About

Meet Sheena & 'Discovering Mindfulness'

Whether you’re here to explore therapy, attend a workshop, or just browsing, you’re warmly welcome.

My Path – Shaped by Experience

I’ve worked as a Clinical Psychologist since the late 1990s, with many years spent in the public health system and later in education settings including 10 years as Director of Placements in the School of Education, UCD.  I held senior roles supporting children, families, and communities, always with a strong focus on early intervention and mental health prevention.

In 2008, after years of working hard, I faced burnout. That moment in my story was a turning point. During my own therapy, I was introduced to the mindfulness work of Jon Kabat-Zinn—and the moving words of Rumi – ‘The Guest House’ – and something clicked. This mindful way of being has helped me reconnect with myself, learn how to gently open to and heal old trauma wounds, and rediscover a steadier path. One that continues to grow today.

With over 15 years of personal experience and knowledge of mindfulness as a proven tool to build resilience and emotional wellbeing, I trained to teach the globally recognised Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Since 2015, I’ve been helping others reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout through MBSR and related mindfulness courses.

My Approach

My aim is to offer a grounded and non-judgmental space to explore what matters most to you. While mindfulness is a valuable part of what I offer, it’s never required. Therapy can focus entirely on what’s meaningful for you—whether that’s managing anxiety, grief, stress, working through trauma, understanding relationships, or simply creating space to reflect and connect.

Meet Sheena & ‘Discovering Mindfulness’

Thank you for visiting. My name is Sheena Burke. Discovering Mindfulness is my private psychology practice where I support adults seeking clarity, healing, and a deeper connection with themselves and their lives.

My work blends the structure and insight of clinical psychology with the warmth and presence of mindfulness, always in a way that’s tailored to your needs.

I am based in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath – in the heart of Ireland. I love to travel, taste new experiences and enjoy wanders in the local woodlands, discovering heritage crafts and stories and getting to gigs, shows and good food times with family and friends.

This site shares more about my services, upcoming events, and some free resources you’re welcome to explore. I hope it gives you a sense of who I am, and how I might support you. If anything here resonates, I’d be glad to hear from you.

Warmly, Sheena

Why "Discovering Mindfulness"

My name is Sheena Burke and I have been practising mindfulness in some shape or form for about 25 years. Initially this was through the practice of mindful movement yoga.  There I was invited to connect with the breath and body and as I experienced a breather from the constant chattering, driven-doing mind, I found myself landing in the present moment. Later, during a particularly stressful time in my life  over a decade ago, I was re-introduced to Jon Kabat Zinn’s MBSR programme through his book, Full Catastrophe Living. A revelation! My mind was opened to the truly practical and simple yet deeply transformational, revealing and empowering path of mindfulness. 

The unexpected reveal was a reconnection with joy and a simple pathway that helped to heal old wounds, let go of future fears and remember stability and steadiness in this ever-unfolding and changing world. The practices and teachings have helped me to take charge of my mind, reconnect with my heart and discover a fulfilling life, ready for growth and open to learning and living in kind and forgiving ways. I established Discovering Mindfulness in 2014 as a way of sharing and exploring with others the gift of mindfulness that I continue to discover everyday.

I chose this name over 15 years ago, early in my journey with mindfulness—a practice that was quietly transforming my life as the science behind it grew. For me, mindfulness isn’t a prescription, but a gentle, practical way of being. It helps me reconnect with joy, release old patterns, and rediscover well-being, even in hard times. I continue to learn from my own practice and from others—always discovering what mindfulness means in each moment, with each person I meet.

Professional Qualifications

Psychology

  • Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland
  • Professional Diploma in Psychology – Clinical Specialism 2000 (PSI)
  • PhD Educational Psychology 2014 (UCD)
  • 30+ years professional practice experience in public and private health and education settings
  • Therapeutic Approaches include CBT, ACT, EMDR, mindfulness and compassion-based therapy, psychodyamic, person-centred, humanistic.
Mindfulness

Supervision/Advanced Training 

  • Mindfulness-Based Supervision. Advanced training in mindfulness-based supervision with the Mindfulness Network UK 
  • Train the Trainer (for Training MBSR Teachers) with Mindful Academy Solterreno
  • Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Teaching with David Treleaven
  • MBI-TAC (Mindfulness-Based Interventions, Teaching & Learning Criteria) Levels 1 and 2 with Mindfulness Network, UK.
  • Dialogue & Inquiry in MBSR and other MBP Classrooms with Saki Santorelli
  • Teaching MBSR Online with Ted Meissner and Oxford Mindfulness Centre
  • Council Circle with the Center for Council 

Dr. Sheena Burke is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Certified MBSR Teacher, Trainer (Assessment & Supervision) and Mindful Outdoor Guide

Book an Appointment Today

Get in TouchBook Online Now