This course is designed to equip participants to utilise the MTP model and EMDR principles into their work with traumatized clients throughout the lifespan. The training will weave techniques from EMDR phase II into the MTP model as a necessary part of a client’s readiness to process traumatic experience.

This programme is designed to educate and train participants to use MTP and EMDR techniques with a variety of client problems and ages.  Through theoretical presentations,  demonstrations, and skill building practice with peers, participants will gain an understanding of how traumatic events can impact functionality, and learn to positively impact the healing process.   The therapeutic modalities are based on an extensive review of current research and designed to be both interactive and informative.  Self-care is important when our professional lives confront us with the unthinkable. Demonstrations and group practice to help participants deal with vicarious traumatization that is commonly  linked with hearing the stories of trauma victims, form an integral part of this training.

Training will include numerous handouts and an audio to use in treatment.  PowerPoint presentations, visual and audio presentations, and open discussions will be used.  Pre-treatment evaluation directly with clients, or in collaboration with primary caregivers, and evaluation of treatment based on symptom reduction is addressed. Common symptoms to be addressed in this model include all PTSD symptoms, and may include flashbacks; problems falling asleep; staying asleep; nightmares; night terrors; regulation difficulties; persistent hyper- and/or hypo- arousal; hyper-vigilance; and feeling unsafe.

Using a blended learning approach of theory and experiential learning, participants will learn how to implement the structured approach specific to  MTP methodology along with narrative and creative approaches, and EMDR techniques. Participants will have opportunities to work in small experiential groups.

Participants will understand how the right and left hemispheres of the brain function and why knowing this is important to counsellors & psychotherapists when treating traumatized individuals. They will learn techniques that help clients process the impact of trauma, identify their strengths, manage, reduce or eliminate the distressing symptoms of PTSD, positively alter the perception of memory of traumatic events, and process multiple events.

Graduates will find that this work will become a very effective component of their treatment interventions and clinical practice with their specific client groups (adults, adolescents and/or children). They will be equipped to  incorporate it directly into their professional role, including equipping  caregivers to better support young traumatised people in their care.

Linda McGuire MA is an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and both an Adult and an Child and Adolescent Consultant,  and certified trainer of MTP. Linda has led university level degree programmes in the field of counselling and psychotherapy, addiction counselling and art psychotherapy throughout Ireland and is an experienced lecturer and course developer. She has worked extensively with young people and their families coordinating clinical services in these dedicated areas for over twenty-five years.

This training is suitable for trainee and qualified play therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, expressive arts therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals working within the range of psychotherapeutic modalities with clients of all ages.d

The fee is €1200 and includes all course attendance plus 5 group supervision sessions to cover the 20 hours clinical practice requirement. Two of the group supervisions take place during onsite training days (Day 3 and Day 7) and the other 3 take place remotely over the duration of the course. Launch offer: €200 discount for first 10 participants to enrol.

Children’s Therapy Centre. Stewart House, Lonsdale Road, National Technology Park, Plassey, Co. Limerick, V94 KN70

Children’s Therapy Centre, Tír Na nÓg, Slievenagorta, Ballymore, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath N91 CC65

Face-to-Face sessions

Participants are required to bring an audio device (iPhone or similar) with headphones to be used during group practices of treatment techniques.  Access to the alternating drum sound audio will be received by all participants ahead of training commencing. During group practice, all those attending will form groups of two/three; one acting as the therapist and the other as the client and observer, so that all participants practice the techniques that are demonstrated.

Online Sessions

• A confidential space without interruptions or distractions
• A computer or other suitable device that can use Zoom (e.g. i pad, desktop, laptop), with built in, or external, microphone, speaker and camera.  have screen size that facilitate clear viewing of course material and participants, and engagement and interaction with peers, and utilising a split screen so as to concurrently view the virtual classroom and any related material that you may wish to open separately on your device.
• Stable internet connection (download speed of 1.5Mbps)
• A sound cancelling headset can be useful

Note: If you have difficulties with sound (microphone or volume) on computer, use of external microphone and/or speakers may work better than adding a second devise

If possible, students are encouraged to be physically in the same venue as one or more other participants during online days. This will facilitate additional involvement in experiential learning.

Participants will engage in clinical practice completing 20 client hours and attendance of clinical group supervision with a course approved supervisor (ratio 1:4). Two of these supervision sessions take place during the onsite course days and each of these is linked to specific aspects:

1. Fishbowl supervision session
2. Individual presentation of a clinical report based on either a single sessions with a client, or a series of sessions with a single client.

The written paper (1500 words, case report) will be submitted as will the supervisor evaluation. Successful completion of both, along with full attendance and active and satisfactory participation, is required to achieve the award. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on an individual basis and may result in an additional assignment or alternative attendance to confirm achievement of all required learning.

In the event of any cancellation the non-refundable deposit of €250 will be retained. Full fee is non-refundable in the event of cancellations within 2 weeks of the course.