Offaly psychologists host workshop on building personal resilience

Offaly-based clinical psychologists Imelda Ferguson and Julie O'Flaherty will host a workshop on resilience later this month.

The workshop entitled, 'Positive Psychology for Resilience, will take place on Monday, April 22 in the Central Hotel, Main Street, Tullamore (opposite Lidl) from 9.30am to 1.30pm. It's a practical half-day workshop on how to build emotional strength and positivity for when life feels hard.

Ms Ferguson said: “Most adults would agree that life is challenging, with lots of ups and downs. At times we all face significant stresses, regarding health, relationships, financial security and so on. When we have come through a personal crisis or trauma, resilience is what helps us to 'bounce back' and recover our emotional and physical wellbeing. In this half-day course we will explore some of the well-researched methods from positive psychology which are proven to help build emotional strength and resilience to cope with the tough times.”

Ms O'Flaherty detailed: “Some of the topics will include addressing the question, 'What is resilience and what are the qualities we can cultivate to build personal resilience?' Also, the workshop will set out why it can be difficult to be resilient and participants will learn to manage and refocus attention and use the 3:1 positive:negative rule.

“We will also focus on how mindfulness and mindful self-compassion can help, why self-care is important and how to build a flexible mindset and restore hope in the face of suffering.”

The workshop will also feature the importance of cultivating optimism and developing a gratitude practice. Experiential meditation will be included.

Course facilitators Imelda Ferguson and Julie O’Flaherty are both chartered clinical psychologists with extensive experience in the adult mental health field. They run the Mind Your Self Midlands positive psychology service and work in private practice.

The cost of attending is €120 but there is an early bird fee of €100 for those who pay in full by Friday, April 12. The fee includes course materials, tea/coffee and hotel parking.

For further information or to book contact Imelda on 087 2271630 or Julie on 087 2399328, or send a private message on their Facebook page Mind Your Self Midlands.