Introduction Over the years, I have worked with children, young people, and adults struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, and sensory processing challenges. Many of them—particularly those with autism, ADHD, or other Special Educational Needs (SEN)—have faced significant barriers to self-expression, connection, and self-soothing. Yet time and again, I have witnessed how music reaches themContinue reading “The Power of Music: A Psychologist’s Reflection on Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Emotional Regulation”
Tag Archives: Early Education
“Endless Possibilities: Reflecting on Support for Children with Down Syndrome and Their Families”
Every year, World Down Syndrome Day serves as a reminder of the beauty of diversity and the profound value of inclusion. As a psychologist, I find this day offers an important moment to pause and reflect on the incredible resilience of children with Down syndrome and their families — and the power of meaningful supportContinue reading ““Endless Possibilities: Reflecting on Support for Children with Down Syndrome and Their Families””
Nurturing Healing: The Role of Nature and Social Connections in Trauma-Informed Practice
Trauma-informed practice is gaining recognition as a crucial framework in supporting individuals who have experienced adversity, emphasising the importance of understanding trauma’s far-reaching impacts on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Integrating nature-based interventions and building supportive social connections offers a holistic pathway toward healing for both children and adults. This article explores how these elementsContinue reading “Nurturing Healing: The Role of Nature and Social Connections in Trauma-Informed Practice”
The Power of Feeling Valued: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Respect and Demoralisation
By Dr. M – Psychologist As human beings, we are wired for connection. From infancy, our sense of self is shaped by how others respond to us (Bowlby, 1960). Feeling valued and respected is not just a pleasant experience — it is a fundamental psychological need that underpins emotional well-being, personal growth, and resilience. Conversely,Continue reading “The Power of Feeling Valued: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Respect and Demoralisation”
Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Its Impact on the Next Generation
Trauma does not exist in isolation. It passes through families, communities, and cultures, shaping the experiences of generations to come. Intergenerational trauma—also known as transgenerational or historical trauma—refers to the ways in which the effects of deeply distressing experiences are transferred from one generation to the next. This phenomenon is evident across many populations, fromContinue reading “Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Its Impact on the Next Generation”
Trauma Awareness
Supporting a Trauma Informed approach to Mother’s Day in Early Education This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day in Ireland, but as we know, Mother’s Day is widely celebrated; it can also bring a complex array of emotions for survivors of Trauma in childhood or during childhood. Very often, it is the more significant holidays orContinue reading “Trauma Awareness”
Investing in the future : Sustainability in Early Years.
As a green early years school we nurture sustainability daily through our emergent curriculum under the Aistear learning through play Framework. Creating communities of practice with our children, families, subject matter experts – artists, gardeners, film makers, environmental experts have all been part of our wonderful journey over the last 12 years. Gardening, mud kitchens,Continue reading “Investing in the future : Sustainability in Early Years.”
Dr M’s thoughts 