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CLIENT STORIES
Everyone has their own unique journey and experience that impacts their daily lives. The following stories are from clients we have worked with that took action and changed their lives for the better.
MICHAEL'S STORY
In 2008 I went to Harris-townHouse and this is where I met Eugene and his team of counsellors. I went there as a last hope as I had used every other means of managing my addiction and none of it worked. I was introduced to Eugene who helped me immensely and literally gave me a second chance at life. If it wasn't for this second chance I dread to think where I would be today. I did 6 weeks of treatment which was tough but the best decision I ever made. Since leaving Harris-townHouse in 2008 I have been clean and sober and have never looked back. It was tough at first but easier than the life I was living. When I left treatment I lived in a Probation Services run hostel which introduced me to other people in recovery. Slowly but surely I started to gain a little bit of confidence within myself. I started to be able to share bits of myself at meetings, which allowed me to feel part of a group. After a few months I did an Access Course in St. Angela's College.
This gave me a chance to go to Galway University but I didn't want to leave Sligo. I then joined a local kickboxing club which I totally immersed myself in and ended up fighting for Ireland in the European and World Kickboxing Championships in Bilbao. Not long after I joined Kickboxing I started a FETAC Level 5 in Engineering Technology. Again as one not to do things by half measures I ended up getting distinctions in all my subjects and being awarded student of the year.
After this course I was still struggling with self confidence and insecurity especially in dealing with people, so I decided to give studying a break for a while and I concentrated on my kickboxing for a couple of years. I eventually decided to go back to college after some time and completed a 3 year course as a Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure. I completed this degree and it was during this course that I started to gain confidence in myself and could deal with people a lot better. In year two I applied to join the Fire Service. After a few rounds of tests and a long wait I finally got into the Fire Service and that is where I still work 5 years later. Life is good for me. I have been given the chance of having a normal life, just like anyone who doesn't suffer from addiction issues. I'm in the process of trying to buy my own house. I'm in a new relationship and God only knows what is around the next corner. None of this would have been possible if I was never introduced to Eugene who helped me loads at Harris-town House
Michael W.
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DOLORES STORY
In 2013 I went to see Eugene after a friend recommended him. I was going through a tough time in my relationships, with my partner and family. I knew I was in trouble but didn't know how to make myself better or how to communicate and have good relationships. Eugene worked with me to untangle all the thoughts in my head, to see the relationships for what they were and helped me understand myself and how I operated. He was very real and open about himself and his life experience, that really helped me to trust him and to relax. That's when I really started to open up to him and be honest about myself. He didn't judge me, he really listened and he asked really good questions that made me think about what I was doing. Then he gave me some great skills that I can use when I am feeling down and he showed me how to start to believe in myself and my abilities again.
He helped build my confidence and helped me rebuild the relationships with my partner and family. Going to Eugene for counselling was the best investment in myself that I ever made and I have a lot to be thankful to Eugene for. I have a great relationship now, my family life is so much more positive and I'm getting on great at work. I'm just dealing with everything in a better way.
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Dolores O.
DAMIAN'S STORY
I was a client of Eugene's over 15 years ago where he helped me with a range of addiction and personal issues. He was the first person of authority who showed me respect and empathy. He was genuinely interested in my recovery and encouraged me to see that another way of living was possible.
Although at the time I barely believed it. When I left treatment after completing it I knew he was there at the other end of a phone if needed. I did and was never made to feel anything other than heard.
Fast forward 15 years, I have a wife, first child on the way, a career, my family, good friends but most of all freedom and a life. Without Eugene's help and guidance in those early days I very much doubt I'd have any of these things.
I highly recommend giving him a chance because he gives you one.
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Damian C.
PAUL M'S STORY
I was recommended to go to see Eugene, by my family Doctor. I needed help to get a better understanding how to manage my anger as, it was, causing huge problems in my family and in my work. Eugene was, able to show me how my anger was, occurring and what my unresolved anger was now sabotaging my present relationships. After a few meetings with Eugene I began to see and understand why a lot of my past hurts were holding me back and that I had the power to learn new ways of dealing with my anger instead of it always dealing with me. Today I have the knowledge in how to deal with these episodes that used to cause me so much stress, anxiety and pain. When I feel my anger coming up I can recognise my triggers and I have now got techniques that help me keep my cool and a lot of my relationships are an awful lot better. I am so grateful to my Doctor for having recommended Eugene to me.
MARYS STORY
I first started working with Eugene in October 2020 as, I was, having huge difficulties in my personal relationships and at work. I was, recommended to go to Eugene by a good friend who had experienced great results from working with him. After the first session I knew I was with the right counsellor as Eugene made me feel very comfortable and reassured me that together we would find the solutions to the issues that were causing me huge stress in my life. I was experiencing a lot of issues with people at my work and in my personal relationships at home. After a few sessions, Eugene helped me to understand these relationships, and how I could change, that would give me the skills to manage these relationships in a better way for the future. Together with Eugene I found the tools to be able to deal with the difficulties these relationships were having in my life. I now feel more confident and I know I have ability to deal with these difficulties in the future. My personal relationships are now, very healthy and I have a, good structure to help me with relationships in the workplace that were causing me so much stress and exhaustion. Going to see Eugene was the best decision I have made in my life because I now feel very grateful for the skills, I have learned that is, allowing me to have meaningful relationships with my family and my work colleagues.Thank you so muchMary B.
PAUL B'S STORY
My name is Paul and my God I am so grateful that I met Eugene Greaney in 2004. I have spent most of my adult life in Prison up until I met Eugene who was my primary counsellor when I went to Harristown House Treatment Centre. When I arrived all I had was two black bags with the few clothes I had. Eugene was the first person to welcome me when I got out of the prison service van. I didn't have any idea about how to live a life without alcohol and drugs which always got me into trouble with the law and took away my freedom. My biggest problem was not been able to trust anyone as, I had been brought up in Resedential Homes that had destroyed my trust and my confidence so coming into Harristown House raised my anxiety and reminded me of my past. Eugene and the counsellors began to work with me and very slowly I began to belive that I might have a chance of getting better. I stayed in the centre for 4 months as, I was not ready to leave. When I did leave I was, supported and went to live in a, probation project that supported me in my new sober journey. Since that time I have remained clean and sober. My relationships with my Daughter and, Son have been reestablished and I am in a new, Relationship with my partner. Eugene encouraged me to go back to college and I did qualifiling as, a counsellor and I was able to give back something that was given to me. Today I spend my life living one day at a time and helping other people to get to see that recovery is always possible providing you have the willingness to embrace change. I owe my life to Eugene Greaney and I am proud to call him my mentor and friend.
LIAM M'S STORY
I have been going to see Eugene using his counselling services for a while and I find Eugene extremely helpful and easy to talk to and got me through some tricky situations in my life and has help me and shown me a more positive way to live my life.I highly recommend Eugene if you have any issues in life. Thanks for all your help Eugene.