‘Keeping the Connection Alive’ – Supporting Adolescents in Understanding their Emotions & Securing Relationships (12-19yrs)

This webinar begins with looking at Attachment Theory as the foundation for the formation of all relationships in life. I will guide and lead participants in an exploration of how to notice signs of ruptures and disruptions within these relations and techniques to use that can help the adolescent feel more secure and trusting within – looking at the difficulties and challenges in engaging with adolescents due to hormonal changes.

We will gain an understanding of the Brain and how in Adolescent years a pruning stage begins – how adolescents revisit past experiences – beliefs and values can modify.

An exploration of many emotions and how to support the Adolescent in managing these, communicating, expressing and releasing in a healthy and safe way. 

Linking these concepts/models and approaches to the reality of the pandemic and how we can navigate our way through the changes and challenges of our current reality so that we can cope and manage our internal system despite adversity within the external environment

Facilitator: Deirdre Nicole Ward, B.Ed, PG Play Therapy, MA Psychotherapy, MIAPTP

My name is Deirdre Nicole Ward, Ex Abu Dhabi Rose of Tralee, Proud Donegal Woman and Champion of Children’s well-being!

I am a qualified child and adolescent Psychotherapist specialising in Play Therapy practising since January 2018. Prior to this I worked as a Primary School Teacher for over 8 years in Ireland and Abu Dhabi. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with children from 3years up to 18years with varying and diverse needs. I have volunteered alongside Aid Roche’s charity in Chernobyl, Barretstown Camp and worked with children with severe needs such as a child with quadriplegic cerebral palsy through the Jack & Jill Foundation. 

My core purpose is to bring my skills and expertise to children and families who need help, working with them to develop ‘full-family well-being’. I am constantly learning and developing my practice. I work with a broad range of cases from parental separation, domestic violence, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, loss, low self-esteem, bullying to name a few.

Aside from my professional training, I can connect with children because I can so clearly remember how I felt as a child. Growing up, I was anxious, lacked confidence and was afraid to trust others. Even though I was adopted into a family full of love, reassurance and security, some part of me felt locked inside. I have learned how to unlock myself, overcome fears, dispel worries, and grow in confidence. Today my professional practice is rooted in a non-judgmental approach with empathy at its core. I provide safety, reassurance, and understanding for each client/family I work with.

I am passionate about supporting everyone in reaching their true potential so that they can be the best version of themselves. Through my blog and social media page ‘UNLOCK UNLEARN UNLEASH’ I share my own insights and lessons learned in an honest and open way. I believe when we are courageous enough to be vulnerable and allow others to see the light, struggles and hardships within ourselves it gives permission to others to do the same.