29 March 2024

Self compassion is key to wellbeing - psychologists

A PRACTICAL positive psychology course hosted by Tribune columnists Imelda Ferguson and Julie O'Flaherty will begin at the end of this month.

The course, 'Mindful Compassion for Wellbeing', will run over three evenings and is presented by Mind Your Self Midlands, the positive psychology service established by two Tullamore-based chartered psychologists, Imelda Ferguson and Julie O'Flaherty.

It is open to the public and will take place on three consecutive Monday evenings at Mucklagh Community Centre, beginning on January 29th. next.

The facilitators said the course aims to help people build self compassion skills, which are important for wellbeing.

"Shame and self criticism are both highly correlated with depression and anxiety," said Imelda Ferguson.

Julie O'Flaherty added: '"Learning to substitute self criticism with self compassion helps us neurologically, psychologically and emotionally."

The course is divided into three sessions and the first session will address the question: what is mindful compassion and why is it important for wellbeing? The session will go on to outline compassionate attributes and skills.

In the second session, those attending   will   learn about understanding and overcoming the obstacles to developing a compassionate mind, including guilt, shame and low self-esteem. Session three will focus on reducing anxiety and building confidence using mindfulness and compassion-focused techniques.

It will also feature experiential exercises and mindfulness based/compassion focussed meditations.

The first session is on Monday, January 29th. (7 - 9.30 pm), with the second on Monday, February 5th. (7 - 9.30 pm) and the third on Monday, February 12th. (7 - 9.30 pm) and each one will take place at Mucklagh Community Centre.

Course facilitators Imelda Ferguson and Julie O Flaherty are chartered clinical psychologists (in private practice) with extensive experience working in the adult mental health field. They write a fortnightly column on positive psychology in the Tullamore Tribune.

The Mindful Compassion for Wellbeing course costs €120 for the three weeks and there is an early bird fee of €100 for those booking before January 19th. The fee includes course materials and tea/coffee each evening.

For further information or to book a place, contact Imelda on 087 2271630 or Julie on 087 2399328. Advance booking is essential. Also, look up Facebook: Mind Your Self Midlands.