Irish Eating Disorders Centre

26/09/2025

Self compassion isn't a luxury - it's a necessity.

At LightHouse Psychology, we talk a lot about the importance of being kind to yourself. That might mean saying “no” when you’re stretched too thin, taking a break without guilt, or simply noticing what you need.

We’re always looking for real-life ways people care for themselves. What do you do to practice self-compassion? Drop a comment below to inspire others.

22/09/2025

🧠 Struggling with overwhelming emotions or relationship stress? DBT offers a structured way forward.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach designed to support people who experience intense emotions and find it difficult to cope with distress, self-harm urges, or relationship challenges.

At Lighthouse Psychology, DBT is delivered by trained clinicians through a structured programme that includes individual therapy, group skills training, and between-session support.

DBT focuses on building four key skill areas:
🔵 Mindfulness – staying present and navigating emotions with awareness
🔵 Distress Tolerance – managing emotional crises without harmful behaviours
🔵 Emotion Regulation – understanding and adjusting emotional responses
🔵 Interpersonal Effectiveness – communicating clearly and maintaining healthy relationships

DBT offers a practical framework for emotional resilience, improved relationships, and a more balanced life. In this video, Dr. Marsha Linehan, the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), explains the approach in her own words: https://youtu.be/fR7Oi0cyoVo?si=Tgi7zIvpYyi9zqz-

Ready to learn more or take the first step? Visit: https://lighthousepsychology.ie/dialectical-behavioural-therapy-dbt/

Hosted by Daniel Flynn

19/09/2025

Want to win a book that helps you reconnect with your authentic self and transform your relationships?

We’re giving away a copy of " The Child in You: The Breakthrough Method for Bringing Out Your Authentic Self" across our social media platforms!

This book is a powerful resource for anyone, whether you're a professional, a parent, or simply someone on a personal growth journey.

To enter on any of our social media platforms:
1️⃣ Like the post
2️⃣ Follow the page (Lighthouse Psychology or Irish Eating Disorder Clinic)
3️⃣ Tag someone who’d love this book too!

✅ You can enter once per platform per page – that’s up to 5 entries total if you enter on:
Lighthouse Psychology (Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn)
Irish Eating Disorder Clinic (Facebook & LinkedIn)

🗓️ Entries close: Tuesday 23rd September at 11:59pm
🏆 Winner announced: Wednesday 24th September at 1pm
📬 Book posted: Wednesday evening

16/09/2025

Our first ARFID support group will take place soon. Please reach out to Edwina to secure your place. This is a very small group where parents can talk about anything that is connected to ARFID.

15/09/2025

Is your child’s eating more difficult since school started? It’s not just you - here’s why.

Many parents notice their child’s ARFID becomes harder to manage during the school term. You’re not imagining it - here’s what might be happening:
💙 Routine changes: New schedules, lunchrooms, and less flexibility can disrupt eating habits.
💙 Increased stress: New teachers, classmates, and expectations can heighten anxiety, which often affects appetite.
💙 Less parental support: Without their safe person nearby, children may feel more pressure to eat.
💙 Sensory overload: School environments can be noisy, smelly, and overwhelming - making eating even more difficult.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These challenges are common and not a reflection of your parenting. With the right support, children can learn to manage both their eating and the school environment.

📞 Need support this term? We’re here to help.

12/09/2025

Wondering if your child might have ADHD? Here’s how we can help.

Our ADHD assessments are led by a highly experienced, clinician-led multidisciplinary team with deep expertise in neurodiversity. We go beyond diagnosis - offering meaningful insights, tailored recommendations, and compassionate support.

Here’s what to expect:
1️⃣ Pre-Assessment Guidance - We help you decide if an ADHD assessment is right for your child.
2️⃣ Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnosis - Includes clinical interviews, psychometric testing, and school input.
3️⃣ Follow-Up & Treatment Planning - We provide a personalised plan with psychological support and practical strategies.
4️⃣ Optional Medical Review - On-site consultation to explore medication options.
5️⃣ Ongoing Support - Continued monitoring and titration if medication is prescribed.

Our team includes psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, a dietician, and a GP, all working together to support your child’s wellbeing.

📞 Ready to take the next step? Book a free 15-minute consultation or visit our website to learn more: lighthousepsychology.ie

10/09/2025

Myth or fact: Anxiety is just a phase which children can grow out of

❌ Myth: “Children grow out of anxiety."
✅ Truth: Anxiety is a real and treatable condition - even in young children.

Explanation:
While some children may naturally become less anxious over time, many need support to manage anxiety effectively.
Anxiety can interfere with sleep, school, friendships, and family life. Left untreated, it may persist into adolescence and adulthood.
The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable. With the right tools and support, children can learn to manage their worries and thrive.

At Lighthouse Psychology, we offer compassionate, evidence-based support for children and families navigating anxiety.
Have you heard this myth before? Let us know in the comments.

08/09/2025

Knowledge is power - especially when it comes to your mental health.

When you understand what’s happening in your mind and body, you’re no longer just reacting - you’re responding with awareness.

At Lighthouse Psychology, we believe that psychoeducation is a vital part of the healing process. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or burnout, learning about your condition helps reduce fear, break down stigma, and give you practical tools to manage symptoms.

Therapy isn’t just about talking, it’s about learning, growing, and reclaiming control.

📞 Curious about how therapy can help you understand your mental health better?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our clinicians today.

05/09/2025

“It took away the stress and hassle.”

We’re so grateful for this lovely feedback. We know how overwhelming forms like the Domiciliary Care Allowance can be. That’s why we offer dedicated support to walk you through every detail, taking away the stress and making sure your child’s needs are clearly represented.

💬 Want to discuss our comprehensive services? Book a free 15-minute consultation today.

02/09/2025

👩‍⚕️ Meet the Team: Prof. Christine (Chrissie) Tizzard

This we’re proud to introduce our Clinical Director, Prof. Christine Tizzard, a Chartered Consultant Psychologist and Chartered Scientist (PsychD, BSc, MSc, C.Sci, C.Psychol, AFBPsS, PSI).

With over 20 years of experience in both military and civilian trauma, Prof. Chrissie Tizzard is a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her clinical work is grounded in extensive research, with her PhD focusing on trauma, and she continues to shape the field through international lectures and clinical supervision.

Chrissie’s work spans frontline support for emergency and rescue service clinicians, and she is deeply committed to improving outcomes for those affected by trauma. Her compassionate leadership and evidence-based approach guide our team’s ethos and clinical excellence.

Have a question for Prof. Tizzard? Drop it in the comments!

01/09/2025

Why do blood tests matter in eating disorder care?

When a child is struggling with food, their body may be affected in ways we can’t always see. That’s why blood tests are a key part of safe, effective treatment.

Here’s what they help us do:
🩵 Check if the body has the vitamins, minerals, and energy it needs
🩵 Spot early warning signs that need medical attention
🩵 Make sure treatment is safe and tailored to the child’s needs

It’s never about “catching them out.” It’s about keeping children safe while we help them recover.

At Lighthouse Psychology, our team works closely with families to ensure every step of care is compassionate, informed, and medically sound.

📞 Want to learn more about our eating disorder services? Book a free 15-minute consultation today.

14/06/2025

Pregnancy and postpartum can trigger eating disorders — even in people with no prior history.

During this time, rapid body changes, hormonal shifts, and emotional stress can lead to disordered eating as a way to cope. Common triggers include:

🌀 Feeling out of control with body changes
🗣 Pressure to “bounce back” after birth
🍽️ Appetite changes, cravings, or food restrictions (e.g. gestational diabetes)
😴 Sleep deprivation and stress
🤱 Increased hunger while breastfeeding
💭 Postnatal depression or isolation

If you’re struggling with food or body image during pregnancy or after birth, you’re not alone — and help is available. Recovery is possible, even during this intense chapter of life.