This workshop is designed for professionals working with families dealing with parental separation and/or divorce. This experiential training will include a mix of theory and experiential work aimed at increasing participant’s understanding of how parental separation and/or divorce can affect both parents and children. Supportive strategies for the whole family will be explored.
There will be a large focus on exploring ways to empower parents to support their children and teenagers as they come to terms with parental separation. We will explore strategies for members of the family system to support the child while also managing their own level of distress and grief. The day is designed to equip participants with tools to better support children and teenagers who have experienced family breakdowns, parental separation and/or divorce. Creative tools and supportive activities to facilitate processing for children and teens who have experienced this difficult life event will be explored and practised. We will also explore creative ways to support children and whole families through the grieving process. High conflict cases and additional considerations necessary to address parental alienation will also be addressed.
The day will also focus on hope and recovery. We will explore how we use creative and playful approaches to bring about healing and recovery.
Participants are required to have the following tools.
Space and technology:
- Sound cancelling headset or confidential room to participate in
- A computer or other suitable device (e.g. i pad), ideally, but not essentially, with built in (or external) microphone, speaker and camera.
- Uninterrupted internet connection
And if possible, creative materials that include:
- blank A4 sheets and a scissors
- art material – e.g. crayons, colouring pencils, markers
- a selection of miniatures which can be any objects around the house or toys.
Course Facilitator
Emer is the Assistant MA Course Leader and Supervision Co-Ordinator here at CTC. She holds an MA in Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy and Play Therapy and a BA (HONS) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Emer has also completed training as a clinical supervisor, EMDR training, Intensive Filial Therapy Training, Compassionate Inquiry and mindfulness training. Emer is certified as an integrative psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor with the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy. She is also fully accredited with the Irish Association for Play Therapy and Psychotherapy. Emer is a core trainer on our MA and she also designs and delivers a vast array of CPD training courses for us. Emer has extensive experience working with children who have experienced domestic violence and also with non-residential parents and their children, maintaining and promoting quality contact. Emer has been involved in the Daphne III programme Responding to Child Parent Violence action research project, training in Non Violent Resistance and the Break 4 Change programme targeting services to families affected by Child Parent Violence. Emer has worked with children and adults who experienced medical trauma, both individually and on a group basis to support their recovery. Emer worked extensively with children with acquired brain injuries supporting both them and their families, through therapeutic support, educative trainings and facilitating peer support . Emer worked with the Brothers of Charity services and was involved in a number of Humanitarian aid projects in both Ethiopia and Peru. Emer also continues to maintain her private practice at “Acorns 2 Oaks Therapy Services” in Galway and also provides trainings for professionals working with vulnerable children.
Cancellations: In the event of any cancellation a booking fee of €50 will be retained. Full fee is non-refundable in the event of cancellations within 2 weeks of the event, You may nominate another eligible person to take your place – simply notify us and provide us with their contact details.
Upcoming dates & locations
To book a place click the event title below (the blue italicised text in the format ‘Location: Title‘)
- 14June 14, 2025
Supporting children, teenagers, and families through parental separation and divorce 14.06.25
You can choose to pay only a €50 deposit now, with the remainder automatically charged three weeks prior to the course beginning.
