About Us

The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) is the learned and professional body for psychology and psychologists in the Republic of Ireland. Since its birth in 1970, the Society has grown from a mere 17 members and now represents circa 3,000 members. The Society was established during a time when psychology as a subject and a profession was in its infancy in Ireland. Since its creation the members of the PSI have helped shape and develop psychology as a science in Ireland, and their work and commitment has given Irish psychology a voice and standing on not only the European but also the world stage. 

The PSI is committed to maintaining the high standards of practice in psychology that have been set by its members since the founding of the Society and also to exploring new and innovative ways of furthering psychology as an applied science. The PSI is an independently governed, registered charity and our office is located in Dublin 8. Registered Charity Number is 20016524. 

What do we do?

When the Psychological Society of Ireland was established its primary objective was the advancement of psychology as a pure and applied science in Ireland and elsewhere. 

The PSI has helped cultivate a high standard of psychology in Ireland which is visible in both academic and professional settings. These high standards provide psychologists who study and work in Ireland with the qualifications and experience that is needed to gain membership with the PSI.

Aims and Activities of PSI

• Advance and promote the discipline of psychology
• Promote high standards of training and education for psychologists in Ireland
• Promote high professional and ethical standards within the profession
• Provide professional learning, development and networking opportunities
• Sustain growth in PSI membership
• Annual scientific and professional conferences
• Public talks and media communications
• Update members on psychology matters in Ireland

In an effort to further ensure high standards in all areas of psychology in Ireland the PSI has established Divisions for all psychology specialisms and Special Interest Groups (SIGs), membership of which is based on the applicant's experience and qualifications. Each Division or SIG (see Organisational Chart below) deals with a specific area and provides lectures, resources, professional learning and development events, and a voice for psychologists not only within the PSI but within Ireland.

Since its inception, the PSI has had and continues to have, many dealings with various government agencies with the aim of protecting, promoting and furthering the profession of psychology in Ireland.

Organisational Chart of the PSI

As well as the work of the PSI Council there are also a number of groups and committees who have been undertaking work on behalf of Council.

• Assistant Psychologists Guidelines Update Subgroup
  This subgroup of Council was tasked with updating the original 2014 Guidelines. The group that completed this update consisted of Dr Geraldine McNamara (Clinical Psychologist), Dr Dean McDonnell (Lecturer in Psychology) and Ian O'Grady (Senior Counselling Psychologist). 
• Clinical Psychology Guidelines Accreditation Subgroup
  This subgroup has been working on behalf of Council to evaluate and feedback to Council on the PSI’s Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) review and update of the PSI Clinical Psychology Accreditation Guidelines 2009. This group was chaired by Dr Odhran McCarthy (Principal Clinical Psychologist), and included Dr Michael Drumm (Principal Clinical Psychology Manager), Dr Gillian O’Brien (Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director), Dr Anne Kehoe (Senior Clinical Psychologist), Dr Katarina Timulakova (Senior Clinical Psychologist) and Ian O’Grady (Senior Counselling Psychologist).
• Communications & Events Committee
  To oversee all PSI communications, internal and external, written, verbal and electronic. To identify, organise and promote events. This group is chaired by Lisa Stafford (Head of Communications) and includes Mark Smyth (President), Megan Gaffney (President Elect), Dr Vincent Mc Darby (Council Member), Dr Anne Kehoe (Council Member), Eva Doherty (Chartered Clinical Psychologist), Dr Damien Lowry (Chartered Member) and Dr Aoife Menton (Chartered Member).
• Resources Group
  The purpose of the Resources Group is to oversee the resources (people and finance) of the Society. The Resources Group members include Dr Vincent Mc Darby (Honorary Secretary), Dr Michael Stoker (Honorary Treasurer), Dr Megan Gaffney (President Elect), Kathleen Halligan (Council Member), and in an ex-officio capacity Shane Kelly (CEO), and John Fleming (Chartered Accountant, Co-opted member).
• Science & Public Policy Committee (SPPC)
  This subcommittee is tasked by the Council to: promote scientific knowledge and evidence-based Psychology; inform public policy; and, translate psychological knowledge for the benefit of society. In August 2020, the SPPC issued guidance on the Psychological Impact of COVID-19. SPPC members include Dr Annette Burns (Chairperson), Prof. Suzanne Guerin, Ms Kathleen Halligan, Prof. Brian Hughes, Marie Loughman, Dr Vincent Mc Darby, and Dr Dean McDonnell.

The PSI Team

We are a small team based in the Grantham Street headquarters

Shane is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Society. He acts as the main point of communication to PSI Council, advising on corporate decisions and strategy, as well as resources. 

Mayra oversees the office operations and procedures, ensuring the smooth running of Society business.  She also administers all of the organisation’s Council support and coordinates PSI accreditation processes.

Lisa develops and organises all communications from media to brand promotion and website, external and internal stakeholder communication, national Society events and the PSI Annual Conference.

Marianne supports membership services from joining the Society to progressing through the membership categories, whilst offering general member support and dealing with enquiries.

Karen is responsible for event management and the PSI Annual Conference with the PSI and works with the Divisions and Interest Groups.

Michelle is the liaison for the PSI Divisions and Special Interest Groups, and also assists with various other Society Committees. As well as these duties, Michelle also coordinates various administration aspects of the PSI office.