Clinical Focus

Jessica has experience working across a range of psychological and physical health difficulties, with particular expertise in:

• Anxiety, panic, and low mood
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Cognitive and neurological challenges
• Long Covid and health-related psychological distress
• Social anxiety and self-esteem
• Autism and neurodiversity (supporting young people and their families)
• Trauma and early life adversity
• Carer and family support

She draws on a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Jessica offers both therapy and psychological assessment, helping clients make sense of their difficulties and feel more empowered in their day-to-day lives.

Therapeutic Style

Jessica’s approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in scientific understanding. With a background in neuroscience and health psychology, she’s especially interested in how physical and psychological health interact—and how this interplay affects emotions, memory, relationships, and coping.

She places a strong emphasis on psychological assessment and formulation, using these tools to tailor therapy to each person’s needs. Her aim is to help clients make sense of their experiences, develop practical tools for managing distress, and move forward with greater self-awareness and confidence.

Jessica works with adults in a way that is flexible and compassionate, meeting each person where they are and adjusting the pace and style of therapy to support their individual journey.

Education & Clinical Experience

Dr. Jessica Holland began her academic journey with a BSc in Psychology from the University of Limerick, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Maastricht, where she developed a strong interest in brain-behaviour relationships. She then completed a PhD in Psychology at NUI Galway, funded by the Irish Research Council, where she explored links between the immune system, cognitive function, and mental health.

Following her doctoral research, Jessica gained valuable clinical experience working as an Assistant Psychologist in a forensic setting, supporting individuals with emotional, behavioural, and neurocognitive difficulties. She went on to complete her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College Dublin, where she specialised in Neuropsychology and Health Psychology.

Since qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist, she has continued to work with individuals and families affected by Autism and long-term health conditions, as well as maintaining a strong interest in cognitive and neurological functioning.

Jessica has also presented her research at national and international conferences and continues to contribute to the field through academic publications and collaborations.

Research & Professional Interests

Jessica has a particular interest in the immune system’s influence on mental and cognitive health, especially in the context of Long Covid, trauma, and chronic illness. Her research has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals, with recent work exploring cognitive difficulties associated with post-viral illness and immune functioning.

Selected Publications

• Holland, J. et al. (2024). Immune response and cognitive impairment in Post-COVID Syndrome: A systematic review. American Journal of Medicine.
• Holland, J. et al. (2024). Self-reported immune status and subjective cognitive functioning in Post-Covid Syndrome. Brain and Behaviour.
• Sheehan, D., Holland, J., & Carr, A. (2024). The effects of working with child sexual abuse on professionals: A systematic review. Child Abuse Review.
• Burke, T., Holland, J., et al. (2022). Emotion recognition and brain structure in schizophrenia. Brain Sciences.
• Rokita, K., Holland, J., et al. (2021). Childhood trauma and social cognition in schizophrenia. Journal of Clinical Psychology.

(Additional publications available on request or via: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jessica-Holland-3

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University College Dublin
• PhD in Psychology, NUI Galway
• MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht
• BSc in Psychology, University of Limerick

Memberships

• Chartered Member, Psychological Society of Ireland (P.S.I.)

Appointments

Dr. Jessica Holland is available for appointments Monday to Thursday each week.

To book an appointment with Dr. Jessica Holland, please call the clinic on 091 727777 or get in touch via the contact page.