06/07/2024
Over the last week, I've had the absolute privilege of working with the National Educational Psychological Service, part of the Department of Education, to deliver training to Wellbeing practitioners.
These amazing practitioners are already working in a small number of primary schools across the country, teaching children about mental wellbeing in a classroom setting.
I feel so fortunate to have played a small part in this initiative by helping these practitioners transition their skills from classroom-based teaching to working individually with children who need extra emotional support.
We focused on effective communication skills using Person Centred techniques, and incorporated art and miniatures to connect with children. We also applied CBT principles to help children understand how their behaviours and thoughts are linked to their feelings and body sensations. Teaching CBT is essential as it empowers children to manage their thoughts and emotions, promoting long-term mental health and resilience.
Early interventions are critical, as most mental health issues begin at a young age. If not addressed early, these issues are more likely to persist into adulthood, affecting individuals' overall quality of life. By intervening early, we can equip children with the tools they need to manage their thoughts and emotions, helping them be resilient and help to prevent the escalation of mental health problems.
By building resilience and teaching coping strategies to children, we can make a lasting positive impact on their lives. This pilot is running alongside a programme that’s setting up psychotherapists in primary schools across seven counties in Ireland, with the hope of expanding nationwide.
I am looking forward to seeing both pilot programmes rolled out across Ireland and support all young children with their emotional development and mental wellbeing.
