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family centre
CHAPEL STREET, CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO
family life services
cúram clainne
archdiocese of tuam
autumn / winter programme 2019
website: www.thefamilycentre.com
tel: 094-9025900
contact details
email: info@thefamilycentre.com
monday - friday
9.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
2.00 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.
2019
@TFCcastlebar
family centre, chapel street, castlebarfamily life services
(CÚRAM CLAINNE)
ARCHDIOCESE OF TUAM
2019
These services, based at the Family Centre,
Chapel St., Castlebar, were established in the
early 1990’s by the Archdiocese of Tuam in
association with the H.S.E. West and Tusla,
the Child and Family Agency. Our aim is to
provide support for families and individuals
through counselling, education and training.
This programme outlines the courses offered
at the Family Centre this Autumn/Winter.
If you require further information on any
of these courses please call in or phone the
centre or follow us on Facebook. The full
programme is available on line at www.
autumn | winter programme
thefamilycentre.com
Booking:
As numbers are limited for our various
courses and workshops, please contact the
Family Centre to ensure a place or visit our
website www.thefamilycentre.com
Insufficient Enrolment:
In the case of insufficient enrolment courses
will not take place or may be postponed to a
future date.
Refunds:
Refunds are available up to two weeks before
the course commences. No refunds are
available once a course has begun.
Cost:
While we charge for many of our educational
courses our charges are intended only
to cover our costs so that we can use
other contributions for services such as
counselling.
Special concessions for the unwaged are
available for our courses. We are a “not-for-
profit” organization.
M’ás mian leat breis eolas a fháil faoi na
cursaí seo thrí mheán na gaeilge, cuir glaoch
chuig Máire Ní Dhomhnaill ag 094 9025900.personal development
Assertiveness/Communications Course
Do you find it difficult to stand up for yourself in
situations where you are being treated poorly or taken
for granted? Do you find that you can’t say “no” to
other people asking you to do things for them? Do
you struggle for the words to express your own needs
to ensure that you are treated fairly? If you have said
“yes” to some of these questions then attending this
assertiveness and communications course can help
you to build your self-confidence in a wide variety of
relationships and situations in your own life. The course
will enhance your life-skills for coping and lead to an
overall better quality of life for you.
Dates: Saturday’s - October 12th and 19th
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Facilitator: Jannah Walshe
Jannah Walshe is an accredited counsellor and works
in private practice. She writes a fortnightly column for
the Mayo News and is involved in various organisations
promoting positive mental health and self-
development. She is experienced as a group facilitator
and trainer.
Cost: €60
personal development
3Mindful Mondays 2019
morning drop-in sessions
We are offering a weekly Mindfulness drop-in session
as part of the Flourish Project which is open to adults
who wish to enhance their wellbeing. This is a guided
practical session in Mindfulness techniques including
gentle exercise, & relaxation. No experience necessary
to attend. Come and join others in this relaxed environ-
ment and take this opportunity for yourself to quieten
for 45 minutes at the start of a week and learn how it can
energise you for the week ahead.
Dates: Mondays
Series 1: September 16th, 23rd, 30th.
Series 2: October 7th, 14th, 21st.
Series 3: November 11th, 18th, 25th.
Series 4: December 2nd, 9th, 16th.
Please note there will be no Mindful Mondays on
Oct. 28th, and Nov 4th.
Time: 11.00 a.m. -11.45 a.m.
Presenter: Maura Horkan
Maura is a Project Worker with the Flourish Project in
the Family Centre. She is a qualified counsellor and
facilitator. She is deeply committed to supporting
individuals to reconnect with their interests as a natural
means of self-care and deeper self -expression.
Cost: Donation
Discover Your Interests
“Do you sometimes feel lonely, isolated and
disconnected from others? Do you need a chance to
personal development 4
break in to a new network of friends and hear what’s
going on in your community? Perhaps you have moved
to a new area or have had adjusted to a new phase or
change in life.
If you feel you would benefit from meeting new people
and taking time out to discover how new interests,
hobbies and social opportunities can enhance your
health and wellbeing? This 8 week course offers the
opportunity to do this through the Flourish Project in
the Family Centre. Through this enjoyable course you
will:
Explore and rediscover your interests; Meet new people;
Go on two social trips e.g. to the Linenhall Arts Centre
and experience an arts workshop. Make a vision board
to generate ideas for new hobbies. Find an activityyou might like to get involved in. Examine steps and
supports necessary to make it happen & learn practical
stress management and self-care techniques including
Mindfulness.
Dates: Wednesday October 2nd, 9th, 16th,
23rd, 30th.
November 6th, 13th and 20th..
Time: 10.00 a.m – 12.00 noon.
Presenters: Maura Horkan & Vivianne Maloney
Maura is the Project Worker with the Flourish Project
in the Family Centre. She is a qualified counsellor
and facilitator. She is deeply committed to the idea of
supporting individuals to reconnect with themselves
and their interests as a natural means of self-care
and deeper self-expression. Vivianne is an accredited
counsellor and works with the Family Centre and
in private practice. She has a particular interest in
promoting self-esteem and wellbeing.
Cost: €60
Becoming Your Best Self
This one day workshop gives an opportunity and
space to dive deeper into Plato’s allegory of the cave to
discover the major influences that have shaped your life
thus far. Gaining awareness of the obstacles that can
get in the way of your personal growth and fulfilment.
Sharing practical ideas to embrace change and help you
live with greater self- awareness and authenticity.
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Date: Saturday, October 26th.
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Presenter: Michael Hardiman
Michael Hardiman has worked in the areas of private
counselling, training and development over the last
30 years. He holds NUI post-graduate degrees in
Counselling Psychology and Philosophy. Recently he
completed a doctoral study in Philosophy on the subject
of human evil. He is the author of five books covering
a wide range of topics related to personal growth,
emotional healing, recovery and positive living.
Cost: €50
5Mindfulness, Compassion and Care
Mindfulness with Compassion combines the skills
of mindfulness and self-compassion. Practicing
mindfulness combined with compassion is known to
reduce stress while boosting happiness, wellbeing and
a healthy lifestyle. Mindfulness enables being present
in the moment whilst self-compassion encourages
kind and caring responses to difficult thoughts and
experiences. Being both mindful and compassionate
promotes greater ease in our daily lives and an
openness to care for oneself and others. This eight week
course is for the beginner and for those who previously
completed a mindfulness course and who would like to
focus on the themes mentioned above.
Date: Tuesdays, October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th,
November 5th, 12th, 19th
Time: 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Ann Caulfield
Dr. Ann Caulfield whose work is deeply informed by
her own mindfulness practice and who is co-founder of
Mindfulness Matters. She has facilitated mindfulness
courses to teachers, parents, children and organisations
throughout the country. Ann is an accomplished
Life and Stress Reduction Coach, Group Facilitator
and Trainer. Her doctoral research was on the topic
of occupational stress and mindfulness. For more
information on the presenter and courses visit www.
mindfulnessmatters.ie
Cost: €100
personal development 6Give yourself a Gift of a
Self Care Morning.
Join others in a relaxed and creative setting where you
will experience some self-care activities and tools that
you can use in your daily life. This morning will include
gentle mindful movement relaxation, creative activities,
journaling, poetry and time to rest and restore yourself.
“A time to revitalise yourself” in a fun and creative
setting where you will meet new people, give yourself
the space to rest and receive nourishment in a relaxed
setting. Take this time with others to discover what you
need in your life. No prior experience needed.
Venue: Macalla Hall, Lough Lannagh, Castlebar
Date: Thursday, November 21st, 2019.
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Presenter: Maura Horkan & Loretta Bracken
Maura is the project worker with the Flourish Project
in the Family Centre. She is a qualified counsellor
and facilitator. She is deeply committed to the idea
of supporting individuals to reconnect with their
interests as a natural means of self-care and deeper self-
expression.
Loretta is an accredited psychotherapist who works in
the Family Centre as well as working in industry. She
has many additional qualifications & courses completed
over the years including art therapy. She has a keen
interest in accompanying people on a journey to self-
discovery through art, meditation and mindfulness.
Thus allowing people to create a space to re-connect
with ourselves with gentleness and compassion.
Cost: €30
personal development
7The John Hoban Music Circle
at the Family Centre.
This music circle offers a supportive community space
for adults to come and listen or offer a song, poem, play
a tune or dance. John and Isabela Hoban two very gifted
and skilled musicians and singers have a keen interest
in encouraging each person to develop their connection
with music to enhance their lives. They aim to support
adults to make a lifelong connection with music, song
and poetry. Each participant is invited to without any
pressure to share a song or poem or play something
to the group or to simply listen. All welcome and no
experience necessary.
Facilitators: John and Isabela Hoban
Dates: These sessions run every 2nd Friday
(To find out when the next music circle is on
contact the centre on 094 9025900)
Time: 8.00p.m – 10.00p.m.
(Please note the doors are closed at 8.10pm).
Venue: The Family Centre
Cost: Donation
One Half Lived and More to Go - Retirement
Which Way Now?
This series will run over four weeks for two hours and
will give an opportunity to explore in an interactive
relaxed and enjoyable setting ways we can ease the
transition into our retirement and senior years whilst
exploring potential challenge. Take the first steps to
the next part of your life and give yourself time to
realise the wisdom of what has been and rediscover
opportunities to reconnect with you inner potential.
personal development 8
Areas covered will include:
Looking after your wellbeing throughout your senior
years.
Develop a Resilience Tool Kit to help navigate and even
ease into this transition and change.
How to foster our essential wisdom and create
new opportunities… maybe take on new roles/
opportunities. Unfinished business……
Date: Wednesdays, September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Time: 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Presenter: Loretta Bracken
Loretta Bracken is an accredited psychotherapistwho works in the Family Centre as well as working in
industry. She has many additional qualifications &
courses completed over the years including art therapy.
She has a keen interest in accompanying people on a
journey to self-discovery through art, meditation and
mindfulness. This allowing people to create a space
to re-connect with ourselves with gentleness and
compassion.
Cost: €60
The Arts & Wellbeing Workshop Series
The Linenhall Arts Centre and the Flourish
Project at the Family Centre Castlebar are
delighted to team up once again to present
the very popular Arts and Wellbeing Workshop Series.
It is a well-researched fact that creative engagement
can impact positively on a person’s general sense
of well-being. Through developing a love of music,
poetry, movement art etc. we can enhance our sense
of joy and improve our health. This workshop series
offers participants a chance to dip their toes in the
water with a range of creative arts activities. Join us for
this opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed and
enjoyable setting and to learn how connecting with our
creative side can add surprising new dimensions to our
lives and give us practical wellbeing tools to bring into
our daily lives.
Please note: Sessions on Tuesday October 1st and
Tuesday November 19th take place in the Family Centre,
Chapel Street. All others take place at the Linenhall Arts
Centre.
Session 1: Introductory session with Maura Horkan
personal development
Venue: Family Centre
Date: Tuesday October 1st
Session 2: Visual Art with Elsa O’Reilly & Isaac Hardesty:
Visit artist Robert Ryan’s exhibition in the Linenhall
gallery and take part in a hands on workshop exploring
his themes and artistic techniques.
Date: Tuesday October 8th
9Session 3: Percussion with Anthony McNamee:
Explore rhythms from around the world with
percussionist Anthony. Using a range of instruments
create an original soundscape with some body
percussion thrown in. All instruments provided.
Date: Tuesday October 15th
Session 4: Felting with Angelika Dunne:
Try your hand at the old tradition of needle felting,
using materials including felting wool, polystyrene
board, natural fibres and felting needles.
Date: Tuesday October 22nd
Session 5: Five Rhythms Movement
with Caitríona Nic Ghiolla Phadraig
The 5 Rhythms is a movement meditation practice that
contributes to physical, mental and emotional health.
Date: Tuesday October 29th
Session 6: Creative Writing with Jean Tuomey:
Through the use of writing prompts and poetry
participants will sample writing as a creative at-hand
tool.
Date: Tuesday November 5th
Session 7: Music with Anne Marie Gibbons:
An introduction to the vocal techniques and skills
personal development 10
required to sing a song with singer Anne Marie. A step
toward building the confidence to put a song across,
with plenty of fun guaranteed.
Date: Tuesday November 12th
Session 8: Wrap-up Session with Maura Horkan
Venue: Family Centre
Date: Tuesday November 19th
Time: 2.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Cost: €80 - all materials provided.
Booking ESSENTIAL. Places are limited and booking is
through the Family Centre only: 094 9025900Develop, Grow, Thrive!
This 8 week programme is a journey of self- discovery
through topics such as self-esteem, emotional
intelligence, relationships and communication skills.
Explore your own patterns and experience, learn
how to recognise your own needs, values, strengths
and vulnerabilities, practice soothing emotion and
articulating your truth with new communication skills.
The group experience offers further insight and a
chance for feedback from others in a safe, supportive
environment. Allow this knowledge and self -awareness
to aid your development of new choices and goals for
your contentment and quality of life. This is an ideal
opportunity to gain a greater sense of self, for additional
understanding and acceptance of both yourself and
others in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere.
Venue: Macalla Hall, Lough Lannagh, Castlebar
Dates: Thursdays, September 19th, 26th,
October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st,
November 7th
Time: 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Facilitator: Vivianne Maloney
Vivianne is an accredited counsellor who works in
the Family Centre and in private practice. She has
developed and created this eight week course based on
her experience and interest and observations of working
in the area of self-esteem and general wellbeing for the
last few years. She is currently is facilitating this course
in Galway. She has many personal interests that help
her to stay well herself including a particular interest in
self-care. Vivianne’s previous career in the fast retail and
fashion industry has provided her with great experience
personal development
in the challenge of looking after her own wellbeing and
it has taught her what the necessary ingredients are for
caring for herself as well as others.
Cost: €100
11A series of talks on Food & Mood
Week 1. Monday, November 11th
How Food Affects your Mood
A key aspect of our emotional stability are our physical
habits, the exercise we take, and the sleep we get and
also the food we consume. Certain foods types are now
being recognised as causing instability to our brain
function and emotional wellbeing while others offer us
a chance to maintain a healthy, consistent mood, give
us more energy and provide us with better nourishment
for our bodies. In this talk we will discuss what our
physical needs are in relation to a balanced mood, while
also focusing on the healthy food choices we can make
to enhance our brain function and emotional stability.
(People with special dietary needs or restrictions should
consult their GP or Dietician
Week 2. Monday, November 18th
The Gut Feeling - Need to Digest Something New?
The mind-body connection has never been more
important with new neurological research now linking
our mental health with our intestinal microbe. This
talk brings you through the basic science of the links
between our gut and brain and how it affects us. You
will also learn about the good bacteria in your body as
well as how to nourish it to aid the reduction of stress,
depression and anxiety in the body. Come, listen and
learn how to empower your gut with good food choices
for your brain and mental health.
Week 3. Monday, November 25th
Eating Emotions or Meeting Them
This new programme is all about how to recognise our
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emotions and develop soothing techniques to turn to,
instead of using food to cope. “Eating emotions or meeting
them?”
Stress relief, a quick fix, comfort or just a nice feeling -
many of the reasons why we eat when we really don’t need
to.
Our emotions can cause an uncomfortable physical
response which demands us to soothe and often push away
that which is causing us distress. Unfortunately when we
soothe with food, we add another layer to the issue and can
end up feeling much worse. This talk will help distinguish
between physical & emotional hunger, identify emotional
triggers and help recognise our own body’s natural physical
responses to different feelings. We will also gain self-
soothing techniques and practical support to develop a
new approach to our emotional world.If you need additional support or are experiencing
unmanageability around food please contact www.
bodywhys.ie or www.overeatersanonymous.ie
Dates: Mondays, November 11th, 18th, 25th.
Time: 8.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Facilitator: Vivianne Maloney
Vivianne is an accredited counsellor who works in
the Family Centre and in private practice. She has a
keen interest in self-esteem and general wellbeing and
facilitates group work on such themes. She has many
personal interests that help her to stay well herself
including a particular interest in self-care. Vivianne’s
previous career in the fast retail and fashion industry
has provided her with great experience in the challenge
of looking after her own wellbeing and it has taught her
what the necessary ingredients are for caring for herself
as well as others.
Cost: €15 per talk & €35 for three.
Enneagram Programme- Part 1
An opportunity to examine different personality types,
aimed to help you understand and see your own
strengths and weaknesses, with a view to growth in
wholeness and in relationships with others and God.
Dates: Wednesday, October 16th & Thursday 17th,
Wednesday, October 23rd & Thursday 24th.
Time: 8.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Facilitator: Benny McHale
Cost: €60
personal development
Enneagram Programme – Part 2
This programme is designed for those who have done
Part I. It provides an opportunity to deepen your under-
standing of yourself and your relationships and how we
all see the world through different lens.
Dates: Wednesday, November 13th & Thursday 14th,
Wednesday, November 20th & Thursday 21st.
Time: 8.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Facilitator: Benny McHale
Cost: €60
13Ageing Well has something to do with
Forgiveness, Gratitude and Joy
This talk will explore the characteristics of aging
well, especially the connection between forgiveness,
gratitude and joy. Kevin will interact with the
participants by posing reflective questions.
Date: Monday, October 21st.
Time: 8.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Egan
Dr. Kevin Egan has lectured in psychology at All Hallows
College, Dublin City University for many years. He lives
in Boyle, Co. Roscommon and works in private practice
as a psychotherapist and supervisor. He is a published
author and contributes to The Furrow
Cost: €15
Inner Child Journey Work Made Simple
If our emotional and psychological needs were not
adequately met in childhood, they continue to exist
today in their original state. We all have automatic
survival mechanisms we rely on to cope and get on
with life. . At some point, later on, we may feel like there
is “something missing” we may feel incomplete, not
fully alive. From experience, I have found one of the
most rewarding practices to engage in is Inner Child
work as a way of recovering the self. Inner Child work
is about reclamation, it’s not about regression and
it’s never about blame. It’s a process of reconnecting
and integrating those “lost parts” over time, it doesn’t
happen all at once. Keeping the focus on staying
present “in the here and now” is important to prevent
personal development 14
feeling overwhelmed. In getting to know yourself, you
will discover you have a whole inner world to relate to,
versus the thinking that everything of value is outside
of yourself, out of reach, somewhere else. Through
fostering a secure inner attachment we start to belong
to ourselves. When we peel back the layers of existence
all we ever have is either
love or fear. In fear we tense up, close off, become
angry and isolated. When we develop an attitude of
understanding and compassion everything softens
and relaxes. The cells, connective tissue and organs in
the body open to caring attitudes of communication,
raising
the vibration and healing at a deep level. Inner Child
work becomes truly transformative when all the painand suffering we carry within us potentially becomes
empathy for others.
Participation over the two days is always by choice, each
person brings their own unique experience and wisdom
and we learn from each other.
Topics included in this workshop will include:
Guidance on how to connect with child parts of the self,
experiential exploration of boundaries, the inner critic,
shame, guilt, and purpose of dissociation/shutting
down, compassion, reflections, meditations, creativity
and self-care.
The Child is not something we outgrow. It is a lifelong
channel for our Spirit. –Jon Eisman
Date: Saturday, November 9th & Sunday 10th.
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Presenter: Phyllis Hunt
Phyllis Hunt (Philomena) is accredited with IACP as a
Counsellor/Psychotherapist & Supervisor. She has a
particular interest in the impact of trauma and shock
and has trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and
more recently in Jin Shin body work.
Cost: €100
personal development
15Family & Parenting
Common Sense Parenting Programme
For Children attending Primary or Secondary School
We are running two 6 week skill based parenting
programmes for parents of children attending either
Primary or Secondary School (6 to 16 year olds) The
programme aims to give parents/guardians the skills
and tools necessary to help their children have good
boundaries. We also aim to help the parents/g guardians
equip themselves with the skills to manage challenging
or difficult situations with their children as they grow
up.
First Course:
Morning Dates:
Tuesdays, September 17th & 24th
Tuesdays, October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd.
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.
Second Course:
Evening Dates:
Tuesdays, November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Tuesdays, December 3rd, 10th
Time: 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
Facilitators: Trained and Skilled Facilitators
who are all employed by TUSLA
These programmes are a joint initiative between The
Family Centre and Tusla
Family & Parenting 16Understanding and Supporting a child
with anxieties
In today’s world anxiety is fast becoming a real concern
for parents/guardians and teachers. In this workshop
Dr. Sharyn Byrne will look at the following:
- Understanding the brain
- Understanding what happens in an anxious brain
- Using a model to explain the behaviors associated with
an anxious brain
- Experiential learning on how parents can engage with
their children when they’re experiencing anxiety/worry
There will be an opportunity for Q&A session, with
recommendations on useful reading resources for
concerned parents.
Date: Thursday, October 3rd - Morning Session
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 9th - Evening Session
Time: 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
Cost: Free of Charge.
Facilitator: Dr. Sharyn Byrne
Dr Sharyn Byrne is senior clinical psychologist in Child
&Adolescent Mental Health Services in Castlebar. She
has worked in CAMHS for the last 6 years and enjoys
early intervention and preventative work with children
and families. Most of her work (80%) is with the system
around the child e.g. within the family and/or school.
She is trained as an Attachment-based Family Therapist,
providing specialist intervention in childhood trauma,
and attachment. She has worked predominantly in
Adult Mental Health prior to 2012.
These workshops are a joint initiative between The
Family Centre, Mayo Education Centre and CAMHS
Psychology Service
Cyber Bullying & Internet Safety
Family & Parenting
(A Talk for Parents & Teachers)
Mayo Education Centre in association with the Family
Centre, Castlebar are hosting a talk on Cyber Bullying
and Internet Safety for Parents & Teachers. In today’s
technology-rich environment most of us feel woefully
inadequate when it comes to knowing what our children
are really experiencing when they use the internet. This
is normal and to be expected. However, as parents we
have a fundamental duty of care for our children, and
unfortunately that means getting a grasp of the things
17
that our children are experiencing on line.The session is being delivered by Jeremy Pagden, the
Managing Director of Schools Websites. Jeremy has been
travelling all over the country delivering Internet Safety
talks to both Parents and children alike. The topics cov-
ered during the session are as follows:
Cyber Bullying / Privacy in Social Media / The dangers
of ‘friending’ strangers and randomers / Publishing,
posting, sending and uploading content / The dangers of
sexting, and the many compelling reasons for never en-
gaging in sexting. / The legal ramifications of using Social
Media inappropriately / The longevity of content. How
things that are published today, can come back to haunt
us in the future. / Gaming and Internet addiction and the
cynical approach that companies have towards addic-
tion. / How Terms and Conditions make us all into fools.
Venue: Mayo Education Centre.
Date: Tuesday, October 1st
Time: 7.00 p.m.
Cost: Free of Charge.
A book titled ‘Internet Safety – A Guide for Parents’ will be
available for sale following the session. Refreshments will
be available on the night.
This workshop is a joint initiative between The Family
Centre and The Mayo Education Centre.
Exploring Happiness
A talk for Parents & Teachers
This seminar organised in association with the Family
Centre, Castlebar will explore the concept of Happiness
and aim to enable participants to enhance and foster hap-
piness in their own lives. It poses the question - Can we
teach Happiness? - to ourselves and others - at home and
in our schools? The focus of this talk is placed on promot-
ing positive wellbeing and self-care, exploring that which
makes us happy and overcoming obstacles to same.
Venue: Mayo Education Centre.
Family & Parenting 18
Date: Wednesday, October 9th
Time: 7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
Facilitator: Michael McTigue
Michael Mc Tigue BA, MBACP, MIACP, EMCC has worked
as a psychotherapist/facilitator for many years with a
keen interest in the promotion and protection of good
mental wellbeing in society.
Cost: Free of Charge.
This workshop is a joint initiative between The Family
Centre and the Mayo Education Centre
Refreshments will be available on the night.Support Group for Parents of Children
who have been Sexually Abused
For the past several years the Family Centre has
facilitated a monthly support group for parents who
have had to deal with the reality of their child/children
having been sexually abused. The group is now open to
new parents joining their monthly support meetings.
The group meets on a highly confidential basis
where parents are enabled to support each other in
a respectful way that helps to overcome the isolation
many people feel with this issue. The group is facilitated
by Family Centre Counsellors.
Anyone interested in attending or receiving more
information about the group should contact Michael
Burke, Senior Clinical Psychologist or Máire Ní
Dhomhnaill, Director in confidence on 094 9025900.
Preparing for Parenthood
(Inviting all mammies and daddies-to-be)
(This talk is also open to grandparents, extended family
members &/or friends that may be supporting someone
who is due to have a baby.)
Expecting a baby can be a very happy time for parents
to be but it may also feel daunting and at times
overwhelming. Whether you feel excited, anxious, happy,
unsure or simply curious this talk may be of interest to
you.
This talk will focus on:
New discoveries about babies
Building a relationship with your baby
The importance of attachment for baby to thrive
The emotional adjustment of becoming a parent
Date: Monday, October 7th
Family & Parenting
Time: 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Facilitator: Dr. Jeananne Garavan
Jeananne is a Senior Clinical Psychologist in Primary
Care Adult Psychology Services based in Castlebar. She
is currently developing what is a new service in primary
care having worked for the past 18 years in Adult Mental
Health, most of which was based in Castlebar with the
Mayo Adult Mental Health Services, HSE. Jeananne
is also qualified as a Cognitive –Analytic Therapy
Practitioner. She has regularly contributed to the NUIG
19
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme throughlecturing and supervision. She has a keen interest in
perinatal mental health and the interface between adult
and infant well-being. Her therapeutic work with adults
has always been informed and strongly influenced by
attachment theory and how we relate to each other. She
is very passionate about the importance of nurturing
parents and caregivers so that babies and infants are
nurtured in kind.
Cost: Free of Charge.
This programme is organised in collaboration with Mayo
Primary Care Adult Psychology Services
The Psychology of “Bouncibility”
How to build resilience within ourselves
(A talk for Parents & Teachers)
Life is an imperfect journey and challenges are
guaranteed. Resilience is the ability to adapt to the
challenges of work and life. It’s about bouncing back
rather than falling apart. If you are strong in resilience
you have this ‘bouncibility’ and can harness your
inner strengths and coping mechanisms. Science has
uncovered specific traits/factors that can be utilised at
work and in our lives in general.
This seminar organised in association with the Family
Centre, Castlebar will explore the science of resilience
and highlight evidence-based strategies linked to better
outcomes during changes and challenges.
Venue: Mayo Education Centre.
Date: Wednesday, November 13th
Time: 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
Facilitator: Shane Martin
Cost: Free of Charge.
Shane Martin - Chartered Psychologist of the
Family & Parenting 20
Psychological Society of Ireland. He is dedicated to
teaching the very best evidence-based psychology to
help people protect their mental health and enhance
the quality of their lives. Shane has been a keynote
speaker at numerous conferences on a range of topics
around wellbeing, positive mental health, recovery and
happiness. A leader within the area of education, he has
visited hundreds of educational institutions nationwide
working with management teams, teachers/lecturers,
students and parents.
These workshops are a joint initiative between The
Family Centre and Mayo Education Centre
Refreshments will be available on the night.Loss & Bereavement
Suicide Bereavement Support Group
The Family Centre will offer a 6 week support group for
individuals who are affected by death through suicide.
The group aims to be a safe, non-judgmental and
confidential place where people who have been bereaved
through suicide can learn to cope as best they can.
Dates: Tuesdays, September 17th, 24th
Tuesdays, October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
Time: 8.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.
Cost: Donation.
Facilitator: Fiona Thomas & Paula Sheridan
Contact: Fiona Thomas, Counsellor on 094 9025900 at
the Centre prior to booking
The Rainbows Programme
Rainbows is a group programme which supports
children who have suffered a significant loss through
death, separation, or divorce. It is available for children
and young people from seven years to eighteen years
of age. The Family centre currently facilitates children
from 7 to 13 years. The earlier an application is made
the more likely your child will be accepted on to the
programme.
INFORMATION MEETING FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
An information meeting will be held in the Family
Centre on Monday October 2nd at 7pm. It is essential
that parents and guardians of children attend this
Loss & Bereavement
information meeting.
The Family Centre Rainbows Programme will run on the
following dates. Please note we will not be running over
Halloween break.
Dates: Wednesdays, October 9th, 16th, 23rd
Wednesdays, November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Wednesdays, December 4th, 11th
Time: 6.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.
Cost: Free of Charge.
21
Led by: Trained Rainbows FacilitatorsMonthly Suicide Bereavement
Support Group
For those who have previously attended our weekly
Suicide Bereavement Support Groups over the years
the Family Centre offers a follow up monthly support
group for individuals who are affected by death through
suicide. The group will provide a safe and confidential
place to help you on your journey of grief and loss.
Dates: Thursdays, September 26th, October 31st,
November 28th & December 19th
Time: 8.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.
Cost: Donation.
Facilitator: Fiona Thomas & Paula Sheridan
Contact: Fiona Thomas Counsellor at the Centre prior
to booking
Ecumenical Service for those Bereaved
through Suicide
This is an opportunity for members of the community
to support those families in our midst that have been
bereaved through the death of somebody they loved
through suicide. It is also a time for families to remem-
ber their loved ones and commemorate their lives.
There will be light refreshments following the service.
Venue: Church of the Holy Rosary,
Chapel Street, Castlebar.
Date: Friday, November 8th
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Loss & Bereavement 22Professional Training
Understanding Anger and Aggression
This workshop will explore Anger and aggression and
how to normalize anger in a healthy and assertive
manner. The workshop will also focus on the steps
needed to integrate one’s own anger and developing
a plan to control aggression. We will also explore
the effects of stress and how it contributes to loss
of control and unhealthy ways of expressing anger
such as scapegoating and bullying. The importance
of self-esteem in establishing and maintaining
respectful boundaries and self-control so as to avoid
compensating with aggressive acting out. We will
explore the difference between anger and aggression
/ violence and the reasons we sometimes use anger
in an unhealthy fashion to achieve goals. Childhood
influences and an analytical understanding of
aggressive impulses will also be acknowledged.
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Presenter: Kevin Fehin
Kevin is a Senior Clinical and Counselling Psychologist
with almost twenty years’ experience working both in
clinical and private settings. He is currently employed
in the Adult Mental Health Service with the HSE.
Among other qualifications he holds a Masters in
Psychoanalytic Studies.
Cost: €80
Professional Training
23Exploring the Dynamics of Attachment
in Adult Life
The Family Centre is hosting this 4 day course over 2
weekends for professionals offering an opportunity to
explore their own experience of attachment dynamics in
the context of a confidential closed experiential group.
This course seeks to address the fact that our work
requires us to respond to the needs of others and too
often we don’t create the conditions to support our own
personal and psychological development.
Experiences of care-seeking and caregiving have
their roots in infancy and shape our expectations and
responses to care-seeking and caregiving in adult life.
As professionals offering a service in the field of mental
health and other fields we will be aware of the many
different ways that people express their care-seeking
needs, and how difficult it is sometimes to interpret
these accurately and respond. People who have had
contradictory experiences of caregiving will often tend
to miscue professional caregivers so that any attempt at
caregiving is frustrated and can end up as a frustrating
experience for both parties.
Participants will be introduced to the Theory of
Attached Based Exploratory Interest Sharing (TABEIS)
as developed by Dorothy Heard and Brain Lake and
also to the practice of Exploratory Goal Corrected
Psychotherapy (EGCP) developed by Una McCluskey.
The dynamics of attachment consist of several goal-
corrected systems. These are care-seeking, care-giving,
affection and sexuality, exploratory interest sharing with
peers, the personal system for self- defence, the internal
supportive or unsupportive environments and the
personally created external supportive environment.
The theory suggests that these systems work together
as a single process to contribute to and maintain
Professional Training 24
maximum wellbeing.
Each session will have a short didactic input on the
attachment system to be explored, followed by an
experiential session with a short break in between.
There will be time to identify what people are learning,
discovering or applying to their own practice.
Dates: Saturday, September 21st & Sunday 22nd,
Saturday, October 5th & Sunday 6th
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Presenter: Tessa Normand
Tessa Normand, MIAHIP, ICP Tessa is a Humanisticand Integrative Therapist and clinical supervisor in
private practice for over 20 years. She has further
trained in Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Emotional
Focussed Couples Therapy. She has also supervised
individuals and teams in private practice and statutory
organisations. She works with individuals, couples and
groups. She has been working with Una McCluskey
within this model for the past 9+ years.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, BOOKING & PAYMENT
FOR THIS COURSE PLEASE CONTACT TESSA
DIRECTLY ON 087 2756196 OR
EMAIL tessa.normand@gmail.com
Cost: €450.00 (payable in instalments)
Non- refundable deposit: €75 .00 to secure a place.
10 places available on a first come basis.
CPD Certificates Available on Request
Not Waving but Drowning
(Vicarious Trauma and Burnout
in the Caring Professions.)
When we are regularly in the presence of trauma
amongst those we provide help to over a period a
time we run the risk of being traumatised vicariously
ourselves. Some researchers have a view that it is not ‘if
but when’. Research in this area has not developed to
the point where we can identify who of us is more likely
than others to be vulnerable. As carers we ourselves are
often not very good at admitting our own vulnerabilities
and seeking help.
This course is for counsellors and psychotherapists;
supervisors; psychologists; mental health professionals;
social workers DV workers & other caring professions.
What is Vicarious Trauma? Is there a difference between
Professional Training
Vicarious Trauma and Burn out? How do you recognise
the signs in yourself, your colleagues or those you are
responsible for in supervision? This day will provide
time to discuss the research in this field, strategies
to support ourselves; colleagues or supervisees and
possible safeguards which can be put in place at
organisational level.
Date: Friday, October 11th
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Facilitator: Sonya Murray
Sonya Murray has over twenty years’ experience
25
working as a psychotherapist. Originally trained inGestalt Psychotherapy, she has undertaken training in
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. She has spent the past 15
years working with the HSE Adult Counselling Service
working with adult survivors of trauma and childhood
abuse. She now divides her time between that service
and the HSE Employee Assistance Programme. In this
role she works with staff who have experienced extreme
stress, burnout and vicarious trauma. Sonya’s interest
in Vicarious Trauma and Burnout arises from her own
personal and professional experience. She provides
regular short workshops in her role within the EAP
service and has recently published an article on the
topic.
Cost: €80
Breaking the ties of Shame
Day 1:
Participants can attend one or both of these workshops.
In this first workshop Jess will try to cast some light on
our shame and deconstruct our internal working model
that we are not good enough. She believes that shame is
so deep rooted and hidden that we must first experience
it for ourselves to help our clients.
This workshop will explore:
• how toxic an emotion shame can be
• how shame can keep us small and in the shadows.
• how it can keep us from seeking help and from
being seen.
• how shame or the internal belief that I am not good
enough gets layered on us
Jess will also examine the differences between shame
and guilt and how some people are more prone to
shame and some are more prone to guilt. We can
inherit shame based beliefs from previous generations,
Professional Training 26
through our culture, through growing up in shame
based families, through abusive experiences such as
bullying or abusive relationships. The victim in such
relationships take on the shame of the abuser so those
beliefs turn into a shame based identity.
Day 2:
Having explored the sources of shame in day 1 this
workshop will be an opportunity to explore shame in
more depth. In particular this day will focus on what our
triggers are relating to shame. It will look at how shame
can get played out in one to one relationships with our
clients and learn some skills/exercises that we might use
to uncover hidden sources of shame. These workshops
go beyond the theory, while there will be some theoryinputs, most of the material will be explored through
experiential exercises.
Dates: Saturdays, November 2nd & 30th
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Presenter: Jess Angland
Jess Angland, (MBS, BBS, Cert in Addiction, Cert in
Counselling, Cert in Supervision) has worked in training
and education for the last 20 years. She has worked in
organisations in healthcare, community development,
as well as lectured for the National College of Ireland,
IADT and UCC on their Professional Development
Programmes. She currently, and for the last 9 years,
has held responsibility for the development of support
groups within ADAPT domestic abuse services in
Limerick City and County. Jess in the past 5 years has
taken an active interest in the dynamics of attachment
in Adult Life and has explored same, under the tutelage
of Dr Úna Mc Cluskey
Cost: €80 per day or €140 for two days
Power in Supervision
Power is an unavoidable aspect of all relationships and
the supervisory relationship is no different. Not only
is power present in the supervisory space, there is an
asymmetrical power relationship between supervisor
and supervisee which has the potential to be used
positive or negatively. The supervisor’s power originates
from a number of sources and it is socially sanctioned. It
stems from professional knowledge, professional status
and from the expectation that the person in the position
of lessor power (usually the supervisee) will receive
guidance and support from the person with the greater
Professional Training
power (usually the supervisor).
Research suggests that there is a lack of any real
dialogue about power, hierarchy and status between
supervisors and supervisees in supervision. In addition,
there is scant research available on how supervisors
interpret and manage their power, understand its
impact on themselves and on their supervisees.
In this workshop Dr. Shane McGuire will present
his research findings on this important aspect of
supervision. It will be highly interactive and involve
participants exploring their own understanding
of power, their response to supervisor power in
27
supervision and critiquing their own supervision
practice through a power lens.This workshop is suitable for all practitioners who have
a supervisory role, or who wish to further explore this
core aspect of the supervisory relationship. It is also
suitable for the supervisee.
Date: Friday, October 4th
Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Facilitator: Dr. Shane McGuire
Dr. Shane McGuire is Counsellor/Manager of the
HSE Community Healthcare West Drugs Service.
The service provides a free, direct access range of
supports to substance misusers and those affected by
substance misuse. Shane’s interests include cycling and
hillwalking. Shane is a long serving member of Mayo
Mountain Rescue Team and is currently Deputy Team
Leader.
Cost: €80
Professional Training 28Faith & Spirituality
Introduction to Centering Prayer
(Retreat Day)
Centering Prayer, as taught by Thomas Keating, is a
silent and gentle way of prayer in which we consent
to the presence and action of God within. This retreat
day is suitable for those who are completely new to
the prayer and for those who have an established daily
practice of Centering Prayer. Participants will be given
input into the background to Centering Prayer, the
method, dealing with thoughts during the prayer and
the fruits of Centering Prayer in daily life. The day will
also offer an opportunity for silence, stillness and the
experience of praying this way in a group setting. All
that is required is an open heart and mind and a desire
to simply rest in God’s love for you and to share it with
others in the actions of your everyday life.
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 10.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Facilitator: Niamh Brennan
Niamh Brennan is a member of the Core Team of
Contemplative Outreach Ireland which provides
ongoing support to individuals who commit themselves
to the practice of Centering Prayer. COI passes on
the teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating through their
facilitation of workshops, days of reflection and
weekend and 8-day Centering Prayer retreats. Niamh
currently works as a hospital chaplain.
Cost: €20
Faith & Spirituality
family centre, chapel street, castlebar
29Monthly Meditation Group
Monthly Meeting Group:
This will be offered on the first Tuesday of each month
from September. Using audio visual aids, it will include
teaching on Meditation/Centering Prayer
Dates: Tuesdays, September 3rd, October 1st,
November 5th and December 3rd
Time: 7.30 p.m. - 8.45 p.m.
Presenter: Maura Flynn R.S.M.
Counsellor / Prayer Guide
Cost: Free of charge
Faith & Spirituality 30Do you want to enhance your wellbeing
by linking with new people & interests
in your community?
Do you sometimes feel your life
would be more enjoyable if you
were to build in new aspects or
activities and meet like-minded
people but don’t know how to go
about it?
Flourish is a vibrant and innovative service which can
offer you a free one to one session with the coordinator
where we will explore how to improve your wellbeing
in general and to discover opportunities to meet other
people, discover new interests & talents and participate
more fully in community life. You can choose to join
any of our Flourish programmes which are all listed
in this programme. Simply make an appointment by
contacting the Family Centre.
Further details are listed on our website www.
thefamilycentre.com
Details of our courses and support services are always
available on our website: www.thefamilycentre.com
• Counselling- Individual/Marital/Family
• Flourish-Social Prescribing Service
• Mayo Suicide Liaison Bereavement
Service(MSBLS)
• Mediation
• Support Groups
• Bereavement Care
• Spiritual Guidance
• Rainbows
• Education & Training Programmes
• Free Legal Advicefamily centre, chapel street, castlebar
We are keen to develop courses and
support programmes in response to real
needs. Should you have any suggestions,
ideas, advice to offer, please send them to:-
Máire Ní Dhomhnaill, Director,
Family Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar.
Telephone: 094 - 9025900
E-mail: info@thefamilycentre.com
Website: www.thefamilycentre.com
@tfccastlebar
Car parking is generally available in the Church car
park immediately opposite the Family Centre. The
cost of parking is €2 irrespective of the length of time
you have been parked there. At night time there may
be free parking along Chapel Street.You can also read
