I offer neuroaffirmative counselling, support and advocacy to children, teenagers and their parents around individual, family, teenage and school/environment issues. I am Neurodivergent.
Who Am I?
I am a registered social work therapist with 36 years’ experience of providing supportive intervention, counselling and advocacy to children, young people and their parents. I have worked in CAMHS, clinical settings, family support and community settings. I am Neurodivergent, identify as Autistic, am an Autistic parent and strive to a Neuro-affirmative Practice.
What Do I Do?
I work therapeutically with children, teenagers and their parents to resolve difficulties they are encountering in their lives. I understand parents as being the experts on their child/children and holding the solutions to their difficulties. I have considerable experience of working in the areas of Autism and ADHD.
What issues do parents come to me with?
The prevalent issues parents bring to me, are children/teenagers with…
• Challenges with Neurodivergence issues, such as Autism and ADHD.
• High stress, anxiety, emotional and psychological distress.
• School related stress issues and school refusal.
• Behavioural, challenging and high conflict issues.
• Social and communication difficulties.
Parents also seek support from me with regard to:
• Parenting difficulties and dynamics.
• Sibling and family relationships.
• Advocacy and navigating assessment through public services.
What I can offer to families, what does this look like?
Individual counselling support to children/teenagers.
Neuroaffirmative Individual Sessions to Autistic/Neurodivergent children/teenagers on their interactions with others and the world.
Parenting Support/Counselling to one or both parents.
Family sessions / Family work with children, young people and their parents.
Advocacy with Parents/children/young people with regard to assessments, supports and school.
Circle of Security Parenting Course: either to a group or parent/s couple.
Information sessions for groups of parents on the issues in our children’s lives/neurodivergence issues.
What models of intervention do I use?
I use techniques from a range of therapies, including
Systemic Therapy
Attachment Theory
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Mindfulness Practice.
Where do I practice?
My practice is in the Triskel Centre in Salthill, Galway on Thursdays.
My fee is €70 per session.
My qualifications and registrations
I am a member of the IASW and the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
As an independent social worker I have Statutory Registration with CORU, SW003738. I continue to improve my knowledge and skills through regular Continuing Professional Development and Professional Supervision.
I am a Registered Circle of Security Facilitator.
Qualifications
2023 Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator.
2022 Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course, Centre for Mindfulness at University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, USA.
2012 Postgraduate Diploma in Practice Teaching, Supervision & Management, National University of Ireland, Galway.
2000 Postgraduate Diploma Child Protection & Welfare at Trinity College, Dublin.
1995 Introductory Course in Family Therapy, Clanwilliam Institute, Dublin.
1993 Masters of Social Work University College, Cork. National Qualification in Social Work, University College, Cork.
1989 Batchelors of Social Science (Hons), University College, Cork.
How do parents, young people and children find talking to me?