TESSA Therapist
Location
Northern Ireland – Ireland
I am registered/accredited with:
DDP Connects UK
Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)
British Association Social Workers (BASW)
Code of ethics observed
NISCC and BASW
Qualifications
2022 Dyadic Developmental Certified Practitioner/PACE Trainer/Supervisor
2022 Theraplay LEVEL2 with Trauma Component
2022 Foundation Certification in Theraplay
2017 Non Violence Resistance Training
2015 DDP Masterclass
2015 Dr K. Golding, Foundations for Attachments Trainer Programme
2017 Group Theraplay
2014 Theraplay Level 1 and MIM’s Assessment Model
2014 PQ Specialist Social Work Award 1-3 obtained and ongoing
2010 / 2011 DDP Levels 1 & 2
Incredible Years BASIC, ADVANCED and DINA Programmes
2007 Foundation in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
2006 Young Minds Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
2003 Queen’s University Belfast
MSW DIP/SW Social Work
1995 Middlesex University BA Hons in Art Practice in the Community and Psychology
1992 Burnley College Foundation Studies in Art and Design
Special interest/experience
My particular area of interest is in providing therapeutic support to children, young people and their adoptive families to enhance therapeutic parenting knowledge and responses, create safety and security within relationships and enable families and professionals to have challenging conversations with young people.
Additional information
I have been supporting families in NI for nearly 20 years and since 2012 I have been in the role of Senior Practitioner in a multi-disciplinary Therapeutic Team for Looked After and Adopted Children providing training, consultancy and direct therapeutic support to Looked After Children, children post adoption and their care giver network. I am also registered with BASW as an Independent Social Work Practitioner and Therapist.
Throughout my professional journey, as well as my own personal experiences of adoption, I have been fascinated by relationships, how we interact, how we influence each other, patterns of communication, our expectations, hopes and wishes as well as our commitments in relationships and attachments. Given their complexity, relationships can require support to think about how best to understand ourselves and others in helpful and safe ways and to develop a level of attachment security.
My theoretical approach
My practice is therefore significantly influenced by the principles, knowledge and skills of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Family Therapy, Therapeutic Parenting Models and Theraplay as these interventions assess and promote resilience, attachment, self-regulation and mindful presence in times of difficulty and distress.
I see: Parents and Children
Any other work information? Work Area – Belfast
