Cathal O’Reilly is an Irish author, spoken word artist, musician, columnist, and mental health speaker/certified psychotherapist based in Co. Tipperary.

His work sits at the intersection of storytelling, spoken word, music, and mental health advocacy, exploring themes of resilience, trauma, recovery, identity, and human connection. Drawing on both lived experience and professional psychotherapy training, Cathal creates honest, engaging, and emotionally resonant work that encourages open conversation around mental health and wellbeing.

He is the author of A Funny Thing About Depression, a raw and reflective account of depression, anxiety, and recovery, and Catching the Thought, a poetry collection published in aid of the mental health charity C-SAW. His writing has also appeared across national and regional media, including his Mental Health Matters column for The Nationalist, where he explored stigma, emotional wellbeing, communication, and personal growth.

As a performer, Cathal blends spoken word, storytelling, and music to create powerful live experiences. He has appeared at and will present at numerous festivals and cultural events including Seanchoíche, Croílár Arts Festival, Inishbofin Arts Festival, Cahir Wellness Festival (June 2026) , Clifden Arts Festival (September 2026) and Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, connecting with audiences through emotionally honest and accessible performance.

Alongside his creative work, he has delivered talks and workshops for organisations and universities including University College Dublin and Teagasc, focusing on mental health, resilience, communication, and the importance of sharing lived experience. His speaking style combines honesty, humour, vulnerability, and practical insight to create meaningful and relatable conversations.

Cathal’s practice is informed by his training in psychotherapy, which deepens his understanding of trauma, emotional regulation, and human behaviour, and allows him to bridge creative expression with psychological insight.

Through his work, he aims to reduce stigma around mental health, foster connection, and highlight the role that creativity and storytelling can play in healing and self-understanding.