There is a tendency to treat circumstances we find bewildering or disorienting, ones which are strange and new to us, as posing a problem for us. Thus we often respond to such events by seeking a solution to them, by trying to explain them. This classical problem-solving approach to research has its history in Descartes’ Discourse on Method of 1637.
Chair of the FTAI executive – Marie Keenan – has written a book entitled Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church: Gender, Power and Organizational Culture ( New York: Oxford University Press).
It will be released at the end of September
Welcome to a new season of Systemic Cafe. Following on the success of last year where FTAI members, colleagues & friends met to socialise, share ideas, observe, or participate in a short discussion, have a drink & relax we are ready to roll again. It is free. It was our desire to come together in a more casual atmosphere of friendship and therapeutic curiosity that made the Systemic Cafe so enjoyable. This time we have a great new venue with a cosy fire, comfortable seats and warm ambiance (a fine, private section of the original Bar at the Berkley Court).
Venue: THE D-4 BERKLEY HOTEL
Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
(3 mins.from Lansdowne Rd. DART, 15 mins walk from Grafton St.)
Date: Monday 26th September 2011
Time: 7.00 – 9.00pm
Topic: Separating Couples, their children & a “Collaborative Practice” approach
Our three starting speakers are pioneers in the field of integrating a ‘Collaborative Practice’ approach with the therapeutic needs of children when couples are separating/divorcing. This evening’s gathering offers
systemic/family therapists an opportunity to be more informed & possibly play a greater part of this growing movement towards facilitating a non-adversarial, mutually respectful process while prioritising co-operative and positive parenting, during & after a break-up. They have vast experience between them in the actual workings of the legal & mediation process. All three are committed to the ‘collaborative’ approach, and to its development in both in Ireland and internationally.
Dr. Jim Sheehan is Director of Family Therapy Training at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin. and part-time Professor of Family Therapy & Systemic Practice at the Diakonhjemmet University College, Oslo, Norway.
Caoimhe Nic Dhomhnaill is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in child and adolescent psychotherapy. She is a consultant to the family law courts and endeavours to integrate an understanding of psychodynamic & unconscious processes for the child and the family as they interface with the legal system.
Brian Smith is a psychologist, family therapist, children’s advocate & mediator. He co-authored “Giving Children a Voice”. He has developed an all-issues, Integrative & Collaborative Model of Family Mediation. Brian has extensive experience as an advocate for children & families in the process of separation.
A FREE GLASS OF WINE, BEER OR BALLYGOWAN AWAITS YOU!
For those coming directly from work, The D4 BERKLEY has a ‘Bar Food’ menu (at your own expense!). The discussion starts at 7pm.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) = 2 hours. CPD certificates will be issued by the Family Therapy Assoc. of Ireland (FTAI).
Scott Wooley will present this two day Workshop entitled ‘Using Emotionally Focused Therapy when working with couples’ on 7th/8th October 2011 at the Westin Hotel in Dublin city centre.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a leading, revolutionary, empirically supported approach for treating couples.
Day 1 of this workshop lays out the theory and techniques of EFT and helps participants learn to de-escalate difficult couples and engage withdrawn partners.
Day 2 builds on the first day and focuses on softening pursuers, creating lasting secure bonds between partners, using 7 empirically derived steps to heal the devastating impact attachment injuries, and treating trauma in the context of couples therapy.
Video of therapy and supportive research is used throughout the two days to illustrate how EFT is used to help couples heal and develop long-term healthy bonds.
This two day Workshop will be held on Friday 7th & Saturday 8th October 2011 at the Westin Hotel (at College Green), Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2.
Workshops are from 10am – 4pm, with registration from 9.30am.
The Family Therapy Association of Ireland, FTAI held its AGM in the Aisling Hotel, Dublin on Saturday 28th May. As soon as the business was completed the delegates gathered for the official launch of the new FTAI website.
The Family Therapy Association of Ireland (FTAI), which is the professional body of systemic therapy, has just launched a new website so anyone who needs a therapist can find one in their local area.
Therapists are listed in various specialities and can be found on the website by looking in the pull-down menu on the home page. The launch of the website last Saturday was timely because family therapy was never needed as much as it is today.
On May 13th last, some 60 family therapists from all over Ireland gathered at the Davenport Hotel in Dublin to engage in a two-day workshop lead by Dr Karl Tomm.
Mara de Lacy welcoming Dr Karl Tomm
Familiar to all of us for his seminal work in developing particular styles of therapeutic engagement, for example, interventive interviewing and the use of the’ internalised other,’ Karl presented an enthralling, challenging and, as many of those present will attest, a very moving learning experience.
Carmel O’Hara of the Clanwilliam Institute has done a nice review of the Systemic Café evenings that we have been held at the School House, two so far – here are her thoughts. Continue Reading…
Following on from the success of the first Systemic Café in November 2010, our next gathering is about to happen! This is a new idea to create a space where FTAI members, colleagues and friends can meet to socialise, share ideas, observe, or participate in a short discussion, have a drink & relax. It is free. It is an expression of our desire to come together in a more casual setting. This time we have a larger, more suitable space in the same venue:
This two day workship entitled “Deconstructing Shame & Guilt and Opening Space for Apology, Forgiveness & Reconciliation” will be held on 13th-14th May (Friday & Saturday) 2011 in The Davenport Hotel, Dublin 2.
The workshops will run from 10am-4pm with registration from 9.30am each day.
Download PDF for more details on the workshop and the application form.