Sr. Briege Reynolds Honoured with the IACP Northern Ireland Regional Award 

Recognises Outstanding Contributions to the Counselling/Psychotherapy Profession

Sr. Briege Reynolds of Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh and formally of Graffogue, Ballinalee  Co. Longford has been honoured posthumously with the Northern Ireland Regional Award by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in recognition of her profound contributions to the profession.

Briege was a gifted psychotherapist, supervisor, and teacher whose influence extended far beyond the therapy room. She was widely respected for her wisdom, clarity, and quiet strength, and was a guiding presence for colleagues, students, and supervisees alike. She was a member of the Presentation Order and had served in Pakistan for 35 years before returning home to Ireland.

Speaking about is this year’s honouree, CEO Lisa Molloy said:
“Sr. Briege Reynolds made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the counselling and psychotherapy profession. Her compassion, integrity, and commitment to excellence have left an enduring legacy, not only within the Northern Ireland Region but across the wider IACP community. This award is a testament to the profound impact she had on colleagues, students, and clients alike.”

 As a psychotherapist, Briege brought deep compassion and unwavering integrity to her work. She had a rare ability to listen with both attentiveness and insight, creating spaces where people could gain deeper understanding of themselves and begin the process of healing.

 Briege was also a dedicated champion of the Northern Ireland Regional Committee. She played a central role in sustaining the Committee during challenging periods, ensuring its continuity and its commitment to upholding the high professional standards of the IACP.

As a supervisor and educator, Briege was generous and deeply thoughtful in her approach. She encouraged those she mentored to trust their instincts while deepening their clinical knowledge and practice. Her influence continues to be felt through the many therapists she trained and supported throughout her career.

Speaking on behalf of her family, Rose Reynolds reflected on her beloved sister’s life, 

 “Sr. Briege was a treasured member of our family, the middle child of eleven children. We will always remember Briege for her unwavering generosity in her services of others, demonstrated by her dedication missionary life in Pakistan for over 35 years.

On her return to Ireland she worked  in Northern Ireland by serving as a gifted psychotherapist. 

Her optimistic attitude towards life can best be described by the famous iconic quote by Julian of Norwich, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well."

Briege's life was a blessing to our family and all who had the joy of knowing and loving her. We thank God for the gift of Briege 's life, which was a life well lived for God and others.  We will always miss her from the family circle.”

Briege sadly passed away suddenly on 17th April 2025, and her legacy will continue to live on through the lives and work of those she supported.

The Northern Ireland Regional Award was accepted in memory of Briege by her sisters Rose Reynolds and Mary Corcoran at the IACP’s 11th Annual Conference on the 18th April at the Johnstown Estate, Co Meath (pictured in the photo).

Ends

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]

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:

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.