Renewing Strength and Stability
Child and Family Therapy Service
We aim to offer a specialist service that provides both an inclusive assessment and comprehensive therapy for an individual (for parent, child or adolescent), family and/or group basis.
We regularly runs specialist groups and our approach extends out to schools to support children who may be experiencing difficulties in that environment. Please see school section for further information.
We provide support, counselling and a range of therapies for parents/carers to support them in their parenting role. We aim to strengthen their skills as a parent and build positive relationships with their child/adolescent. We provide this work on an individual, couple, child/parent, family and/or group basis. We believe if we strengthen the parent and build on their skills this will also strengthen their child/adolescent.
A parent’s/carer’s worries or upset can impact on their child/adolescent and likewise the behaviour of the child/adolescent can impact on the relationship with their parent/carer. Some difficulties or challenging behaviour can impact greatly on family life and the capacity for emotional, social and intellectual development. Therefore we believe that addressing the issue in isolation with the child/adolescent may only partially solve the issue. Hence we can work with the whole family to bring about positive change and aim to restore positive relationships within the family.
Parent and Family work are central to our work, we offer a thorough and extensive service that encompasses the child’s support system to include specialized and personalized parenting interventions and programmes. We also offer a family therapy based intervention.
We also offer a specialist service for new parents supporting and educating them in their babies first years. A baby learns about their world through their relationship with their parents. This relationship is key in helping a child develop a positive sense of themselves. A healthy attachment can result in a healthy sense of self for a baby growing into childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The development of a healthy attachment is a two way relationship and we can support you to become aware and intune with your baby to support a positive attachment.
We regularly runs specialist groups and our approach extends out to schools to support children who may be experiencing difficulties in that environment. Please see our school section for further information.
Childhood development is a captivating and complex phenomenon. Whilst it is a wonderfully fascinating time and thankfully for many unremarkable it can also for many present with an extensive range of difficulties that impact significantly on a child’s overall development . This can lead to the relationship between the child and parent becoming strained and breaking down. When these concerns escalate beyond the norm that is expected it can severely impact on their ability to function to one’s full potential at an individual level, within the home or indeed within the wider environment. Research suggests that if intervention is sought at the earliest opportunity the better the outcome is likely to be.
Below is a sample of some of the childhood presentations we would welcome working with:
We regularly runs specialist groups and our approach extends out to schools to support children who may be experiencing difficulties in that environment. Please see our school section for further information.
Adolescence is a time of enormous emotional as well as physical change. The task of adolescence is to move from dependence to independence and this is rarely accomplished without a struggle. This period can not only be a learning curve for adolescents but also for the family system. During this time the young person is beginning to individuate and move towards independence. It is not unusual for a young person to experience changes in their physical, social and psychological self. If someone’s thoughts or feelings are troubling them to the extent of affecting their day to day activities or relationships they could need help to get them through this difficult time. A mental health problem that is not sorted out could lead to someone developing a mental illness. Research suggests that if intervention is sought at the earliest opportunity the better the outcome is likely to be. We would like to help them and you on your journey and give them tools to help them throughout their adult life. Oak Tree Practice is dedicated to providing support and professional therapy to adolescents.
Below is a sample of some of the adolescent presentations we would welcome working with:
Sometimes we believe that working in isolation with the child or adolescent may only partially solve the issue. Hence we can work with the whole family to bring about positive change. We invite you to read more on our approaches in the About the Therapy section.
Below is a sample of some of the family presentations we would welcome working with:
We will design groupwork services depending on the need of referrals received. A sample of groups that we have run to date is:
Expectant parent(s) are invited to join in a social and informative group setting to discuss and learn more about the key areas of social and emotional development during a baby’s first year of life. Our hope will be to enhance your further understanding of the developing baby’s brain, their adjustment to the outside world, the dance of attachment and how their interaction with their environment and those in it play a vital role in promoting their future well-being. We will also introduce the practice of mindfulness for new parents. This course will be run over 3 sessions of 1.15hrs . Cost:€45 Light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Leanne/Ciara for upcoming dates.
These two programmes will guide you through the steps of early development covering the key areas of social development, play development, emotional development, communication and attachment. For parents with babies from 0-6 months and 6-12months. These groups will take place over 6 weekly 1.15hrs sessions. This programme has received a lot of positive feedback and parents have enjoyed the opportunity to join with a small number of other parents in a homely environment. Cost: €90, Light refreshments will be provided.Please contact Leanne and Ciara for upcoming dates.
This 2 hour event is for parents of children up to the end of primary school. As many of us continue to experience life in the fast lane finding the time to reflect on parenting can be a challenge. We will cover in a practical and solution focused way key areas of child development and the parent’s supportive role. We will also introduce the concept of mindfulness for parents on the go. 13th of March in the Springhill Court hotel from 7.30-9.30pm. Total Cost €20 per person.
This two part group is for parents of preschoolers who will be commencing primary school in September 2015. Help prepare yourself and your toddler for their new journey into formal education. Explore your hopes and fears. This programme will further develop and enhance your skills on preparing you and your child for this exciting life event. Every day offers opportunities for learning new skills and we will advise you on how to optimise these at this stage of your child’s development. This two part group will run on Wednesday March 18th & 25th from 7.30-9pm in the Springhill Court Hotel on the Waterford Road, Cost €30 per person. Bookings to be made directly with Leanne/Ciara, please see contact page for details. Tea& Coffee and Biscuits will be provided!!
Fun, creative and play activity based groups to promote key areas of social and emotional development. Our activities will include the following; sensory play, creative play, motor play with dance and movement, storytelling and puppetry. This group will be run over four consecutive mornings during the Easter school break, each session will be 2hrs, light refreshments will be provided. cost €60 for the week, please contact Ciara/Leanne directly for further information and bookings.
Groups for 6th class students focusing on hopes and fears of transitioning into secondary school. We look at promoting practical ways of further developing organisational skills, homework planning and study tips. Also addressed are the key areas of social skills( making new friends), positive communications skills, self esteem and dealing with stress and minding your mental health. This groups overall objective is to support your child to experience a positive transition into Second level education, please contact Leanne/Ciara for further information and bookings, details are available of the contacts page.
This group will focus on relaxation, stress reduction especially around exams, looking after your mental health and self care. A lot of this programme will focus on the practice of mindfulness which is proven to reduce stress, develop healthy sleeping and promote clarity of mind which is key to performance during exam time.Cost €15 per person per session. Please contact Leanne/Ciara for further information and bookings, details are on our contact page.
This group session is for parents of children aged 9-11yrs who would like to be introduced to the many changes that take place during the upcoming adolescent phase of development. This is an introductory session that will touch on key areas of development and the role of the parents in supporting their young person at this challenging yet exciting stage.There is a follow up intensive five week programme that parents can sign up for, it goes into greater detail which will provide you with indept knowledge of this developmental stage, a wonderful foundation for you and your young person.This introductory session will take place in Springhill Court Hotel on April 15th from 7-8.30pm, bookings to be made directly with Oak Tree Practice, please refer to our contacts page for details. Cost€15 per person. Tea/Coffee & biscuits will be provided!!
Please note that we regularly update our groups page so we would welcome you to return often, should you wish to enquire about any of the above or indeed about other potential groups please don’t hesitate to contact us, we would be delighted to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.
Our team approach extends out to schools as part of a holistic approach to a child who may be having difficulties in any of the following areas:
While working with a child and their family we can also link in with teachers so that we are putting a support system in place in all areas of a child life. We welcome working alongside teachers to offer strategies that can be used to make a child’s life easier in school if they are experiencing a difficult time.
Marte Meo in Schools
In addition we offer a specialist Marte Meo programme for schools, please read the section on Marte Meo for further information. This approach is used both nationally and internationally and has proved to be both effective and applicable. We would welcome doing a presentation in your school to further enhance your knowledge on the principles and practices of the Marte Meo process.
Play Therapy in Schools
We also offer school based play therapy individual or group sessions. Please read the section on Play Therapy for more information.
All of our sessions can be carried out within your school if you have a room that is suitable for us to use. Therapy can be offered on a one to one basis or if you have a group of children that are identified with having a similar difficulty we can offer group therapy which can be very cost effective.
Groupwork/Workshops in Schools
Both practitioners are experienced in working with children and adolescents in group settings. We welcome working with you to provide programmes or workshops to students on specific topics such as bullying, mental health, loss, transitioning to secondary, bereavement/loss, social development etc.
We also design programmes for secondary school students for example promoting positive mental health with transition years incorporating CBT, mindfulness etc..
Please contact us to discuss any of the above.
Oak Tree Practice was established in August 2014. Our team are all professionals with years of experience in their field. The Practice itself has a warm and friendly atmosphere, and is located in the very heart of Kilkenny city.
Oak Tree Practice is a private assessment and therapeutic service for families and children who present with a range of social, developmental, emotional and behavioural difficulties. We invite families, parents and children from early childhood through to adolescence, with a range of presentations. Our approach is very much to meet the family and young person where they are at. In partnership with the clients we hope to explore and develop their goals for therapy, we are all experts together. We will work collaboratively to ensure optimum quality of service in responding to the needs of our clients.
We combine our skills as therapists and offer a range of services to meet the needs of our clients. We have specialist training in working with children and families across many areas that we use to enrich the therapy. Together with our experience and yours we proceed to deliver an integrated programme to you in a meaningful way.
Below are many of the approaches that we use in both assessment and therapy:
Family Therapy or systemic family therapy helps people in a close relationship help each other.
Family Therapy enables family members, couples and others who care about each other to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, to understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on strengths and make useful changes in their relationships and their lives. Individuals can find family therapy helpful also, it can provide an opportunity to reflect on important relationships to problem solve as well as finding ways of moving forward.
Systemic practice considers context as being of paramount importance when viewing an individual’s psychological development and well-being.
Research shows that family therapy can be helpful with a wide range of difficulties including: couple relationship difficulties, child and adolescent mental health difficulties, parenting issues, self-harm, difficulty adjusting to life cycle changes( becoming new parents, teenagers, loss of a parent/child) etc…
A family therapy session usually lasts around an hour; the intervals between sessions will be determined by the presenting problems and may vary from one week to several weeks. Although it is hard to estimate the average length of therapy ranges from 6-20 sessions.
A child’s world is primarily play based, play is not only something that passes time but it is the medium through which our children learn and develop.
“Play is vital to every child’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, creative and language development” (BAPT, 2005).
Play is how children express themselves and communicate. For children, toys are their words and play is their language. Play fosters our children’s imagination, creativity and encourages confidence and concentration. It helps children to make friends and learn about their ever-expanding world. It allows them to learn from mistakes safely. Most importantly it gives children a sense of fun and enjoyment. Play and creative arts unlocks potential in children and can help them make sense of their life experiences.
Unfortunately sometimes children get stuck in their development for a variety of reasons. Play therapy can help, support and assist healing for the child. Using their natural form of communication, play, can help them to grow and become unstuck. Play therapy is a process where the child uses their own resources including their imagination to bring about understanding and change in their lives.
Play therapy is a non directive, non judgemental way of working with children whom may have difficulties. Many children find it difficult to express themselves through words so play therapy uses a range of toys/play to help them.
Play Therapy helps children to get in touch with their feelings in a safe and contained place. It teaches them to become aware of their own feelings and understand them. It helps children to cope with problems they may have in their lives and helps them to learn how to deal with them.
Generally Play Therapy is used with children between the ages of 3-12 years of age. However if combined with a creative arts method/approach, it can be very effective for adolescents and adults also.
Children/ adolescents who are experiencing difficulties in the following areas could benefit from play therapy:
Within the play therapy room there is sand, water, clay, therapeutic books, puppets, paint, art materials, music, toys etc. The child decides what they want to play with at every session and the therapist observes. The play therapist is trained to recognise recurring themes and patterns in play and to reflect back the emotional issues that come up for the child. There is no pressure or expectations placed on the child. It is a safe environment which allows the child to play with as few limits as possible but as many as necessary (for safety). What happens in the session is between the therapist and the child. The only reason this would change is if the child expresses that they are unsafe or someone else is unsafe.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy which is short term and has been shown to be effective in helping both adults and children overcome a number of difficulties (including depression and anxiety). CBT is not a single therapy. Instead it’s a modern form developed from behaviour therapy, as it was known in the 1950′s and 1960′s and cognitive therapy since the 1970′s.
CBT basis itself on the understanding that our emotional difficulties and behaviours are as a result of our ‘cognitions’ (i.e. our thoughts, beliefs, interpretations) about the situation. Hence, it is not the situation itself which results in difficult feelings and behaviours; it is dependent on the way we interpret the situation. This becomes clearer to us if we think about how the same situation can affect us in very different ways. For example, a person who finds thunderstorms soothing, will be able to sleep through the storm. However, another individual who is terrified of storms will lay awake worrying about them. This is because they see thunderstorms differently, hence they react very differently.
Both Leanne and Ciara use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with children and adolescents who are struggling with a number of difficulties including adjustment problems, anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties. CBT is goal driven and short term so that there are usually between 12-20 sessions. It is often recommended that once the main bulk of therapy has terminated, one or two follow up sessions are scheduled to ensure gains are maintained. CBT is empirically based.
In summary, the main concept of CBT is that the way information is perceived and processed by an individual is central to how a person feel’s and behave’s.
This approach assists a person to learn to act and think in certain ways as a result of their lifetime experiences and how they perceive those experiences. This learning is a life-long process.
The approach addresses dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviours and cognitive processes. It is goal orientated and challenges irrational thought processes.
This technique acknowledges that there may be behaviours that cannot be controlled through rational thought.
Research shows that it can be very effective for a variety of problems including depression, anxiety, psychosis, anger, self-esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse to name a few. It can be used with all ages.
Mindfulness has been used for thousands of years in the Buddhist tradition to improve people’s experience of living. It lowers anxiety and stress, interrupts harmful brooding and will help you to avoid endlessly repeating distressing or unhelpful thoughts, images and mental scenes.
Mindfulness involves taking your attention away from the past and future and away from your imagination – and instead becoming aware of what is going on right now. You can do this as you go about your daily life.
Mindfulness is a practice that allows us to show up and be present in our lives as if it really matters!
We are often in our thoughts reminiscing about the past, fantasising about the future and paying little attention to the actual moment we can experience – the present.
Mindfulness over time deepens and is powerful in influencing ones well-being, health and happiness, it has a strong evidence base.
In mindfulness we’re concerned with noticing what’s going on right now. That doesn’t mean we can no longer think about the past or future, but when we do so we do so mindfully, so that we’re aware that right now we’re thinking about the past or future.
Mindfulness allows one to hold a meta-position- you become an observer of your thoughts rather than becoming your thoughts.
Much of the activity of the brain is taken up with narratives, such as stories, memories and judgements, almost always related in some way to ourselves. This activity, known as the “default mode” of the brain, activates the memory, imagination and speech systems. When we spend a lot of time in default mode we can fall into rumination, which is linked with negative emotions & stress
In mindfulness we switch deliberately from “default mode” to direct experience of the breath or of whatever else is actually going on for us. We have to do this again and again because direct experience switches on the “default mode.” In other words as soon as we experience something we go off into fantasies, memories etc about it. That link (from direct experience to default mode) gradually weakens as we continue to practice mindfulness so that we get to spend more time in direct experience. Direct experience switches off the activity of the memory, and imagination centres and switches on activity in those parts of the brain that help us directly experience what is going on in the body and that are linked with direct attention.
In Oak Tree we offer mindfulness in individual, group ( in-house, corporate and in school settings). We inform people of the principles, practices and the many benefits of a mindfulness approach and support them as they begin to incorporate it into their personal and professional lives. As there is a strong evidence base for the practice of mindfulness and therefore it forms an integral part of our practice.
Marte Meo translates as “on one’s own strength”. Marte Meo is a developmental support programme. It contains practical information regarding how to stimulate and support developmental processes in daily interaction moments. The central focus of the programme is to identify, activate and develop skills to enable and enhance constructive interaction and development. The programme is for parents and professional caregivers, it can also be used in group settings and with adolescents. It is based on the basic elements of communication; the programme gives concrete and detailed information about how to take tiny practical steps in supporting development. The programme supports the restoration of developmental processes and can be used to address a wide range of developmental problems. Within the programme these “problems” are viewed as opportunities for developing new skills. Marte Meo does not take away the problem it allows us to read the developmental message and supports us to develop the skills to be able to develop and deal with the difficulty. Marte Meo invites one to take a new chance to improve life for themselves and others.
The programme works by making a short film of people in their daily life, the therapist then analyses the film. This analysis allows the therapist to make a working diagnosis of the developmental level of the client and this is the starting point of the process. The therapist then meets with the client in a review session to give information relating to the individuals developmental ability, here new information is shared about supportive behaviour relevant to the present developmental needs. A working point is then given to the caregivers to practice regularly at home before a follow up film is made; this structure is generally repeated over time as the therapist and the caregiver work together to promote development and aim to restore the natural developmental process where necessary.
The Marte Meo Method is used internationally with a wide range of difficulties related to the areas of communication and development, examples include: children with special needs, ASD, delayed speech, anxiety children with behaviour difficulties, people with acquired brain injuries, fostering and adoption, attachment…
The Marte Meo Method for School is a developmental support programme. The programme deals with concrete information on supporting development in daily interaction moments. It provides information for a teacher/support teacher on how to further support children who may have greater developmental needs with the aim of helping them to participate and function as best as possible. This method has been used internationally in special schools and in main stream schools to support children with various developmental delays and is particularly welcomed and applicable when working with children with a diagnosis of ASD.
Child and Family Psychotherapist
Leanne Cantwell has worked in Ireland in the field of child and adolescent mental health for almost 15 years with extensive experience working with children of all ages with an array of presentations. She started her training with a degree in Social Studies and continued her professional training to include; professional training in Systemic & Family Therapy with the Clanwilliam Institute and Marte Meo Therapy training( please see below for further information on this approach). Leanne has also received advanced training in Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Professional Supervision &.Leanne is a qualified childrens yoga teacher and infant massage instructor.
Leanne values the importance of self-care and has successfully completed a Diploma in anatomy and physiology which enhances her understanding of the bodies neurobiological and physical responses to stress. Leanne has achieved assessment training including; ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-revised) & Storm (Skills based Training on Risk assessment and management for Suicide Prevention and Self Injury)
She uses many approaches in her work from individual to family to group work depending on the clients needs. She has presented both nationally and regionally on areas relating to mental health and well-being.
Leanne has a particular interest in early intervention and promotion of mental health throughout life..
Leanne also enjoys introducing individuals, groups and work systems to the practice of mindfulness which has many proven benefits. There are regular groups run, with further information on our facebook page @oaktreepracticekilkenny.There is also more information available on “About the Therapy” section on the main menu.
Ciara Walsh is a Social Worker (MSW) and an Accredited Play Therapist.
Ciara obtained her undergraduate degree in Social Science from University College Dublin (UCD). She subsequently received her Master’s in Social Work from University College Cork in 2002. She is a member of the Irish Social Work Association and is a registered Social Worker with CORU. Ciara continued her training with University of Canterbury Christ Church, Uk and achieved a Higher Diploma in Play Therapy. She is also a member of Play Therapy Ireland.
Experience has been gained in Ireland and abroad over the last 12 years with extensive experience in working with families and children. Ciara has worked as a Paediatric Medical Social Worker in the area of oncology, disability and long term illness and therefore has extensive experience in the area of grief and loss. She has achieved additional training through the Irish Hospice Foundation and has used programmes such as ‘Rainbows’ and ‘Seasons for Growth’ in this work. She has run bereavement groups for children and for parents supporting children who are bereaved by suicide.
Ciara has worked with children and families for the last 10 years in a community project run by the Child and Family Agency. She has gained extensive experience in working creatively and therapeutically with children and adolescents, facilitating groups for adults and young people and also working with individual families in a supportive and collaborative way.
Ciara has a particular interest in the area of building positive relationships and attachments between parents/carers and children. She specialises in the area of bereavement/loss and working with children/young people who have experienced parental separation.
Ciara is committed to ongoing professional development to include professional training in ‘Assessment of Child Welfare and Risk’, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Suicide Awareness (3T’s), Parenting Skills incorporating programmes such as Parents Plus, Incredible Years and One Parent Family. She has completed creative training in ‘Stages of Play in Attachment Difficulties’ and ‘Therapeutic Drama with Young People’. She has presented on working creatively with clients at University Level in Ireland.
Make & bake e.g cupcakes, smoothies, fruit skewers, rice crispy buns! Colour together – put an extra large sheet on the floor and get creative together Play hide & seek Blinds man buff Swimming wash toys in the bath teddy Bears Picnic or Toys Picnic at home Build a den together with blankets finger paint…
School Readiness: Starting into primary school is an exciting time and an important developmental milestone. Being ready for this life event goes a long way to supporting a smooth transition into formal education that lays the foundations for the road ahead. There are three key developmental areas to consider when we think about our little…
FINALLY A CHANCE TO CATCH YOUR BREATH! Life has become very busy for many of us and sometimes we wonder have we shown up at all. If someone was to take a roll call would we even put up our hand! Many of us live in auto-pilot and devote much of our time just doing…
TRANSITIONING TO SECONDARY SCHOOL GROUP Group for 6th class students focusing on the upcoming transition into secondary school. This groups overall objective is to support your child to experience a positive transition into Second level education. We look at promoting practical ways of further developing organisational skills, homework planning and study tips. Also addressed are the key…
