Waterford woman receives major award
Catherine Twomey pictured with her award. Photo - Jenny Callanan
A woman from County Waterford has been honoured with the South East Regional Award by the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Catherine Twomey (MIACP), from Dungarvan, received the accolade at the association's 11th annual conference at the Johnstown Estate in Co Meath.
The IACP Regional Awards recognise an accredited member who has made notable contributions to the profession of counselling and psychotherapy in their local community.
A spokesperson for the IACP said Catherine’s leadership and commitment to improving professional stands and supports for counsellors left a lasting impact on clients and colleagues throughout her career in private practice and through her work at the Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre (RCC).
Her accomplishments included establishing a dedicated counselling centre, improving employment conditions for counsellors, advocating for the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Waterford, and developing the 'Let’s Talk About Consent', schools programme.
IACP Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy said: “I am delighted to congratulate Catherine Twomey on receiving the South East Regional Award. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting individuals affected by trauma, while also championing the development of counselling and psychotherapy services across the South East region."
"Catherine’s work has been characterised by compassion, integrity, and a deep belief in the importance of client-centred care," she said.
"This award recognises not only her significant professional achievements, but also the profound difference she has made in the lives of countless people," she added. "We are honoured to celebrate her contribution to the profession and warmly congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition."
In 2010, Catherine joined the National Counselling Service in the South East, where she continued her work with trauma survivors until her retirement in 2023.
Throughout her career, she remained a passionate advocate for clients, championing improved services, supervision, and legal protections for survivors of sexual violence.
In accepting the award, Catherine said: “I am truly moved and grateful to my peers in the SE region of the IACP for this recognition. I share this with my friends and colleagues in the SE Adult Counselling service, as you motivate me to strive for excellence. To my family, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you”.
