Report on Workshop by Dr Karl Tomm

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.

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Systemic Cafe on March 22nd

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:

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Two day workshop with Dr. Karl Tomm

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.

Learning from Loss

by MARIE KEENAN

Introduction

It is difficult to address the topic of loss tonight without at the same time coming face to face and re-membering one’s own losses – and with the multitude of ways in which life and living has brought great gifts and great losses to my own life. Read more

Clanwilliam Institute Conference 14 April 2011

The Clanwilliam Institute are presenting a conference entitled Therapy as Social Construction; evolving challenges in relational practice by Dr Sheila McNamee on 14th April 2011 in the Grand Canal Hotel, Ballsbridge.

The cost is €90 with a special student rate of €50.Contact 01-6761363 or office@clanwilliam.ie to book your place.

Closing date of application is 31st March 2011.

Download Full Conference Details (PDF Format)

Systemic Cafe kicks off in The Schoolhouse, Northumberland Road.

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, imagine you are in Paris, Tibet, or even Sligo…………

We hope to have these gatherings a few times a year. They are free. They are an expression of our desire to come together in a more casual, relaxed setting. The historic first SYSTEMIC CAFE will take place in:

THE  SCHOOLHOUSE

2-8 Northumberland Road,  Ballsbridge,  Dublin 4.

(10 mins walk from Grafton St.)

Date:             16th November 2010

Time:             7.00 – 9.00pm

Topic:            “How does Systemic Therapy speak to the Body?”

We plan that four “Guest Speakers”  who have an interesting range of experience in systemic therapy and/or somatic, body orientated psychotherapy will start the discussion. They are:

  • Helma Meir, a Somatic Psychotherapist currently completing a Ph.D. in California;
  • Jim Sheehan, Professor of Family Therapy & Systemic Practice at  University College, Oslo, and Director of the Master Programme, Mater Hospital;
  • Brendan McKiernan, Systemic Therapist & Director/Manager of Keltoi Addiction Treatment Centre, Dublin;
  • Dr. David L. Magee, Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist.

The whole area of how the body (of the clients, the therapists, and generally in society) features in systemic theory and practice is emerging as an important and stimulating dialogue. The ripples of this dialogue are bringing changes to how the therapist and client relate, and to how the therapist relates to him/herself. Everyone’s voice is welcome.

So why not get down to The Schoolhouse and let all of us ‘experts in not knowing’,  along with some ‘body-oriented therapists’  with somatic headaches share our confusion, wisdom and aspirations.

A  FREE  GLASS  OF  WINE,  BEER  OR  BALLYGOWAN  AWAITS  YOU!

For those coming directly from work, The Schoolhouse has a fine menu offering “Gourmet Casual Bites” and much more (at your own expense!). The discussion starts at 7pm.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) = 2 hours. CPD certificates will be issued to all attending.

Free parking is available at rear of The Schoolhouse (limited) and generally, parking in the area is free from 7.30pm.

Regional Sub-committee

For some time the FTAI executive committee has been considering the needs of  members who work and live in various regions throughout the country. We hope these needs can be met more effectively via the work of the Regional committee which aims to build links with members and keep members more connected and informed.

Responses to a questionnaire sent to all members this year highlighted, perhaps not surprisingly, that family therapists value connecting with others and with groups that support their practice.

Often the only constraints to this are time and location.

Following this years AGM the committee expanded to include new members which is a very exciting development and there is great enthusiasm for the work of this group. Future ideas include moving the committee meetings around to different parts of the country to facilitate members and build links. Indeed building links and enhancing communication seems to be a central theme at this stage.

Other ideas included the use of the FTAI website as a central point for discussions and communication and the use of emails to keep members connected.

We welcome any new members who have an interest in being a part of this committee and we are open to any feedback members may have.