IACP Regional Award Recipient 2024

Irish Enterprise Award Recipient 2022

The Gerty Ewen Award Recipient 2015

My name is Anita Lynch. I am a psychotherapist, lecturer, and the Founder and Clinical Director of The Misneach Centre, located in the heart of the Midlands.

Originally from Co. Limerick, I made Co. Westmeath my home in 2006. I spent five transformative years living and studying in Perth, Western Australia, where my dream of opening my own centre began. During my work with two community organisations there, the seed of a dream was planted—to one day create a therapeutic space that embodied compassion, professionalism, and the deep-rooted values I hold dear.

Being away from home heightened my connection to Ireland’s rich culture and heritage. I wanted my practice to reflect that connection. A family member introduced me to the Gaelic word “Misneach,” meaning Courage—a word that resonated deeply with me. It perfectly captured the bravery it takes for clients to seek help and begin the healing journey. That word became the heart and soul of what I wanted to offer: a place where courage is honoured, and people feel safe to embark on personal transformation. Today, the Ogham spelling of “Misneach” is proudly displayed in our logo, symbolizing that ethos.

In 2017, I returned to Ireland with my two daughters, carrying this vision with me. Turning that dream into reality was no small feat, but in 2024, The Misneach Centre opened its doors—a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in the importance of providing ethical, professional, and compassionate care to the community.

Today, I have the privilege of leading a dedicated team of 17 therapists who share this vision. Together, we offer a wide range of counselling and psychotherapy services tailored to support individuals, couples, and teens as they navigate their unique journeys toward healing and growth. The Misneach Centre is more than just a counselling space—it’s a community where courage, compassion, and collaboration thrive.

Seeing the centre flourish and witnessing the impact it has on clients’ lives is the realisation of a long-held dream, and I am immensely proud of the supportive, nurturing environment we have created.

My Approach

I pride myself on being honest, direct, and open-minded, and I bring plenty of humour into the room to make clients feel at ease. Above all, I am passionate about creating a professional, ethical, and compassionate environment for healing.

At The Misneach Centre, my team and I are here to journey alongside you, whether you’re taking your first steps toward self-discovery or seeking continued support in your growth. I look forward to welcoming you to our centre and supporting you on your path to change and healing.

My Areas of Expertise

I specialise in working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, supporting them to heal and reclaim their sexual empowerment.

I also work with couples facing a variety of issues, with a focus on challenges such as infidelity, poor communication, sexual dissatisfaction, parenting difficulties, and separation or divorce, to name a few.

My work with teenagers primarily focuses on navigating the complexities of toxic or abusive relationships, conflict with family and friends, bullying, self-harm, and sexuality issues.

Regardless of who I work with, no topic is off the table. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore and discuss even the most taboo or difficult subjects. Having a place to speak openly and honestly is a vital part of the healing and growth process.

Professional Achievements

In April 2024, I was honoured to receive the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (IACP) Regional Award for “Upholding Ethical and Professional Standards for Others to Follow.” This recognition reflects my commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and integrity in my work.

Another milestone in my career came when I had the privilege of presenting my research on “Reclaiming Sexual Empowerment After Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse” at Trinity College Dublin in July 2024. Sharing this work with esteemed colleagues and contributing to the field of psychotherapy remains one of the proudest and most fulfilling moments of my professional journey.

I am also proud to share that my research was published in the Irish Journal of Counselling & Psychotherapy (IJCP) in the Winter Edition, December 2023, under the editorship of Mike Hackett. Having my work featured in such a respected publication has been a significant achievement, allowing me to further advocate for survivors and promote awareness within the professional community.