I started my career as founder and director of” Sonas” Montessori School Mullingar, moving then to teaching at primary level in learning support and resource. I advanced my training by qualifying with a BA Humanities (1st hons) from NUIM with a major in Psychology and Minor in English Literature and followed this with a Dip. Play Therapy and specialised in Attachment Counselling and Parent Mentoring. More recently I qualified with a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and I am a tutor with UCC. I established the Midland Parenting and Child Therapy Centre in 2007 where I now practise as a Parent Mentor and Child and Adolescent Therapist and as a Practitioner in Sensory Attachment Intervention supporting the relationship between parents and children whether biological, adoptive or foster parents. I work with individuals, parent and child engagement, and families, helping to create family wellbeing and a secure base where healing takes place. I also offer training, workshops and seminars to teachers, child care workers, social workers, family support workers, and all professionals working with children and families. Further Training to date:
Sensory Attachment Intervention
Attachment and Psychopathology DMM (Patricia Crittenden). Rocky Mountain Institute
CHippa Child Assessment Through Play (Karen Stagnetti). Responding Therapeutically to Child Sexual Abuse. Beyond Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. New protocol for treatment of anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). I am a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, British Psychological Society, Teaching Council of Ireland, Irish Association of Play Therapy and Psychotherapy and I am a founder member of the Irish Association of Relationship Mentors and Parent Matters. Code of Ethics
I uphold the code of ethics of the above associations and I undertake extensive training, and shared vision which ensures a safe, unconditional holding for all individuals with whom I have a therapeutic relationship.”Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”
— John Cotton Dana
Last but certainly not least, my role as a mother and as a Nan to my little grandsons has greatly influenced and enhanced my career. Schools where I have given talks and workshops for students, parents and teachers and I have done consultation work for individual children:
St. Colman’s School, Bellview, Mullingar
Scoil An Linbh Iosa, Prosperous. Co. Kildare
Loreto College, Mullingar
Daingean National School. Co Offaly
Mullingar Community College
Rochfortbridge Secondary School
St. Tola’s NS. Delvin
Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan
St. Cremin’s NS. Multyfarnham
Scoil Chlochair NS. Kilbeggan
Scoil Bhride NS. Clara. Co Offaly
Agencies who have engaged Ber’s support: Tusla, Towards Healing, MSD
