LEADERS IN ACTION

A Teen Leadership OT Programme

About

Leaders In Action has been designed to give teenagers a headstart by teaching them practical life skills, building individual strengths and developing their self-esteem. The power of group interaction and peer support maximises each participant’s experience and may lead to lasting friendships.

We use a combination of occupational therapy principles, team building initiatives and practical activities to expand leadership skills. By developing a strong sense of self, teenagers can gain a sense of control over their lives. Leadership is also about advocacy – here teenagers learn the art of self-advocacy. With the right skills and attitudes in place teenagers can learn to advocate for themselves in their schools and communities, which in turn leads to positive reinforcement and increased confidence.

This program has been specifically developed for teenagers with dyspraxia/DCD or those with motor skills deficits/learning difficulties.

Focus Areas

Leaders In Action focuses on developing the following skills:

  • Self esteem and self-worth
  • Emotional coping skills
  • Managing stress
  • Communication/assertiveness
  • Problem solving/decision making
  • Social confidence - developing friendships
  • Managing the pressures of social media
  • Stretching beyond the comfort zone
  • Motor skills

Activities

  • Tree Adventure Park ~ Squirrel Scramble
  • Archery
  • Team Building Initiatives
  • Drama
  • Golfing Activity
  • Yoga & Tai Chi/Chi Kung
  • Meditation/ Mindfulness / Breathing Practices
  • Creative Art Therapy

Activities are done through group work/pair work/individual reflection. The activities are therapeutic, eliciting a response that creates positive change in each teen. Reflection of the activities helps the teens to internalise their insights, developing their sense of self.

Approach

We use a Sensory Integration approach, and work from a Strengths Based model to help teenagers reach their full potential. This 4 day programme integrates aspects of Yoga, Tai Chi/Chi Kung and meditation to develop strong coping mechanisms early on in life. It’s a hugely FUN environment with lots of teamwork and this is how teens learn best. The group will also be guided to reflect on their experiences and how they can integrate new insights and skills into their daily lives.

Teenagers are invited to complete a questionnaire at the beginning to empower them in the process and to ensure the programme is specific to their needs.

We complete the programme with an awards ceremony (parents invited) to celebrate each teenager’s strengths and all of the successes from the week.

Programme Details

Dates: Mon July 30th - Thurs August 1st           

Times: 11am - 4pm daily

Venue: South Beach Pavilion, Greystones, 

Cost: €395 which includes:

  • All activities
  • A 30 min phone consultation with Máire (Senior OT) prior to the programme

Email: otmaire@gmail.com or call Máire 086 3612102  to reserve your space.

Numbers are limited.

Facilitators

Máire Ní Ghiobaláin is a Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist, who runs her own private practice in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. She qualified from Trinity College Dublin in 2002 and is a member of AOTI and the OT Paediatric Advisory Group. Máire works primarily with children with dyspraxia/DCD. She has a post-graduate diploma in Bereavement Studies (RCSI), with experience in supporting children through grief and loss. 

Máire is also a Taoist Instructor– she teaches Chi Kung/Tai Chi and meditation and also trained as an Additional Needs Yoga Therapist in London. She worked as a Senior Consultant for an international children’s organisation in developing camp programmes for children with additional needs in Ireland, UK and Africa.

Máire previously developed specifically tailored Teen Programmes for children with dyspraxia. She uses a unique approach, integrating all of her studies and experience to create successful opportunities for teenagers to reach their absolute best.

Mairéad Murray qualified as an occupational therapist in 2016 from Trinity College, Dublin having gained experience working with children of all ages and abilities during her university training. She is passionate about encouraging young people to participate in health promoting activities that facilitate the development of coping strategies and resilience. Mairéad has a particular interest in group work having seen the benefits of shared experiences for all children while working and volunteering at camps and various outdoor education camps for individuals with additional needs.

Joanne Quinn works with children and adults in theatre, dance, yoga and mindfulness. Her practice and work is always geared towards her student’s well-being. She creates a safe space for young people to develop both socially and emotionally. Joanne is an honours graduate of Drama and Theatre Studies, UCC and holds a post-graduate diploma in Physical Theatre from Queens University, Belfast. Joanne teaches various programmes with children and teenagers in schools and communities in Dublin and Wicklow.

Daithí Ó hÉighnigh is currently completing a Masters in Art Therapy in Crawford College of Art & Design (CIT). Daithí works using a client-centered approach and loves how working with art can enable people of all ages to express emotions and challenges they may sometimes not have the words for. Through this process, by establishing a dialogue between the client, artwork and Therapist, paths to healing and self-actualisation can be illuminated. Daithí has experience working with young children and teens in a variety of settings and cultures and is fully insured to practice/teach Art Therapy, yoga and meditation.

LEADERS IN ACTION

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