Professional Diploma in Sandtray Therapy and Symbolic Expression

This exciting,one-year, Diploma course will bring you deep into the world of projective play and the use of symbols as therapeutic agents with psychotherapy and counselling clients. You will engage in experiential sessions utilising sandtray therapy, spectrograms, and the use of symbols. The training is relevant for therapists working with adults, adolescents, and/or children. Making use of right-brain processes and accessing implicit memories will deepen the therapy process and facilitate healing from unresolved issues that have their roots at any life stage. Accessing a direct route to the unconscious bypasses defences and maintains a felt sense of safety by providing dramatic distance from disturbing thoughts and feelings. This allows the social engagement system to stay active, and protects the client from being triggered into a hyper- or hypo-aroused state. Creative expression, with a therapist who communicates strong safety cues, allows the player to experience a neuroception of safety even when processing difficult experiences.

This is a blended learning course which makes the best use of the onsite training days for experiential learning, while facilitating your work/life balance by providing for a mixture of live online sessions, directed study tasks, and self-directed learning (including access to interactive learning opportunities for you to engage with at times to suit your own schedule. The experiential nature of this course will support you own personal and professional development, and you will acquire knowledge, skills, and competence that will enhance your clinical practice.

Suitable for:This training is suitable for trainee and qualified psychotherapists, counsellors, play therapists, expressive arts therapists, and psychologists, working within the range of psychotherapeutic modalities

Course Schedule

Both Zoom Introductory and Orientation sessions take place from 7 – 8.30pm. Full day sessions take place from 10am – 5pm. There will be morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks and a one hour lunch break.

Dates:

11^th December 2024 (Zoom)

28^th January 2025 (Zoom)

27^th & 28^th February 2025 (F-F)

29^th & 30^th March 2025 (F-F)

10^th April 2025 (Online)

8^th & 9^th May 2025 (F-F)

7^th & 8^th June 2025 (F-F)

5^th July 2025 (Online)

28^th August2025 (F-F)

Self-directed learning and directed study tasks to suit individual learners.

All Face-to-Face sessions are held in CTC, Slievenagorta, Ballymore, Co Westmeath, N91 CC65

IACP CPD approved for 84 CPD Points

Course Fee: €1700

This includes a starter sandtray kit (miniature tray, sand, 50+ symbols) and the course book: Homeyer, L. E. & Sweeney, D. S. (2022) Sandtray Therapy: A Practical Manual, 4^th Ed. London & NY: Routledge

Course Leader

Emer Mc Donagh, SIAPTP, MIAPTP, MIAHIP, ECIP, is the leader for this course. She holds an MA in Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy and Play Therapy and a BA (HONS) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Emer is also Assistant MA Course Leader at CTC and is a fully accredited psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer with the European Association of Integrative Psychotherapy

Details and application form to download HERE

Further enquiries: email: ctcemer@gmail.com

Specialised Training Course for Therapists: Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Sexual Abuse and Complex Trauma

At One in Four, our vision is an Irish society where children are safe from the threat of sexual harm. For over two decades we have been a support, a refuge and a lifeline to thousands of women and men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Our nationally and internationally recognised professional and specialised counselling service is a testament to our commitment. One in Four has an established reputation for delivering high-quality, tailored training in the field of sexual violence.

Therapists in private practice sometimes refer clients to us because they don’t feel confident addressing the complex impacts of CSA. Furthermore, research (RCNI, 2022) has found that therapists working with sexual abuse should have specialist training.

Are you a qualified psychotherapist or counselling psychologist interested in enhancing your skills and competency to work with complex trauma and the impacts of childhood sexual abuse?

We have developed a post qualification Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Sexual Abuse and Complex Trauma training course. The course has a clinical focus, is experimental and structured to develop reflective practice.

Two complimentary sessions of group supervision will be offered to participants after the course. 

Course Modules

The following modules will support the learning outcomes, providing a comprehensive overview of complex trauma from a clinical perspective:

• Working with Childhood Sexual Abuse: Including Complex Trauma, Shame, Resourcing and Psychoeducation
• Therapeutic Modalities and their Approach to Trauma: Including Body Work, Integrative, Using Creativity, and Sexual Intimacy after Abuse
• Systemic Context: Including Family Support, Group Work, Prevention/dynamics of offending behaviour, impact of pornography, and working with male survivors
• Practitioner Focus: Including Self-Care and Effective use of Supervision

Learning Outcomes

• An operational understanding of complex trauma and its developmental impact including the psychological, emotional and physiological impacts of child sexual abuse
• Ability to adapt therapeutic techniques to individual client needs in the moment
• Navigate the complexities of transference and countertransference in the context of trauma and abuse
• Reflect on personal values and biases to ensure ethical practice
• Increased confidence in identifying, understanding and containing trauma dynamics
• Implement strategies for self-care to protect against vicarious trauma and burnout

The Practicalities

When? The course will run monthly for 10 months on the fourth Saturday of each month beginning in January 2025 (first module on Saturday, 25^th January 2025).

Where? One in Four, 35-36 Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 E221

Cost? €2,800 for the full ten training days to be booked before 19^th December 2024.

Early bird booking rate €2,700 to be booked before 22^nd November 2024

Fee payable in two instalments: January 2025 and May 2025

All of the proceeds from this course will be used to help fund the services that we provide.

How to Apply? Please complete an application form here.

In the event of the course being oversubscribed, a selection process will apply.

Eligibility for CPD points TBC.

Join us in acquiring the necessary skills to support individuals impacted by sexual abuse and complex trauma.

Out, About & In Touch...

Expect A Warm Welcome

Creative Wellbeing
& Mental Health
Weekly Workshop

24th Sept - 10th Dec, 2024
Twelve Tuesday afternoons 2-4pm

Glasthule, South Co. Dublin
Close to Dart Station, bus routes and parking

Engage with fresh faces, flex creative muscles, discover those you didn't know you had. Participate in gentle writing and other art related exercises. Explore wellbeing creatively.

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES: Mail: creativewellbeingsl@gmail.com.
FEE: €175.Payable in two instalments, if agreed in advance
Deposit €50.00 (Non-Returnable). N.B. Places Limited.
More information: https:/susanlindsayauthor.blogspot.com/

Facilitator Susan Lindsay is a retired psychotherapist and the author of four books. Her poetry, essays & creative non-fiction have been published in journals & anthologies. She facilitates Conversations inspired by poetry at festival sand in the community.

It's never too late to discover meaningful creative activity
& the benefits of flow

ONLINE WORKSHOP – COST: €125
DATE: SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 09:00h to16:00h (Dublin - London time)
6 CPD CREDITS AWARDED BY EMDR ALL-IRELAND ASSOCIATION

Consistent with the EMDR Standard protocol when working with neurodiversity, treatment is informed by the AIP Model, 8 Phases of EMDR, 3 Prong Past – Present – Future. Application can require distinct differences in approach, sequencing and target selection, including ABLS methods with very distinct critical differences as to how we apply and engage through 8 phases. The presenters will primarily focus on working with Autism as a continuum within neuro-diverse presentation however, they will also highlight how the treatment principles apply to adult & younger presentations with relevance to learning disabilities and range of neuro-diverse client presentations.

Neuro-diverse people have many strengths, which can often benefit society despite the challenges that may be experienced by this population trying to navigate a neurotypical social world. Where neuro-diverse people experience trauma, therapists need to be neuro-diverse aware and affirming in order to create a positive, emotional connection with their client, in which the client feels seen, heard and valued.

The Adaptive Information Processing model, which informs and underpins EMDR therapy, is completely consistent and applicable to using EMDR therapy with neurodiverse presentations. Similarly, the EMDR developmental exceptions to the Standard Protocol applied working with younger populations can inform and support working effectively with EMDR adult neuro-diverse presentations.

In EMDR processing, the neuro-diverse client may need additional modifications to the standard EMDR protocol to help make EMDR more accessible, to help them self-regulate in ways which are sensitive to their neurodiversity and to help the experience of unpredictable emotions become tolerable. The client’s neuro-diversity can be utilised (with or without the storytelling method) as a unique opportunity for resourcing. The use of an extended preparation phase may help the client manage trait anxiety and the modification of EMDR to take into account the client’s strengths as well as their challenges (e.g. Making EMDR more novel and breaking it into shorter sections or more active sessions for the client with ADHD presentations) can make all the difference.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Understanding of origins and prevalence of neurodiversity, in particular Autism (ASD) both in your clinic and in the wider population, including comorbid presentations and how this might impact / inform your EMDR practice. 
2. Recognise the features of neurodiversity in particular ASD features, how they might manifest in your clinic and how they might be harnessed so as to enhance and develop your clients’ experiences of EMDR therapy.
3.  Appreciate the sensory aspects of Autism. How sensory differences can lead to both fight / flight and dissociative responses, with consideration of their impact on your client’s window of tolerance and your EMDR management strategies. 
4. Understand the inter-relationships between interoception, alexithymia and masking and the links between them and depersonalisation / somatic dissociation, with ideas for ways of working to bring previously inaccessible body sensations into EMDR reprocessing and thence your clients’ lived experiences. 
5. Working with avoidance, including avoidance of body sensations / interoceptive phobia in EMDR therapy. 
6. Use alternative sensory aspects of memories in EMDR phases 3 and 4, when visual images are unavailable due to Aphantasia. 
7. Recognise the similarities between aspects of complex PTSD and in particular ASD, how developmental trauma (trauma during the attachment phase of development) can lead to neuro-developmental features such as those found in Autism and ADHD, with consideration of how this can result in diagnostic overshadowing and difficulties in deciding when trauma treatment is complete. 
8. Reframe the unique presentation characteristics and parameters of neurodiversity presentations beyond symptom expression, to refresh your AIP case conceptualisation to inform your EMDR treatment.
9.  Consider the ways Neurodiversity and Autism may impact AIP case conceptualisation, including the impacts of over diagnosis, labelling, moral injury including iatrogenic traumas and those arising from inadequate, inappropriate therapy. 
10. Through understanding of the aims within each of the 8 phases of the standard EMDR protocol and the challenges each individual clients’ differences bring, justify the small adaptations needed to provide a bespoke service to each of your clients whilst maintaining fidelity to the standard protocol. 

Presenters:

Johnny Moran:

Johnny Moran, Clinical Director Open Minds Centre www.openmindscentre.ie , clinic specializing in treatment of Trauma. Johnny is an accredited EMDR Europe Trainer and Consultant, an Accredited EMDR Europe Child & Adolescents Consultant, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, EMDR Institute Training Facilitator. Johnny is accredited Psychotherapist and accredited Supervisor with IAHIP (Irish Association Humanistic Integrative Therapy). He is National Director for Trauma Response Network Ireland www.trnireland.ie and is actively involved in Trauma Research Projects, serving on the Boards of Trauma Aid Europe and EMDR All Ireland National Association.

Clare Smith:

Clare Smith is an EMDR Europe accredited practitioner and consultant in training with an MSc in EMDR therapy. She works in independent practice with an all-age population and has a particular interest in working with those who experience the world differently, including those who are neuro-diverse or have a lived experience of dissociation, especially the complex dissociative disorders. In her former role as an associate specialist child & adolescent psychiatrist, she developed and led a specialist multidisciplinary team which considered the impact of attachment and traumatic / adverse experiences on children and young people who had pre-diagnosed developmental differences such as ADHD or autism, but whose highly complex presentations were indicative of additional unassessed or unmet needs. A former associate lecturer at the University of Worcester, she has lectured for many years on a range of topics including neurodiversity, disability, human development, trauma and mental health.

For more information: www.openmindscentre.ie

Contact Email: info@openmindscentre.ie

Payment Link: https://buy.stripe.com/eVa7tf8rPbf5f0QdQS

As part of my dissertation for the program, I am currently conducting a research study on the experiences of Psychotherapists and Counsellors in managing childbirth-related psychological trauma symptoms, and I would like to invite the relevant members of your professional accrediting body to participate.

The full title of the study is: "Exploring effective Psychotherapeutic Interventions to Manage ChildBirth-Related psychological Trauma Symptoms – A qualitative study on the lived experiences of Psychotherapists and Counsellors in the Irish context"

The study aims to gain insight into the psychotherapeutic interventions used by psychotherapists and counsellors, their perceptions of effectiveness, and the challenges they encounter in tailoring interventions for the perinatal population in the Irish context.

Your cooperation and input will contribute to a better understanding of the complexities involved in providing support for individuals experiencing childbirth-related psychological trauma symptoms.

The participants of this study are:

Psychotherapists and Counsellors working in the public or private sector in Ireland.

They are required to have at least three years of experience working as a therapist AND have worked with individuals who have experienced a traumatic birth experience, and/or presented with trauma symptomatology related to that traumatic birth at the time of seeking help.

The participants will need to be accredited by a professional body like IACP, IAHIP, APCP, NAPCP, BACP.

If the participant has experienced a traumatic birth experience in the past or has witnessed somebody having what they perceived as a traumatic birth, they will not be able to take part in the study as there would be a risk of re-traumatisation for them.

Participation in this study will involve a one-to-one interview, which will last approximately between 40 and 50 minutes. The interview will be conducted either online through Zoom or at a location of your convenience, at a day and time that best suits you. The interview will be recorded for transcription purposes but all the information shared will be confidential, and only me, the researcher, and my academic supervisor will have access to it. Your name or any information that might reveal your identity will not be shared. A pseudonym will be used to refer to some of your quotes in the findings of the study.

Your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without consequence.

I would greatly appreciate your willingness to participate in this study.

If you are interested in taking part or have any questions about the study, please feel free to contact me at 0831462444, or 20205310@ichas.ie.

• Participant Information Sheet

My name is Niamh McCartan, and I am a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Science in Counselling and Psychotherapy programme at PCI College.I invite you to take part in the following piece of research –

A qualitative study examining student and pre-accredited therapists’ encounters with client’s socio-political attitudes and values.

Socio-political attitudes and values as described by Redding and Cobb are “politically relevant social and cultural issues” (2023, p. 2). Examples of socio-political attitudes and values can be, but are not limited to,opinions and beliefs about immigration policy, LGBT rights, abortion, covid-19 and vaccination, the housing crisis, climate change, war etc. 

What is the aim of the study? Its purpose is to explore how new therapists in Ireland interact with these values as they emerge in therapy and how they feel their initial training impacted their experience. This study will add to the current literature and provide contemporary Irish data on the subject.

Who can participate?Trainee and pre-accredited counsellors/psychotherapists who are members of IACP or IAHIP.Trainee therapists must have completed a minimum of 60 hours of client work. Participants are not required to have interest/knowledgeor possess a particular position on social or political issues.

What does participation involve?If you decide to take part in the research, you will be invited to participate in a 45-60 minute recorded interview online at a time suitable to you. Before the start of the interview, you will be allowed to ask as many questions as you like about the research, what your participation involves and you will also read and sign a consent form to indicate that you understand your rights concerning this research and that you are happy to participate. Information collected about you during the research will be kept strictly confidential and made anonymous.

What are the risks of involvement? It is anticipated that there will be no associated risks involved with participating in this piece of research. Please note that you are free to stop the interview at any time or withdraw the information you have provided without giving a reason. Participants will also have debriefing support from another counsellor during and up to one hour after the interview.

What will happen with the information gathered at interview? Your interview recording will remain confidential and anonymous. Data from this research will be retained securelyin a password protected file for five years and will only be viewed by the researcher. The results of this study will be presented as a dissertation thesis but may also be used in various academic conference papers of publication.

If you have any questions or are unclear about any of the information provided above, or you wish to take part in an interview please contact Niamh McCartan via email niamhann.mccartan@pcicollege-edu.ie

Research interviews to begin September 23^rd.

Thank you for your consideration.

Ref: Redding, R. E., & Cobb, C. (2023). Socio-political values as the deep culture in culturally-competent psychotherapy. Clinical Psychological Science, 11(4), 666–682.

Join us for a transformative journey through Nepal and India from November 1-13, 2025—an immersive experience in mindfulness, dharma and reflective practice. This program includes online preparatory workshops, a one-day retreat, and daily meditation and Dharma sessions throughout the pilgrimage, offering 50 CPD hours.

In the Footsteps of Buddha pilgrimage offers a profound journey to reflect on and embody the Buddha's teachings. This pilgrimage visits the four most sacred sites of his life: his birthplace, the place of enlightenment, the site of his first sermon, and his place of passing, as outlined in the Parinibbana Sutta.

Lumbini, where Siddhartha was born

Bodhgaya, where Siddhartha became enlightened

Varanasi (Sarnath), where the Buddha taught the path to enlightenment

Kushinagar, where the Buddha attained Parinirvana

Itinerary is available at mbct.ie 

Mindfulness Practice and Dharma throughout the Pilgrimage

Daily morning meditation throughout the pilgrimage including mindfulness, yoga and evening Dharma-Sangha reflective sharing (28 CPD hours, 2.5 hours per day). Participants on this pilgrimage will receive licenced audio and e-books on Buddhism, mindfulness and links to psychotherapy, and are welcome to guide practices in meditation and yoga. 

Monthly Online Meetings, January to August 2025 (8 CPD Hours)

To prepare for the In the Footsteps of Buddha pilgrimage, join our monthly online meetings for a one-hour shared Dharma-Sangha experience. Each session offers an insightful exploration of the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy, featuring engaging discussions and guided mindfulness practices. These gatherings are designed to enhance your understanding and integration of these transformative practices, exploring how Buddhism and psychotherapy can complement each other.

Monday mornings 9am to 10am, 27 January, 24 February, 31 March, 28 April, 26 May, 30 June, 28 July, 25 August, 2025. 

Mindfulness one-day Retreat and Group Orientation: 9am to 4pm, Sunday,

23 May 2025, Dunboyne Castle Hotel, (6 CPD hours).

Immerse yourself in the heart of mindfulness and Buddhist teachings with our one-day retreat and group orientation for the In the Footsteps of Buddha pilgrimage. This enriching experience allows you to connect with fellow pilgrims and engage in a comprehensive exploration of mindfulness, Buddhism, and neuroscience, enhancing both your personal practice and professional work.

Eight weekly online meetings: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, Monday mornings 9am to 10am, 8, 15, 22, 29 September and 6, 13, 20, 27 October 2025.

Deepening the foundations of practice, teaching, and community in preparation for the pilgrimage.

Cost: The cost for accommodation and travel including breakfasts, overland travel, train and internal flights is €1,495 double occupancy pp or single room €2015 pp.

Additional Costs: flights to Kathmandu/Delhi, daily allowance for meals (€20 per day), visas, insurance, tips for local guides.

Travel Agents:

This pilgrimage is organised by a licensed and bonded Irish travel agent in collaboration with an international travel company dedicated to sustainability and responsible travel. Local tour guides with extensive regional expertise will enhance your experience throughout the journey

Teaching and Coordination: There is no charge for teaching, guidance, coordination, CPD certification, one-day retreat, or audio/e-book resources. This service is offered in the spirt of service and dana.

Dharma Leader: Gerry Cunningham, MIAHIP is a mindfulness teacher and psychotherapist, as well as an intrepid traveller. He has organised charity walks across India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, East Africa, and Central America.

Booking: Please complete the application form, attend an online meeting, and submit a non-refundable deposit of €400. This program and pilgrimage are open to psychotherapists, mental health professionals, mindfulness teachers, and individuals with extensive mindfulness practice.

E: info@mindfulnessclinic.ie | 087-7989 301 

Cultivating Space in a Frantic World

8 Week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course For Men 

Tuesday 7.00 - 09.30 PM, Online on Zoom, October 1st To November 19th

Includes Half Day Practice

Contact Michael Hofmann, 085 788 5865 / info@hopeman.ie

‘Death and Resurrection’ –
Illuminate Your Life by Facing the Reality of your Death

October 27th – November 2nd 2024 at Slí an Chroí, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow. A 7-Day Residential Workshop offered by

The Fool’s Dance Gestalt Company – the Paul Rebillot Group in Ireland Why take part in a workshop on death? Because living in a fuller awareness of our inevitable death offers us a more realistic and enriching perspective on life itself, on the decisions that we make, and on how we choose to live. In order to live fully, we must be able not only to take hold, but also to let go – to let go of all that binds us to the past, to empty ourselves in order to prepare a birthplace for the future. By looking at our life as if we were leaving it, we see more clearly what is of value and what is not, and the true meaning of our life is illuminated.

The 'Death and Resurrection' workshop offers you an opportunity to:

• Confront your own death, the ultimate taboo of today's culture.

• Explore ways to move creatively through life's transitions, letting go of what binds you negatively to the past while courageously welcoming the future.

• Use a combination of ritual and Gestalt process to prepare for your death by reviewing your life, completing unfinished business, writing your will and planning your own funeral.

• Examine your life process with a focus on its ending, discovering what is - and what is not - genuinely important to you and illuminating the true meaning of your existence.

• Gradually let go of your attachments to persons, things, and self-images until, at last, you are able to die and then be reborn to create a new life the way that you wish.

• Discover how you might complete your life beyond the workshop so that you can go forward towards your eventual death, seeing it not as an interruption, but as a fulfilment of all that has gone before.

What participants said regarding this workshop in 2023:

“It was a wonderful experience, full of intensity, pain and beauty. I felt very cared for throughout, and met in important ways. I am full of gratitude, and go home feeling glad for my life.”

“Profound, moving, painful, beautiful, delightful - an intense and transformative rollercoaster of a ride - an exploration in letting go and what that really means as well as what it then allows.”

“Facilitation was excellent, venue is perfect and really supports and deepens the work - so important to have access to nature and space away from the world. Catering is great.”

“A truly unique experience. Challenging. Wonderful holding of all participants. Beautiful mystical music. 110% support for participants. Fantastic role-modelling and commitment. No other workshop like it.”

“Everything was masterfully executed!”

“Very safe. Very good place to be yourself, express yourself, and become more aware. Brilliant workshop”.

To book, go to https://foolsdancegestaltcompany.ie/next-workshop/ and complete the application form.

Information on The Fool’s Dance Gestalt Company, on our workshops, and on Paul Rebillot can be found at https://foolsdancegestaltcompany.ie

Steps: A Journey of Growth

(A 24 week Personal Development Course)

Last few places remaining!!

Do you feel you or one your clients may benefit from a personal development course? If the answer is yes, please inform them of this upcoming course.

Steps: A Journey of Growth is a 24-week Personal Development Course where people come together to share their own stories, listen to, and learn from others, explore possibilities and wonder why they often find themselves back in the same or similar awkward situations. This is an experientially based, humanistic and integrative course. Run by experienced psychotherapists Marie Stewart and Ted Leahy, both trained by Flatstone.

The course will run in Cork on Wednesday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.30pm, starting on October 2^nd 2024 and ending on March 26^th 2025 approx. in Cork. Weekends TBA.

No previous experience of personal work is needed for this course.

Check our website: www.stepsajourneyofgrowth.ie

Or email: stepsajourneyofgrowth@gmail.com

Or phone: Marie 087-2459480 or Ted 086-1598077