Online counselling and coaching to help you live the live you dream of.
Ruairí McKiernan is a skilled and passionate therapist, best-selling author, advocate, coach and charity founder with over two decades of experience as a leader in mental health, wellbeing, and personal development. He enjoys supporting people to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Originally from County Cavan, Ireland, Ruairí works internationally and has completed extensive study and training in a range of areas, including counselling, coaching, health promotion, youth development, meditation, mindfulness, leadership, and management. He is a Fulbright scholar with numerous qualifications including a Masters degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Ruairí is currently offering a limited number of reduced rate online appointments to new clients from around the world.
Online appointment fee
70 EUR per 60 minutes or 38 EUR for 30 minutes.
Approximate international currency conversions: 59.50 GBP | 77.00 USD | 103 CAD | 108.50 AUD | Currency converter here.
Booking process
Use 'Book now' button below and choose 'skip login process'. After booking and payment you will be emailed separately welcome information and a Zoom link. Please message with any questions.
Online appointment fee
70 EUR per 60 minutes or 38 EUR for 30 minutes.
Approximate international currency conversions: 59.50 GBP | 77.00 USD | 103 CAD | 108.50 AUD | Currency converter here.
Booking process
Use 'Book now' button below and choose 'skip login process'. After booking and payment you will be emailed separately welcome information and a Zoom link. Please message with any questions.
Approach
Ruairí offers a warm and welcoming space to ensure clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard in a compassionate and confidential setting. He provides support on a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, confidence and self-esteem, relationships, bullying, work, conflict, illness, trauma, and grief. His approach to counselling and coaching is person-centred (humanistic) and integrative. This can incorporate techniques such as solution-focused, cognitive behavioural, and mindfulness based approaches, as well as motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry. Ruairí is also an experienced life coach, executive coach, and mentor, supporting people in the areas such as careers, leadership, public speaking, social entrepreneurship, and other aspects of personal and professional development.
Additional background info
In addition to one-to-one support for clients, Ruairí works internationally with private companies, government agencies, and leading health and community organisations to provide a range of wellbeing, coaching, mentoring, and facilitation supports. He is also the bestselling author of Hitching for Hope, a regular media contributor, a sought after public speaker, the founder and former CEO of SpunOut.ie national youth organisation, and host of the popular Love and Courage podcast. He previously served for 7 years on the Council of State as one of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins' appointees. Ruairí has also served on the boards of numerous youth, health and social organisations, including the founding boards of Uplift and the Soar Foundation.
Professional development and accreditation
Ruairí invests in ongoing supervision, training, and professional development. He is a registered member of the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy, the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO), the International Association for Counselling (IAC), and the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL).
Ruairí offers a warm and welcoming space to ensure clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard in a compassionate and confidential setting. He provides support on a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, confidence and self-esteem, relationships, bullying, work, conflict, illness, trauma, and grief. His approach to counselling and coaching is person-centred (humanistic) and integrative. This can incorporate techniques such as solution-focused, cognitive behavioural, and mindfulness based approaches, as well as motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry. Ruairí is also an experienced life coach, executive coach, and mentor, supporting people in the areas such as careers, leadership, public speaking, social entrepreneurship, and other aspects of personal and professional development.
Additional background info
In addition to one-to-one support for clients, Ruairí works internationally with private companies, government agencies, and leading health and community organisations to provide a range of wellbeing, coaching, mentoring, and facilitation supports. He is also the bestselling author of Hitching for Hope, a regular media contributor, a sought after public speaker, the founder and former CEO of SpunOut.ie national youth organisation, and host of the popular Love and Courage podcast. He previously served for 7 years on the Council of State as one of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins' appointees. Ruairí has also served on the boards of numerous youth, health and social organisations, including the founding boards of Uplift and the Soar Foundation.
Professional development and accreditation
Ruairí invests in ongoing supervision, training, and professional development. He is a registered member of the National Association for Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy, the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO), the International Association for Counselling (IAC), and the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL).
Sample awards and recognition
- Government of Australia - Global Talent recipient 2023
- American Book Fest Best Book Award, 2022
- Dept. of Culture: Culture Ireland Award, 2021
- Dept. Foreign Affairs: Simon Cumbers Media Bursary, 2020
- Creative Ireland bursary for Creative Souls of Clare, 2020
- Profiled in the book Learn from Leaders Life Journal 2020
- Named by Ashoka as a “Top 10 Changemaker”, 2018
- Fulbright Fellowship, Berkeley, California, 2014
- CFI Ray Murphy Leadership Scholarship, 2010, 2014
- Korea Foundation Next Generation Leaders (Korea), 2013
- Peace Leaders Scholarship, Colorado, 2012
- Boston College, U.S. State Dept. scholarship, 2010
- Ulster Bank Achievers Award, 2008 (SpunOut)
- Digital Media Award, 2009 (SpunOut)
- Profiled in the book One Wild Life 2009
- GK3 Malaysia Global Social Entrepreneur, 2007
- Eircom Golden Spider Award, 2007 (SpunOut)
- Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award, 2006
- Health Service Innovation Award, 2006 (SpunOut)
Testimonials
“Ruairí is a visionary, a motivator, a connector, and a doer. He thinks outside the box, understands emerging trends, and finds ambitious solutions to society's many challenges.”
Rev Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for Alliance for Gambling Reform, former Chief Executive of World Vision Australia, Chair of the Community Council of Australia
“Ruairí has the capacity to "make things happen", particularly not only in the health and wellbeing of the young.” Hon. Geoff Gallop AC, Emeritus Professor University of Sydney, Former Premier of Western Australia
“It is not an exaggeration to say Ruairí’s work revolutionised the way mental health & wellbeing for young people was approached in Ireland.”
Deirdre Garvey, Secretary-General of the Irish Red Cross, former CEO of The Wheel
“… his work is also undertaken with a spirit of compassion, humility, self-knowledge and individual learning.” Dr Sarah Ingle, Secretary General, Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, former Chair of Irish Fulbright Commission Board
“Ruairí touches lives and hearts like few others, and I know that the individuals he encounters are left yearning for more authentic learning experiences and a thirst to make change in their communities.”
Lee Keylock, Director of Global Programs, Narrative 4
“Some people stand out in their leadership, innovation and dedication to a better world, a better universe. Ruairí is one of them. Ruairí is an original thinker and excellent communicator who brings people together to stimulate conversation and thinking.” Noeline Blackwell, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, former CEO of FLAC – Free Legal Aid Advice Centres
“I’ve seen Ruairí work as both a behind-the-scenes builder and network and serve as a public spokesperson and public speaker; he is a truly gifted human being, with warmth, humor, empathy and solidarity.” Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the US Institute for Policy Studies
“Ruairí is a leader who inspires everyone around him to be better at what they do. He is a remarkable communicator and a skilled collaborator who finds ways to connect people to achieve remarkable outcomes.” Kathryn O’Shea, Director, Australia & New Zealand at IDA Ireland
“Ruairí’s work has benefited thousands if not millions of young people in Ireland and globally.”
Dame Sue Bagshaw, Chairperson Youth Hub Trust, Senior Lecturer Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago
“Ruairí is a visionary and innovative civil society leader in Ireland and globally. He supports and challenges people to take ideas further and to act for social change.”
Frank Geary, Director, IDEA, the Irish Development Education Association
“Ruairí has a unique ability to bring people together around important issues and to turn people’s desire for change into real action on the ground.”
Darren Ryan, Former CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Former MD of The Ireland Funds
“Ruairí is one of those (relatively) young Irish leaders who understand the importance of grassroots community and nourishing the values that give life to a nation.”
Alastair McIntosh BSc MBA PhD, Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow
“I have known Ruairí McKiernan for over 15 years and attest to his incredible contribution to society, his good character and his passion for helping to uplift all communities that he calls home.”
Robert Mulhall, CEO, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, USA
“Ruairí is an unrivalled and respected social entrepreneur who has built a last legacy of impact in Ireland and internationally.”
Colleen Dube, Chief Executive Officer of NALA - National Adult Literacy Agency, former Executive Director of the Ireland – United States [Fulbright] Commission for Educational Exchange
“Ruairí is a passionate advocate for social justice. He is committed to and facilitates and enables civic action, particularly for those seldom heard, including young people."
Mary Cunningham, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland
“Ruairí has always brought energy, creativity, and commitment to all he does. He is a driven person who encourages others to shine. I have always found it a pleasure to work with Ruairí.” Jillian van Turnhout, Former Senator and Former Chief Executive, Children’s Rights Alliance
"I have never met such a passionate, committed, determined and down-to-earth man like him. Ruairí remains true to his beliefs and will go over and beyond to make things happen.” Caroline McGuigan, Founder of Suicide Or Survive (SOS)
"Ruairí is driven with a passion to make real difference in the world. All his energy, thinking and doing is focused on how he can do this and do it better." Rachel Collier, co-founder Young Social Innovators
“Ruairí brings vision, creativity and passion to organisational challenges and opportunites. He is an excellent networker and has a very inclusive way of working.” Jane Forman, The Atlantic Philanthropies
“Ruairí is an inspiration. He has such passion and energy and he is clear and focused on achieving lasting social change. Ruairí is a leader of his generation and an educator of mine; in how to bring fresh energy and new ways of working.” Orla Barry, former CEO of Mental Health Ireland
“Ruairí is an important voice for social justice in Ireland and beyond, and a man with ideas, energy and determination. He believes passionately in the power of people when they come together and organise – and he is a great example of what that power can achieve.” Hans Zomer, CEO of Global Action Plan, former Director of Dóchas
“Ruairí is an excellent communicator and man of integrity and values.” James Lawlor, Director of Narrative 4
“Ruairí is a uniquely talented and gifted individual who makes a major impact on people he meets or works with. He is a visionary with a broad vision and approaches his work with a blend of seriousness, animation and determination.” Joe Murray, Director of of Afri – Action from Ireland
“Ruairí is a highly motivated "can do" individual who is very switched on to where society is at today. His insightful journalism always hits the mark and Ruairí is fearless in tackling injustice and identifying potential solutions." Patrick Cusack, Manager at Microsoft
“Ruairí has a skill which is in short supply in Ireland today, and that is a vision for Ireland coupled with a great capacity to communicate and inspire a group/audience. I can’t recommend Ruairí highly enough as a consultant and speaker.” James Doorley, Deputy CEO of the National Youth Council
“Ruairí was a pleasure to work with as he really knew how to best engage with employees and brands from a very different background to his, and his ability to think creatively was fantastic.” Jude Farrell, ex Google Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
“Ruairí is one of the most impressive innovators I have worked with. He combines a strong and compelling vision with excellent leadership skills.” Sean Coughlan, Executive Director at Human Dignity Foundation, Co-founder/ex CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
“Ruairí is an energetic, passionate and innovative entrepreneur. He not only has a vision for change and social empowerment but has demonstrated an ability to commit to that vision and to actualize real and ethical outcomes.”
Cliona Saidlear, Executive Director at Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI)
“…a passionate at all times and a consummate professional. Smart, energetic & overall a great guy to deal with.” David Hughes, ex Vodafone Foundation board member
“As a motivator and organiser and as someone who can take an idea and see it through to make it happen, he is second to none.”
Paddy Duffy, Author, broadcaster, former board member of SpunOut
“….an innovative and visionary leader passionate about finding creative solutions to social issues”. Anna Lally, former Deputy CEO of SpunOut
“His energy and potential knows no bounds, and Ruairí certainly will never allow limitations to become barriers in any project he undertakes”. Deborah McMullin, Assistant Headteacher
“….dependable, hardworking, diligent, and peace-loving…consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to success”.
Larry Masterson, former Manager at the Health Service Executive
“Ruairí has the expertise, insight and drive to achieve nearly anything in the area of positive social change”. Sarah Clancy, Coordinator of Clare Public Participation Network
Ruairí brings so much enthusiasm and positivity to his work it’s infectious."
Cathal Grant, Partnership and Family Support, Tusla, Child and Family Agency
“For many years, Ruairí has been a sounding board for me. He is a driven, dedicated, motivated and loyal person with a unique combination of skills.” Grace Dyas, Playwright and Theatre Director
“He works night and day to support projects he's involved in and passionate about, and that commitment is infectious and helps lift everyone.” Seamus Hennessy, GPA member / former intercounty GAA player / Manager at Qualtrics
“…builds experiences and communities where people can take action and create a true and meaningful connection to themselves and the world around them.”
Siobhán Earley, CEO Compete With Compassion, Former Head of Player Development, Gaelic Players Association
“Ruairí is a visionary, a motivator, a connector, and a doer. He thinks outside the box, understands emerging trends, and finds ambitious solutions to society's many challenges.”
Rev Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for Alliance for Gambling Reform, former Chief Executive of World Vision Australia, Chair of the Community Council of Australia
“Ruairí has the capacity to "make things happen", particularly not only in the health and wellbeing of the young.” Hon. Geoff Gallop AC, Emeritus Professor University of Sydney, Former Premier of Western Australia
“It is not an exaggeration to say Ruairí’s work revolutionised the way mental health & wellbeing for young people was approached in Ireland.”
Deirdre Garvey, Secretary-General of the Irish Red Cross, former CEO of The Wheel
“… his work is also undertaken with a spirit of compassion, humility, self-knowledge and individual learning.” Dr Sarah Ingle, Secretary General, Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, former Chair of Irish Fulbright Commission Board
“Ruairí touches lives and hearts like few others, and I know that the individuals he encounters are left yearning for more authentic learning experiences and a thirst to make change in their communities.”
Lee Keylock, Director of Global Programs, Narrative 4
“Some people stand out in their leadership, innovation and dedication to a better world, a better universe. Ruairí is one of them. Ruairí is an original thinker and excellent communicator who brings people together to stimulate conversation and thinking.” Noeline Blackwell, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, former CEO of FLAC – Free Legal Aid Advice Centres
“I’ve seen Ruairí work as both a behind-the-scenes builder and network and serve as a public spokesperson and public speaker; he is a truly gifted human being, with warmth, humor, empathy and solidarity.” Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the US Institute for Policy Studies
“Ruairí is a leader who inspires everyone around him to be better at what they do. He is a remarkable communicator and a skilled collaborator who finds ways to connect people to achieve remarkable outcomes.” Kathryn O’Shea, Director, Australia & New Zealand at IDA Ireland
“Ruairí’s work has benefited thousands if not millions of young people in Ireland and globally.”
Dame Sue Bagshaw, Chairperson Youth Hub Trust, Senior Lecturer Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago
“Ruairí is a visionary and innovative civil society leader in Ireland and globally. He supports and challenges people to take ideas further and to act for social change.”
Frank Geary, Director, IDEA, the Irish Development Education Association
“Ruairí has a unique ability to bring people together around important issues and to turn people’s desire for change into real action on the ground.”
Darren Ryan, Former CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Former MD of The Ireland Funds
“Ruairí is one of those (relatively) young Irish leaders who understand the importance of grassroots community and nourishing the values that give life to a nation.”
Alastair McIntosh BSc MBA PhD, Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow
“I have known Ruairí McKiernan for over 15 years and attest to his incredible contribution to society, his good character and his passion for helping to uplift all communities that he calls home.”
Robert Mulhall, CEO, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, USA
“Ruairí is an unrivalled and respected social entrepreneur who has built a last legacy of impact in Ireland and internationally.”
Colleen Dube, Chief Executive Officer of NALA - National Adult Literacy Agency, former Executive Director of the Ireland – United States [Fulbright] Commission for Educational Exchange
“Ruairí is a passionate advocate for social justice. He is committed to and facilitates and enables civic action, particularly for those seldom heard, including young people."
Mary Cunningham, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland
“Ruairí has always brought energy, creativity, and commitment to all he does. He is a driven person who encourages others to shine. I have always found it a pleasure to work with Ruairí.” Jillian van Turnhout, Former Senator and Former Chief Executive, Children’s Rights Alliance
"I have never met such a passionate, committed, determined and down-to-earth man like him. Ruairí remains true to his beliefs and will go over and beyond to make things happen.” Caroline McGuigan, Founder of Suicide Or Survive (SOS)
"Ruairí is driven with a passion to make real difference in the world. All his energy, thinking and doing is focused on how he can do this and do it better." Rachel Collier, co-founder Young Social Innovators
“Ruairí brings vision, creativity and passion to organisational challenges and opportunites. He is an excellent networker and has a very inclusive way of working.” Jane Forman, The Atlantic Philanthropies
“Ruairí is an inspiration. He has such passion and energy and he is clear and focused on achieving lasting social change. Ruairí is a leader of his generation and an educator of mine; in how to bring fresh energy and new ways of working.” Orla Barry, former CEO of Mental Health Ireland
“Ruairí is an important voice for social justice in Ireland and beyond, and a man with ideas, energy and determination. He believes passionately in the power of people when they come together and organise – and he is a great example of what that power can achieve.” Hans Zomer, CEO of Global Action Plan, former Director of Dóchas
“Ruairí is an excellent communicator and man of integrity and values.” James Lawlor, Director of Narrative 4
“Ruairí is a uniquely talented and gifted individual who makes a major impact on people he meets or works with. He is a visionary with a broad vision and approaches his work with a blend of seriousness, animation and determination.” Joe Murray, Director of of Afri – Action from Ireland
“Ruairí is a highly motivated "can do" individual who is very switched on to where society is at today. His insightful journalism always hits the mark and Ruairí is fearless in tackling injustice and identifying potential solutions." Patrick Cusack, Manager at Microsoft
“Ruairí has a skill which is in short supply in Ireland today, and that is a vision for Ireland coupled with a great capacity to communicate and inspire a group/audience. I can’t recommend Ruairí highly enough as a consultant and speaker.” James Doorley, Deputy CEO of the National Youth Council
“Ruairí was a pleasure to work with as he really knew how to best engage with employees and brands from a very different background to his, and his ability to think creatively was fantastic.” Jude Farrell, ex Google Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
“Ruairí is one of the most impressive innovators I have worked with. He combines a strong and compelling vision with excellent leadership skills.” Sean Coughlan, Executive Director at Human Dignity Foundation, Co-founder/ex CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
“Ruairí is an energetic, passionate and innovative entrepreneur. He not only has a vision for change and social empowerment but has demonstrated an ability to commit to that vision and to actualize real and ethical outcomes.”
Cliona Saidlear, Executive Director at Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI)
“…a passionate at all times and a consummate professional. Smart, energetic & overall a great guy to deal with.” David Hughes, ex Vodafone Foundation board member
“As a motivator and organiser and as someone who can take an idea and see it through to make it happen, he is second to none.”
Paddy Duffy, Author, broadcaster, former board member of SpunOut
“….an innovative and visionary leader passionate about finding creative solutions to social issues”. Anna Lally, former Deputy CEO of SpunOut
“His energy and potential knows no bounds, and Ruairí certainly will never allow limitations to become barriers in any project he undertakes”. Deborah McMullin, Assistant Headteacher
“….dependable, hardworking, diligent, and peace-loving…consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to success”.
Larry Masterson, former Manager at the Health Service Executive
“Ruairí has the expertise, insight and drive to achieve nearly anything in the area of positive social change”. Sarah Clancy, Coordinator of Clare Public Participation Network
Ruairí brings so much enthusiasm and positivity to his work it’s infectious."
Cathal Grant, Partnership and Family Support, Tusla, Child and Family Agency
“For many years, Ruairí has been a sounding board for me. He is a driven, dedicated, motivated and loyal person with a unique combination of skills.” Grace Dyas, Playwright and Theatre Director
“He works night and day to support projects he's involved in and passionate about, and that commitment is infectious and helps lift everyone.” Seamus Hennessy, GPA member / former intercounty GAA player / Manager at Qualtrics
“…builds experiences and communities where people can take action and create a true and meaningful connection to themselves and the world around them.”
Siobhán Earley, CEO Compete With Compassion, Former Head of Player Development, Gaelic Players Association