Polyvagal-Informed Therapy: Working Relationally with Trauma

Time: 10:00 to 17:00 on both days
Lunch break: 13:00 to 14:00 

Facilitator: Debbie Hegarty

This two-day workshop will be an opportunity for participants to learn some practical steps in working relationally with trauma that can be used immediately in your work. It is designed for therapists that are currently working with trauma, as well as those of you that are new to trauma therapy.

Debbie’s theoretical orientation is grounded in developmental, relational, neuroscience and humanistic integrative principles. This allows for flexibility in her approach to working with trauma. The philosophy that underpins her approach is that it is the relationship that heals. With this in her heart, Debbie’s is ultimately a process model of trauma therapy. Participants will learn the value of working through trauma by paying attention to what is happening in the moment-to-moment contact between therapist and client. The trauma story is important, but only with a view to learning from it. During the workshop participants will be encouraged to develop their ability to be in the moment (after all that is where the healing happens) and noticing relational patterns as they occur. Participants will also gain an understanding of the three organising principles of Polyvagal - Informed Therapy.

Bio: DEBBIE HEGARTY, MIAHIP, SIAHIP MA Integrative Psychotherapy, BA(Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy, BSc(Hons) Social Science, Diploma in Awareness Psychotherapy, Diploma in Supervision

Debbie Hegarty is an accredited humanistic integrative psychotherapist, family mediator, supervisor, and trainer. She is currently a Module Leader on the B.Sc. (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy programme, a Primary Trainer and an IACP Core Trainer. Debbie’s background is in adult mental health. She is a former member of An Garda Síochána. Debbie was a board member of IAHIP, was Chair of IAHIP and was a member of the Editorial Board of Inside Out. In her role as manager of a counselling clinic she devised and facilitated community based personal development groups before joining Cork Counselling Services Training Institute in 2013.

Debbie has 15 years’ experienceas a psychotherapist in private practice and 5 years’ experienceas a short-term counsellor for the National Counselling Services. She has specialised training in workingwith trauma and dissociation and her current field of interest is Relational Psychotherapy. She has researched, published articles, and delivered workshops in the field of mental health and psychotherapy.