Dr. Hilary Dolan is a Chartered Educational and Child Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland who is deeply passionate about supporting the neurodivergent community. Before training as a psychologist, Hilary gained over 17 years of experience as an educator across secondary, further and higher education settings in Ireland and Australia. Through this work, she had the privilege of learning from Autistic and ADHD young people and adults, as well as individuals with learning and physical disabilities and those with social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Hilary is a strong advocate for inclusion and has led projects and published research on supporting students from diverse backgrounds. This backdrop informs her work with young people and families. She brings a warm, practical and creative approach, prioritising strategies that are realistic and meaningful in everyday life.

Hilary completed her Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, where she was awarded the Mary Immaculate College Doctoral Award. She is particularly passionate about listening to and learning from children and young people on issues that matter to them. As such, her doctoral research focused on children’s perspectives on climate action and how they can be supported to thrive in a climate-impacted world.

As part of her doctoral training, Hilary completed professional placements across a range of services, including a Children’s Disability Network Team, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). She has extensive experience in conducting cognitive, adaptive, attainment, play-based and diagnostic assessments, as well as psychometric screening. Hilary also has a broad range of therapeutic experience, including Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy, and places strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and neuro-affirmative informed therapy.

In the clinic, Hilary approaches Autism assessments in a neuro-affirmative way, recognising and valuing neurodiversity. She is committed to listening to her clients and respecting their perspectives on their own strengths and needs. Hilary works collaboratively with children, young people and their families to create meaningful and supportive identification experiences.

Hilary is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and welcomes clients of all backgrounds, identities and genders.

Outside of work, Hilary enjoys spending time by the sea and rivers or in the woods, learning about horses and dogs, being with loved ones and searching for the best pizza in Ireland.