Addiction is 'major contributor' to suicide rates

ON THE COUCH : John Crimmins is a psychotherapist and founder of ATI Training and Education

ON THE COUCH: John Crimmins is a psychotherapist and founder of ATI Training and Education

Family/personal: Fiancée Lorraine and four sons - Greg, Mark, Alex and baby Luke.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Clint Eastwood was my hero growing up and he still fascinates me.

READ MORE

What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?

Addiction is becoming more and more complex. Internet gambling, cocaine and binge drinking are having a worrying knock-on effect in our society and are significant contributing factors to our high rates of depression and suicide.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My car.

What is your most unhealthy habit?

Paying bills.

How do you relax?

Meditation - I have practised meditation for over 25 years.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Borat.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sitting in my TV room with Lorraine and my sons watching Wayne Rooney score the winner in the 2009 Champions League Final against Liverpool.

What trait do you most value in your friends?

Sense of humour and a down-to-earth attitude.

What talent would you most like to have?

Musical talent.

Do you use alternative/complementary medicines or therapies?

Reflexology.

What is your earliest memory?

My father was in the cattle business so I spent most of my childhood in the Cattle Market in Prussia Street. I can still remember the smells and the atmosphere.

What is your most treasured possession?

My intuition.

What other career might you have chosen?

I would love to have been involved in film-making in some way.

What books or films do you believe have inspired you?

In film it is The Godfather Iand II.Wilfred Bion's book, Experiences in Groups, has also inspired me.

• John Crimmins is a psychotherapist specialising in eating disorders at the Kildare Street Clinic and founder and chief executive of ATI Training and Education

• In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell