The Swallow's Trail Parenting Support

21/07/2025

It’s been a while so…
If you are new here- Welcome!
I hope you’ll find my page helpful and supportive.
If you’ve been here for a while, thanks for being here and for sticking around!
The Swallow’s Trail began in 2012 as a play therapy practice and it grew on a part time basis alongside my role as a Primary Teacher.
In 2014 I took a career break to take up a part time role in a specialist therapy centre for children and teens who had experienced trauma.
The Swallow’s Trail continued to grow slowly and steadily.
By 2018 I was full time in my Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy Practice working in partnership with parents, foster carers and school systems.
In the meantime I had trained as a Filial Therapist (Parent & Child play therapy) and as a Circle of Security Parent group facilitator.
After the pandemic the demands on the service were starting to make it inaccessible.
That did not sit well with me….
I wanted to find another way.
I wanted for parents not to have to wait..
It is so hard to reach out for support only to realise how long waiting lists are.
So I paused, moved my service fully online in 2022 diverted it towards timely, targeted, individualised and accessible support for parents & carers.
Now I support parents while they wait.
And parents who wish to access support.
My qualifications mean that I can offer evidence based, empowering and life-changing support to parents when they need it.
I believe very strongly in the power of the parent child relationship as an agent of change for families.
My approach is person centred, compassionate and aims to build your confidence as a parent and strengthen connections in your family.
I use playful approaches, connection building and child centred ways of communicating to support parents with struggles around behaviour, regulation,
big feelings, boundaries, school issues, sibling dynamics, power struggles, childhood anxiety and lots more.
I offer individual and group supports as well as workshops to school communities and corporate clients.
The Swallow’s Trail has now become a safe haven for parents to return to.
They get what they need,
When they need it.
I can’t describe how happy that makes me!
Cathy

13/07/2025

Just a little reminder!
My out of office is on for next week.
Sessions can still be booked through my website I’ll leave the link below!
Thank you!
Cathy

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ2eEZNhsnQsLu5PU9eC8GRZXQNiBvPGAdWJvfJ0tex-kThjd4GJU5PM7XssoPdYH25bhAy7qNHS

I’ve had a few emails and WhatsApp messages this week about Summer Support so I’ve put this little post together to let you know my availability.
School is out for summer but parent support services are tipping away at The Swallow’s Trail.
I always return for the last two weeks of August to support parents with back to school wobbles, separation anxiety, developing autonomy and independence, playful preparation for big school etc..
Happy to answer any questions via email/ WhatsApp!
Thank you!

07/07/2025

Parents love learning about this idea when learning about Rupture and Repair on the Circle of Security…
Love these nuggets of wisdom and food for thought about behaviour from
Taking a step away from the situation can be a good way to re-set and regulate, attending to our own oxygen masks!
Of course we can only do this once our children are safe and not in any danger of getting hurt or hurting anyone else.
Stepping away can also model the skills of self regulation- again this can be done mindfully so as not to overwhelm or exacerbate the situation or any big feelings that are already present..
Time outs have been shown not be helpful to children when they are flooded with big feelings as they are wired to need the support of an attuned grown up so help them feel less overwhelmed in the moment..
But time outs can be very helpful to the grown ups to catch their breath, or recognise their shark music 🦈🎶 and figure out how to be the hands on the circle again 💫

04/07/2025

New Parent Support Group in Clare. EVA - Ennis Voices for Autism

03/07/2025

I have been meaning to do a post about this beautiful new book which was sent to me by my wonderful friend and colleague Aoife a while back now.
There are so many reasons I would like to recommend it to parents of deeply feeling children.
It is written in the most affirming and supportive language- Aoife’s own voice, authenticity and sensitivity come through so clearly and gently that it feels like she is reading it to you and for you in places.
I read the book from cover to cover (which is unusual for me!) and I stopped at regular intervals to take notes, reflect, journal, doodle and digest new information. It is a very engaging read!
I have long wondered about my own sensitivity as an adult and right back through my childhood.
Reading this book has really helped me to better understand myself as a child, adult and parent and how I have been experiencing and continue to experience the world.
Aoife does a powerful job at reframing some of the lenses through which sensitivity has been viewed over time.
This book is rich with clinical insights, practical ideas and reflective prompts but most of all - compassion and acceptance.
There are lots of stories and examples to help the reader to understand what the concepts look like in more depth or how some of the strengths and challenges show up in relationships.
My copy is dog eared and full of notes and doodles now…
I know I will dig into and revisit it often and have already recommended it to parents I work with!
Congratulations to you Aoife and Thank you for all the work you do! 💕

30/06/2025

Such beautiful words from I really wanted to give them a permanent place on my grid here!
We are weaving our values and intentions into the fabric of our family life all the time, in ways we don’t even realise or give ourselves credit for!🧵🧶🪡
If for any reason you are finding things challenging, confusing, overwhelming, draining, lonely or just hard going at the moment then parent support could be a good resource for you to use as a sounding board, a listening space or to get some guidance from an experienced therapist that can be tailored exactly to you and your family situation.
Sessions are online, confidential, compassionate and empowering.
After all, the ‘parent child connection is the most powerful mental health intervention known to mankind’- Bessel van der Kolk.
Happy to answer any questions you might have!

27/06/2025

I’ve had a few emails and WhatsApp messages this week about Summer Support so I’ve put this little post together to let you know my availability.
School is out for summer but parent support services are tipping away at The Swallow’s Trail.
I always return for the last two weeks of August to support parents with back to school wobbles, separation anxiety, developing autonomy and independence, playful preparation for big school etc..
Happy to answer any questions via email/ WhatsApp!
Thank you!