For Release Immediate Release:
26th May 2026
Paula Doyle Honoured with the 2026 IACP Public Inspiration Award
Recognised for Therapy Notes Ban Campaign and Outstanding Contributions to Mental Health Awareness
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has honoured Paula Doyle a survivor and mental health campaigner with the 2026 Public Inspiration Award.
Through national media and public testimony Paula has raised awareness of the psychological damage caused by the disclosure of therapy notes, reframing it as a ‘second violation’ that breaches clinical trust, contaminates recovery, and deters help-seeking.
Speaking about this year’s honouree, IACP Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy stated:
“As a survivor and advocate, Paula Doyle has transformed her experience of harm into powerful and influential advocacy that has helped shape national debate and policy on the use of counselling records in court. She has turned the distress caused by court processes into a driving force for change. The IACP has called on the government to ban the use of therapy notes in court as the practice undermines the core principles of trust and safety that define the therapeutic relationship and is harmful to survivors’ mental health.
The importance of therapy in Paula’s journey of healing highlights why counselling and psychotherapy must be recognised as essential health care and must be protected. The IACP continues to call for timely, affordable and secure access to mental health services in Ireland.”
Commenting following receiving the award, Paula Doyle of Huntstown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 noted:
“This recognition by the IACP means so much to me and I am incredibly honoured. I never expected to be here, both advocating and speaking so publicly about something so personal - but my experience after surviving sexual violence within our judicial system left me with no choice, I had to use my voice. For me it raised serious questions about safety, trust, mental health, and highlighted the ethical, legal, and human rights issues around accessing a victims personal counselling notes. It is also creating barriers for those seeking much needed support. Victims need their counselling, it is their lifeline and both need to be protected.
I accept this award not just for myself but for the many brave advocates I am working alongside and therapists too. It is also for every victim/survivor who has felt exposed, unheard or retraumatized by systems that were supposed to support and believe them.
What happened to me was not just difficult or distressing, it was wrong, counselling notes should not be weaponised, we need awareness so this doesn't happen to anyone again.
Counselling is for healing and it saved my life. To speak out is not easy but silence protects nothing. Real change needs to happen but it does not only need the courage of survivors, it needs the ones in charge to step up be as courageous and have a willingness to listen to those of lived experience.
To all victims of DSGBV out there that feel so very scared and alone, we are here. You can stop the silence your voice is your power.”
About the Award:
The Public Inspiration Award was established in 2021 to recognise and honour a member of the public who has made significant contributions to raising awareness of the importance of mental health and the benefits of therapy within Irish society.
The IACP committees put forward the nominations and Paula Doyle was nominated by the Ethics Committee. In nominating Paula, the committee symbolically recognised the courage and contribution of the many survivors who spoke publicly or anonymously to protect the therapeutic space.
The annual awards ceremony was held at the IACP’s 11th Annual Conference on the 18th April at the Johnstown Estate, Co Meath.
IACP Award Recipients:
Carl Berkeley Memorial Award: Séamus Sheedy
Public Inspiration Award: Paula Doyle
Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary Award: Fiona Martin-Peelo
Research Excellence Award: David Kelly
Research Bursary Award: Evelyn Waters
Undergraduate Research Excellence Award: Barbara Fiori
Regional Award Recipients:
Dublin Regional Award: Fr Donal Toal
Midlands Regional Award: Maura Carey
North East Regional Award: Tom Tate
Northern Ireland Regional Award: Sr Briege Reynolds [posthumous]
Southeast Regional Award: Catherine Twomey
Southern Regional Award: Debbie Hegarty
Western Regional Award: Margaret Tierney
West/North West Regional Award: David Madden [posthumous]
Ends.
Notes to the Editor:
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the IACP Communications Department at communications@iacp.ie
Nicole Mac Dermott, Communications Supervisor - 087 720 6033
Wayne Tobin, Communications Officer - 089 214 2276
About IACP:
The IACP was established in 1981 to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy. Our work promotes best practice and the development of the profession. The IACP represents 7,000 members based in communities all over the country and is the largest counselling and psychotherapy association in Ireland. The IACP is dedicated to promoting the value of professional therapy and enhancing mental health throughout Ireland. For more information please visit www.iacp.ie.
The IACP Calls for the End of the Use of Therapy Notes in Legal Cases Involving Sexual Assault in Ireland Statement: https://iacp.ie/page/5007
