About Dr Alistair McBride
Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Wicklow Town & Online
My path to psychotherapy has been shaped by over two decades working in medicine, alongside formal training in counselling and psychotherapy. Today, I bring together scientific understanding and reflective practice to support people navigating life’s complexities.
The Journey
From Medicine to Psychotherapy
"My path has been defined by a deep curiosity about what it truly means to be human — both in health and in suffering."
Before transitioning to Counselling and Psychotherapy, I dedicated over twenty years to medicine. My career spanned General Medicine, Anaesthetics, and Intensive Care, working across hospitals in the UK and Africa. I also gained unique insights into the healthcare landscape through medical affairs in the pharmaceutical industry.
In those high-stakes environments, I was privileged to witness the full spectrum of human vulnerability. I worked with people facing acute trauma, chronic illness, and the finality of loss. These moments of profound uncertainty often sparked questions that clinical medicine alone couldn't fully address — questions of meaning, resilience, and the emotional landscape of the individual.
This realization led me to retrain. I wanted to offer a space that honors the complexity of the spirit as much as the biology of the body.
Years in Medicine
A foundation built on clinical excellence and human vulnerability.
Global Experience
Practicing in diverse cultures and healthcare systems.
Reflective Retraining
Committed to the highest standards of psychotherapeutic practice.
Methodology
How My Background Shapes My Practice
I integrate the analytical rigour of medicine with the deep empathy of psychotherapy. This duality allows me to see you as a whole person — honoring both your biology and your story.
Informed Perspective
My training in Medicine and Neuroscience provides a deep understanding of the nervous system, stress responses, and how physical health impacts emotional well-being. This helps us explore how your lived experience is physically held in the body.
- Neuroscience-informed
- Mind-Body awareness
Reflective Space
Psychotherapy offers something distinctive: a dedicated space where you are not a diagnosis or a label. Our work is collaborative, grounded in existential inquiry and deep respect for your unique way of being in the world.
- Non-clinical environment
- Meaning-centered work
Important Note
While I draw from my medical background to inform understanding, I am not a Psychiatrist. I do not diagnose or prescribe medication in my psychotherapeutic work.
Location
Where I Work
In-Person (Wicklow Town)
My private therapy room in Wicklow Town is designed as a calm, sanctuary-like space. It offers the warmth and privacy needed for deep reflection and meaningful conversation.
Online (Nationwide)
I provide secure, confidential online sessions for clients across Ireland, ensuring therapy is accessible from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Kind Words from Clients
Some feedback from people I have worked with recently.
Alistair has a way of making you feel heard and understood from the very first session. His medical background brings a grounding perspective to the work.
Client A
Verified Client
Working with Alistair helped me navigate a very difficult period of illness. He met me as a person, not a diagnosis, which made all the difference.
Client B
Verified Client
The space Alistair provides is truly safe and non-judgemental. I felt supported to explore areas of my life I had avoided for years.
Client C
Verified Client
Get in Touch
Therapy is ultimately about relationship — two people meeting to explore what it means to live, choose and relate meaningfully in a world that is often uncertain.
If you are considering beginning therapy, you are welcome to get in touch.