Teresa Gallagher . UKCP regd. Psychotherapist, BA. H.DipEd, Msc. Mental Health, MA Psychotherapy. ACAT, Dip.CS.. Dip. Clin. Supervision.

Teresa is the Founder and the Chief Executive of icap ( Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy). She came to London in 1992 to do post-graduate study in Psychotherapy. While working in the Irish Chaplaincy she identified the glaring gap in the provision of any established culturally sensitive counselling for people of Irish origin.

This absence was made all the more poignant by the fact that the Irish had the worst history of mental health problems in the UK. Teresa recognised that the Irish and some other ethnic minority groups were reluctant to use the statutory services, because they felt these services did not cater for their specific needs. An independent professional service was required. Setting up icap was a struggle. Lack of awareness within the statutory and funding bodies made the acquisition of funding almost impossible. Through lobbying, meeting with relevant bodies and the generous support of clinicians and volunteers, icap finally became established as a Charity.

Four years later, icap was officially opened by the President of Ireland, Mary Mc Aleese. Teresa gave the lie to the myth of resistance which said that Irish people would not avail of psychotherapeutic help. Today, icap caters for an average of 350 clients a week, 51% women, and 49% men. icap operates throughout the UK, with a network of 260 highly qualified and experienced psychotherapists.

On 29 th June 2006, icap moved into a purpose built premises near Finsbury Park – the first concrete sign that the psychological needs of the Irish cannot be neglected any more. icap also has a regional centre in the West Midlands with an office in Birmingham. The service provides one-to-one weekly therapy and group work. Referrals come from all sources, including self-referral.

As the organisation has grown, it has absorbed people from other BME communities and provides a template for other ethnic groups. Today icap aligns itself with other BME bodies and forums and sees the way forward as one of partnership and development of culturally sensitive service provision. Teresa has now completed ten years. She has decided it is time for her to move on and leave the next stage of icap’s growth and development in the capable hands of Gary Fereday, the newly appointed Chief Executive.