Dr O’Sullivan was nominated by the Northeast Regional Committee, and the award was presented at the IACP’s 10th Annual Conference in Cork.
Her leadership and advocacy continue to inspire, reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness and the transformative power of therapy.