*Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Psychotherapy and Assessment appointments are available online.

*Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Psychotherapy and Assessment appointments are available online.
Sometimes, when a family is engaged in a Court process, perhaps because of a separation or an issue regarding custody or access, the Court can request a Section 47 Assessment and Report or a Section 32 Assessment and Report be carried out, in order to determine what the best interest of the child or children are.
In carrying out such an assessment, I am very mindful of what a difficult process this can be for parents as well as for children and I would engage therapeutically with families to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. My background in Systemic practice means that I am very aware of family dynamics and how each person in a family can be influenced by and influential of other family members. My expertise in the area of attachment makes it possible for me to assess how a child’s attachment can best be protected and enhanced by decisions made by the Court. Also, having lectured in TCD in the area of ‘The Impact of Organisations on Individuals’ I have a keen awareness of how the Court as an Organisation or Institution can impact on family life.
Family life can be difficult when the family are involved in litigation. However, I feel it is possible to work in collaboration with families in order to ascertain the best interest of the children, even when tensions and disagreements are present. I know that collaborative practice is what will work best for the child and I know also that parents want what’s best for the children too. Going through the Court can be a stressful time for families. That does not in any way undermine the potential for families to work together with me in order to best protect the welfare of children.
Here’s a link that you may find useful if you are looking for further information on section 47 reports
Information on where Section 47 Reports fit in the law. Here’s a link that you may find useful if you are looking for further information on Section 32 reports www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/act/9/section/63/enacted/en/html
Why the Mental Health System Needs to be Updated- My View in A Lust for Life http://www.alustforlife.com/the-bigger-picture/systems-change-time-for-an-evolution-of-our-mental-health-system
The Best Gift of All is Authenticity… Find out why in my article in The Irish Times http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/get-real-this-season-give-yourself-the-gift-of-authenticity-1.2879061
Selfie Culture-Is it Impacting Mental Health? http://www.independent.ie/style/voices/selfie-society-are-the-kardashians-ruining-womanhood-35201655.html
A link to an article in Niall Breslin’s A Lust For Life