Do you often feel like your mind is cluttered with too many thoughts, worries, and to-do lists? Perhaps you’re dealing with persistent stress, sleep issues, or simply feeling that life could be easier and more joyful? If so, you’re not alone. As our lives become increasingly fast-paced and demanding, many people in Ireland are seeking gentle yet effective approaches to find balance and wellbeing.
Access Bars® is one such approach that has been gaining remarkable popularity across Ireland in recent years. As an Access Bars practitioner based in Ireland, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this gentle, non-invasive technique has helped hundreds of clients experience greater ease, clarity, and wellbeing in their lives.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Access Bars in Ireland—from what happens during a session and what benefits you might experience, to how much sessions typically cost across different regions of Ireland and how to find a qualified practitioner near you.
Whether you’re curious about trying your first session, wondering if Access Bars is right for you, or simply interested in learning more about this unique modality, this guide will provide the information you need to make an informed decision about incorporating Access Bars into your wellbeing journey.
What Is Access Bars? Understanding the Basics
Access Bars is a gentle hands-on technique that involves lightly touching 32 specific points on the head. These points, called “Bars,” correspond to different areas of life such as healing, body, creativity, money, control, awareness, and more. The touch activates these points, helping to dissipate the electromagnetic charge of thoughts, beliefs, considerations, emotions, and attitudes that may be limiting you in those areas of life.
Developed by Gary Douglas in the early 1990s, Access Bars is now part of a larger body of techniques and philosophies known as Access Consciousness®. The foundation of Access Bars is based on the idea that our thoughts, judgments, and beliefs create limitations in our lives, and that by releasing these energetic blockages, we can experience greater ease and new possibilities.
Unlike many other modalities, Access Bars doesn’t aim to fix anything specific or diagnose any conditions. Instead, it works on the principle that by clearing the energetic charge around our thoughts and beliefs, we create more space for change and transformation to occur naturally.
The process is non-invasive, gentle, and deeply relaxing for most recipients. Many people report feeling as though a weight has been lifted after a session, experiencing a sense of spaciousness and possibility that wasn’t there before.
How Access Bars Works: The Science and Philosophy
While Access Bars originated from a metaphysical perspective, there is growing interest in understanding the physiological and neurological effects of this practice. Here’s an accessible explanation of both the philosophy and the emerging science:
The Philosophy Behind Access Bars
According to Access Consciousness philosophy, the 32 Bars points on the head correlate to different aspects of life, such as money, control, creativity, body, sexuality, healing, and more. These points store the electromagnetic component of all the thoughts, ideas, beliefs, emotions, and considerations you have ever had about anything.
When these points are gently touched, they begin to clear the energy locked up in those areas of your life, similar to defragmenting a computer’s hard drive. This clearing process allows for greater neurological communication and new possibilities to emerge.
The Emerging Science
While comprehensive scientific research on Access Bars is still developing, preliminary studies have shown interesting results:
- Brain Wave Activity: A small study using electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements showed that receiving an Access Bars session can shift brain activity from beta waves (active, busy thinking) to theta waves (deep relaxation, meditation-like state).
- Stress Reduction: Research has indicated a significant decrease in anxiety levels after Access Bars sessions, with measurements of salivary cortisol (a stress hormone) showing reduction post-session.
- Heart Rate Variability: Some practitioners have begun documenting improved heart rate variability (a measure of autonomic nervous system health) during and after Access Bars sessions.
It’s important to note that Access Bars is complementary to other approaches and is not presented as a replacement for appropriate professional care when needed.
The Complete Access Bars Experience: What to Expect in a Session
One of the most common questions I receive from prospective clients in Ireland is “What actually happens during an Access Bars session?” Let’s walk through the entire experience so you’ll know exactly what to expect:
Before Your Session
- Most practitioners recommend wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding heavy meals just before your appointment.
- It’s helpful to come with an open mind, but no particular belief system or expectation is required for the process to work.
- You might be asked to complete a brief intake form, especially for your first session.
Arrival and Setting
- Access Bars sessions in Ireland typically take place in a comfortable, quiet environment—either a dedicated treatment room, wellness center, or sometimes a practitioner’s home practice.
- The environment is usually set up to promote relaxation, though it’s generally less clinical than a medical setting and more casual than a spa.
- You’ll have a brief discussion with your practitioner about your current situation and what you’d like to receive from the session, though specific goals are not required.
The Session Process
- Getting Comfortable: You’ll lie fully clothed on a massage table or comfortable reclining chair. The practitioner may offer pillows for support and perhaps a light blanket for comfort.
- Beginning the Process: The practitioner will start by gently placing their fingertips on specific points on your head. There’s no massage or manipulation—just a light touch.
- The Sequence: Throughout the session, the practitioner will touch different combinations of points in a specific sequence. They may hold each set of points anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
- Your Experience: During this time, you simply relax. There’s nothing you need to do, think about, or focus on. Many people drift into a deeply relaxed state similar to meditation. Some fall asleep, which doesn’t diminish the effectiveness.
- Physical Sensations: You might experience various sensations such as tingling, warmth, energy movements, or simply deep relaxation. Some people report seeing colors, having insights, or feeling emotional releases. Others may feel nothing specific but notice effects afterward.
Session Duration and Completion
- A typical full Access Bars session lasts 60-90 minutes, though some practitioners in Ireland also offer shorter “taster” sessions of 30-45 minutes.
- The session concludes when all the Bars points have been run, and the practitioner will usually let you know when it’s complete.
- You’ll be given time to gradually “come back” and reorient yourself before getting up from the table.
- Many practitioners offer water after the session, as hydration supports the integration process.
Post-Session
- There’s no recovery time needed—you can drive and resume normal activities immediately.
- The practitioner may suggest drinking extra water over the next 24 hours to support the clearing process.
- Many people report feeling relaxed, spacious, or even a bit “floaty” after a session. Others notice clearer thinking or a sense of relief.
- Effects may continue to unfold over the days following your session as your system integrates the changes.
7 Transformative Benefits of Access Bars
While individual experiences with Access Bars vary, certain benefits are consistently reported by clients across Ireland and worldwide. Here are seven of the most common transformative effects:
1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits is a significant reduction in stress levels. Many clients report feeling calmer and more centered after just one session.
“After my first Access Bars session in Dublin, I felt like I’d had a mental decluttering. The constant background anxiety I’d been living with for years was suddenly turned down several notches.” – Sarah, 42, Dublin
2. Improved Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are common in our busy world, and many clients report profound improvements in their sleep patterns following Access Bars sessions.
“I’d tried everything for my insomnia—meditation apps, sleep hygiene, even medication. Nothing worked consistently until I started regular Access Bars sessions. Now I fall asleep easier and wake up feeling genuinely refreshed.” – Michael, 38, Galway
3. Greater Mental Clarity and Reduced Overthinking
The mental chatter that often dominates our thinking can be exhausting. Access Bars helps many people experience greater mental clarity and reduced overthinking.
“As a business owner, my mind was constantly racing with ideas, worries, and to-do lists. Access Bars has helped me experience mental spaciousness I hadn’t felt in years. I’m more productive because I’m not caught in loops of overthinking.” – Emma, 45, Cork
4. Increased Energy and Motivation
When we’re not depleting our energy with stress and overthinking, many people find they have more vitality and motivation.
“The fatigue I’d been experiencing wasn’t physical—it was the weight of all my thoughts and worries. After my Access Bars sessions, I felt lighter and had more energy for things I enjoy.” – Liam, 50, Limerick
5. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving
With less mental static, many clients report accessing greater creativity and finding solutions to problems that previously seemed insurmountable.
“As an artist, I sometimes hit creative blocks that felt impenetrable. Access Bars helped me clear the judgments I had about my work. Ideas now flow more easily, and I’m creating work that feels more authentic.” – Aoife, 29, Kilkenny
6. Greater Ease in Relationships
Many people notice that as they become clearer and less reactive, their relationships improve naturally.
“I used to get triggered easily by comments from my family. After several Access Bars sessions, I noticed I wasn’t taking things as personally. Conversations that would have previously escalated into arguments now remain civil and sometimes even productive.” – James, 36, Waterford
7. Accelerated Healing and Recovery
While Access Bars doesn’t claim to treat specific conditions, many people report that their natural healing processes seem to work more efficiently.
“Following a minor surgery, my doctor was surprised at how quickly I recovered. I’m convinced that the Access Bars sessions I received before and after the procedure helped my body focus its energy on healing rather than stress.” – Margaret, 62, Wexford
Remember that while these benefits are commonly reported, Access Bars is a unique experience for each person, and results can vary. The beauty of the process is that it works according to what your system needs most, not according to expectations.
Access Bars in Ireland: Finding the Right Practitioner and Understanding Costs
Access Bars has gained significant popularity throughout Ireland in recent years, with practitioners now available in most counties. Here’s what you need to know about finding the right practitioner and understanding the typical costs across different regions.
Finding Qualified Practitioners
When looking for an Access Bars practitioner in Ireland, consider these factors:
- Certification: Legitimate Access Bars practitioners have completed a one-day certification course taught by a certified Access Bars facilitator. They should be willing to show proof of their training if asked.
- Experience Level: Some practitioners have been working with Access Bars for many years and have completed additional Access Consciousness training. Others may be newly certified but still competent.
- Location: While practitioners are available in most major Irish cities and many towns, availability may be more limited in rural areas. Some practitioners offer mobile services and will come to your home for an additional fee.
- Practice Setting: Practitioners work in various settings including:
- Dedicated holistic health centers
- Multi-practitioner wellness spaces
- Private practice rooms
- Mobile services (visiting clients’ homes)
- Personal Connection: Perhaps most importantly, find someone you feel comfortable with. Many practitioners offer a free phone consultation before booking.
Where to Look for Practitioners
- Official Directory: The Access Consciousness website (accessconsciousness.com) has a practitioner directory where you can search by location.
- Wellness Centers: Many holistic wellness centers throughout Ireland now offer Access Bars.
- Personal Recommendations: Word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to find a trusted practitioner.
- Social Media: Many practitioners maintain Facebook or Instagram pages where you can learn about their approach.
Typical Costs Across Ireland
The cost of Access Bars sessions varies across Ireland based on location, practitioner experience, and session duration. Here’s a general guide to what you might expect to pay in 2025:
Dublin and Surrounding Areas
- Initial session (90 minutes): €85-€120
- Follow-up sessions (60 minutes): €70-€95
- Mini sessions (30 minutes): €40-€55
Other Major Cities (Cork, Galway, Limerick)
- Initial session (90 minutes): €75-€100
- Follow-up sessions (60 minutes): €60-€85
- Mini sessions (30 minutes): €35-€50
Regional Towns and Rural Areas
- Initial session (90 minutes): €65-€90
- Follow-up sessions (60 minutes): €55-€75
- Mini sessions (30 minutes): €30-€45
