Cork Profile: James Sloane, counsellor and psychotherapist at Cork Counselling and Psychotherapy

When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up?

When I was younger, I wanted to join the navy. I had a few family members who were in the navy, so it was something that really appealed to me. Unfortunately, when I went to apply, I failed the medical because I am colour blind, so that put an end to that career path.

Tell us about your career progression to your role today:

I started off my working career at around 12 years old, collecting glasses in different pubs and clubs. I am a qualified block layer by trade, but when the financial crash came in 2008, I decided to move into healthcare. I initially started working in a nursing home before going on to work in Bons Secours Hospital, Marymount, and the Mercy Hospital in Cork. I am currently working as a keyworker with Coolmine, while also developing my own private practice as a counsellor and psychotherapist. Looking back, I feel that each stage of my working life has given me valuable experience and helped shape the person I am today, particularly in terms of working with and supporting people.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?

What I enjoy most is the people and the relationships we build with them. I really value being able to sit with someone during some of the darkest times in their lives and hopefully support them through it. I also love the learning that comes with the job. Every day is different, and I am constantly learning something new. As they say, “every day is a school day,” and I genuinely love that.

What motivates you?

My family is my biggest motivation. I have two sets of eyes watching me every day, and it is important to me that when they eventually step out into the big world, they have a solid foundation and the confidence to face whatever life brings their way. I want to show them that life doesn't always follow a straight path. Sometimes you have to take the long way around, overcome setbacks, and keep going. But if you stay true to yourself and keep working towards what you love, you can eventually build a career and a life that gives you purpose. I hope, more than anything, that they see through me that it is never too late to change direction, chase something meaningful, and create a future you are proud of.

What advice would you give your 15 year old self?

You have plenty of time to figure out this thing called life, so slow down and enjoy the journey.

If you weren't in the job you have, what would you be doing?

If I had my time back, I would have loved to have gone down the medical route. My years working in hospitals built up a real fascination with the human experience in every way. I loved working alongside doctors, learning from them, and understanding more about the human body and how it operates. That curiosity about people, both physically and psychologically, has stayed with me throughout my life.

What is your greatest life or career achievement to date?

My greatest career achievement to date has been starting my own business as a counsellor and psychotherapist. The journey to achieving my level 8 degree took a lot of sacrifice along the way. There were times when it would have been much easier to give up, but I kept going because I knew this was something I genuinely wanted to do. Now, to have my own space and, more importantly, to have clients coming through the door and trusting me to be part of their journey is something I am incredibly proud of. I am finally doing a job that I genuinely love, and that, for me, is the greatest achievement of all.

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?

I would have to say my wife, Elaine. If she hadn't come into my life when she did and stayed through all the madness of growing up, I genuinely don't think I would be half the man I am today. Her constant support has meant more to me than I could ever put into words. She has kept me on track when, at times, I felt like burning the whole track to the ground! She has always helped me stay focused on the future, even when I struggled to see what that future might look like myself. There have been plenty of twists, turns, and bumps along the way, but she has been there through them all. A huge part of where I am today is because she believed in me, supported me, and never stopped encouraging me to keep moving forward.

What is the life dream now?

My ambition is to grow my business and build a name for myself in the counselling and psychotherapy field that is recognised not just in Ireland, but around the world. I want to keep learning, developing, and upskilling throughout my career because I don't ever want to feel like I have stopped growing. There is always more to learn about people, relationships, trauma, and the human experience. Ultimately, I want to become the best version of the counsellor and psychotherapist I can possibly be, while building something that I can be genuinely proud of and that makes a difference to the people I work with.

How do you switch off?

Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym and spending time with my family. At weekends, we love getting out to the park together and making the most of our time as a family. I also enjoy going to watch local soccer games and, of course, the hurling. I am a proud supporter of the Cork hurlers, and what started as something I enjoyed myself has turned into a great way of making memories with my kids. For me, it is the simple things family time, sport, getting outdoors and keeping active that make life enjoyable outside of work.

What is your favourite Cork memory?

My favourite Cork memory has to be seeing Cork win the All-Ireland in 2005. Sean Óg was captain that year. What made that win even more special for me was that I was playing hurling and football with Na Piarsaigh at the time, so I felt really connected to Cork hurling. Even though Cork haven't won another All-Ireland since, the Cork hurlers have given me some incredible memories throughout my life. As I've gotten older, those memories have become even more special because I have been able to share the experience of supporting Cork with my own kids. For me, it has never just been about winning trophies. It is the matches, the atmosphere, the excitement, the disappointment and the memories made along the way.

What is your favourite place in Cork?

Cobh will always hold a special place in my heart. My father is from Cobh, and some of my fondest childhood memories are of going down there to visit my grandparents. There was always something special about those trips and the feeling of being there with family. No matter how much time passes, I always feel a sense of comfort and familiarity whenever I am there.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

“Just be sound” and “Just take the next step”.

When are you at your happiest?

One of my favourite feelings is being at home in the evening when the whole family is there, sitting together having a cup of tea and just enjoying each other's company. I remember that feeling from when I was a child, and now, having my own children, it gives me that same sense of peace and comfort.

Any regrets?

We went to Australia in 2009, but unfortunately, we didn't stay for very long. Looking back, the one regret I have is that we didn't stay longer and experience more of what Australia had to offer. Just 18 months after we came home, my daughter Ella was born.So coming home led to one of the most important and wonderful chapters of my life. The decisions you make can take you exactly where you are meant to be.

What is your hidden talent?

None that I know of.