Teen programme, taking place in April.
WHEN: Tuesday 9th and Tuesday 16th April 4-6pm
WHERE: Roe Valley Therapy Centre, Limavady
To book a place on this course, scan the QR code above or click here.
Fill in the referral form: Click here.
A six week climbing programme with a difference, for teens. No experience necessary.
WHEN: Thursdays 6-8pm
16th, 23rd & 30th May
6th, 13th & 20th June 2024.
WHERE: Boulderworld Belfast.
To book a place on this course, scan the QR code above or click here.
Fill in the referral form: Click here.
Teen programme at the Family Routes offices.
WHEN: Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm
10th, 17th & 24th April
8th, 15th & 22nd May 2024
WHERE: Family Routes offices.
To book a place on this course, scan the QR code above or click here.
Fill in the referral form: click here.
TESSA and Family Routes are excited to announce three Family Wellbeing Events hosted by Joe from the Gathering Drum. These sessions will take the form of a Drumming Circle using a variety of different instruments and is open to parents and children over the age of 5. Joe has a wealth of experience in working with participants of all ages and regularly leads family group sessions.
There will be opportunities for families to connect, beat some drums and create some noise together.
Places will be limited so please only apply for one event. Following registration, we will be in touch to confirm your place.
Please click the button and fill in the form to sign up:
Saturday 27th April @ Moira Lakes, 32b Old Church Lane, Aghalee, Craigavon BT67 0EY 1.15-3.15pm
Saturday 18th May @ Hans Sloane Education and Visitor Centre, 23 High Street, Killyleigh BT30 9QF 1.15-3.15pm
Saturday 8th June @ Girdwood Community Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast BT14 6EG 1.15-3.15pm
GDPR Statement: TESSA and Family routes collect data from the form for the purpose of contacting you with details about the programme and may retain your details for future events in line with our data protection policy. Should you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why are so many adopted children verbally or physically aggressive?
What are they communicating through their behaviour?
What is the impact of living with a traumatised child?
How do we stay calm in the face of our children’s overwhelmed and overwhelming emotions?
Love and Rage is a four-week programme offered by TESSA/Family Routes for parents of adopted children to explore these frequently asked questions. This course is aimed at parents of children who are struggling to handle and process their big emotions such as rage and anger.
Please fill in the form below to sign up to the next course:
Venue: Roe Valley Therapy Centre, Limavady, 101A Irish Green Street, Limavady BT49 9AA
Dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th April 2024 10:30am – 1:30pm
Places are limited so please complete the booking form soon and we’ll be in touch to confirm your place.
Location
Antrim/Ballymena area
I am registered/accredited with:
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).
Code of ethics observed:
My work is underpinned by the fundamental principles, standards and guidelines for good practice as detailed in:
· HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics
· HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Arts Therapists
· BAAT Code of Ethics and supporting Principles of Professional Practice and Guidelines.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW Hons) Queen’s University Belfast (Graduated 2015)
Masters of Art Psychotherapy (MSc) Ulster University (Graduated 2022)
Special interest/experience
Owing to my background in Social Work and experience of working with children and young people who have experienced the care system, my areas of specific interest include adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment ruptures and cumulative/complex trauma. Within my practice, I apply principles rooted in neuroscience to aid the healing process through sensory and somatic intervention approaches. I am able to offer sessions tailored to children and young people who have been adopted or who are currently in out-of-home care (kinship/foster care/residential placements).
Additional information:
Art therapy is the process of making art with the guidance and support of a professional art therapist. It is a form of psychotherapy in which the art is the main mode of communication, giving the client an alternative means of expression.
Through art therapy clients are able to explore their inner world, express and interpret their thoughts, feelings and emotions, develop greater self-awareness and gain tools to enable them to better cope with stress and anxiety.
Art Therapy can provide assistance and support to individuals facing a range of difficulties, disabilities, and conditions. These include emotional and behavioural issues, mental health concerns, learning and physical disabilities, life-limiting and neurological conditions, as well as physical illnesses.
Some issues that can be worked through in Art Therapy include; Anxiety, Bullying, Relationship difficulties (family/peers), Identity, Self-esteem, Pain-based/Self-harming behaviours, Stress, Suicidal thoughts, Transitions (primary to post-primary/youth to adult) and Traumatic experiences. For many clients the art process is simply helpful for soothing and self-regulating.
In my art therapy sessions, I strive to create a warm and confidential environment where clients can feel safe and nurtured. It’s a space where the client can freely explore a wide variety of art materials and express their emotions, whether through words or non-verbal means. My approach is centred around the client, taking into account their unique needs and preferences.
I work with clients of all ages, from children to older adults, and my therapeutic style is pluralistic and trauma-informed. Don’t worry if you don’t have any prior art experience – it’s not a requirement at all. Each art therapy session is personalised to suit the client’s individual needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.
I work with:
Although I am able to work with clients of all ages and stages, most of my work currently is with children and young people.
I am a social worker qualifying 28 years ago. I have always worked in Family and Childcare, starting my career in residential care, moving to a LAC Looked After Child team, then progressing to therapeutic recovery work with children and young people. I have worked for Family Routes for a few years now and I am passionate about all areas of adoption. I enjoy assessing and supporting adoptive carers.
I am a mum of one teenager and together we enjoy spending time in nature, dancing, and music. We love the cinema and spending quality time with our extended family.
TESSA Therapist
Location:
Northern Ireland, Ireland
Hello, I’m Michelle. I am a trauma‑informed, attachment‑focused practitioner with over three decades of experience supporting children, young people, and families. My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens within safe, attuned relationships — and that adoptive families deserve support that is compassionate, steady, and free from judgment.
As a care‑experienced adult, my early life shaped my lifelong commitment to working with children and families affected by relational trauma. I began my career in 1989 in a residential unit for adolescents, where my own lived experience helped me recognise the depth, complexity, and pain held within children’s stories. For the past twenty years, I have worked as a Senior Therapeutic Social Work Practitioner within a dedicated trauma‑focused service, supporting children and their caregiving networks when early relational wounds underpin the challenges they face.
My practice centres on understanding what a child’s behaviour communicates about their inner world, and helping caregivers respond in ways that rebuild trust, safety, and connection. I bring warmth, steadiness, and deep respect for the lived experiences of both children and parents.
Why I Do This Work
I understand the emotional landscape of trauma — the grief, confusion, overwhelm, and hope that can all exist at once. Both my personal and professional experiences have shown me the power of being met with genuine connection and sincerity. I believe deeply that healing happens in relationship, not isolation, and this belief guides every aspect of my work.
Qualifications & Approach
I am trained in a range of trauma‑informed, attachment‑focused, and developmentally attuned approaches. My qualifications include:
Professional Registration
Who I Support
Through TESSA NI, I support adoptive parents, children and young people, and the wider caregiving network. My role complements the support already around a child — strengthening, not replacing, the work of parents, schools, and other professionals. At present, all my therapeutic work is offered online via TEAMS or Zoom.
A Warm Invitation
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, you’re not alone. I offer a gentle, grounded space to help you reconnect with your child, rebuild safety, and move forward with confidence and hope. Healing happens in connection — and I’m here to walk that path with you.
TESSA Counsellor
Location
Belfast/Lisburn
I am registered/accredited with:
Registered member BACP with Certificate of Proficiency, working towards accreditation
Code of ethics observed:
BACP
Qualifications
Trauma informed Practice for Children and Young People( Level 5)
PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy ( Level 4)
BA Hons Youth and Community work (Level 6)
Special interest/experience
Counselling for teens and therapeutic group work
Additional information
Alex Mosley brings nearly 20 years of experience of working with Teens to the Tessa programme. Initially training and working in Youth and Community work, he is also a qualified counsellor who works with children and young people that experience behavioural and emotional difficulties using an integrative counselling model. He has a creative streak and enjoys using a variety of methods to help young people at stuck points in their lives. He has experience working with adoptive children and teens in both a therapeutic, mentoring and group work capacity. Alex has also been part of the TESSA teens facilitators group, alongside Belfast Exposed in the Photography Wellbeing programme.
