Aims and Objectives

Theme: The Psychology of Effective Professional Relationships
Few solicitors have had any psychological training. Yet you work with a complex array of demanding clients, in varying stages of distress! Our workshop draws upon the latest psychological research and clinical practices that is aimed at supporting you – both personally and professionally.

Our workshop will offer insight into:

• The psychology of solicitor-client communication
• How to work optimally with clients who are demanding, upset, distressed or angry
• Learn what triggers your own stress and how this can impact your relational style
• Consider what emotional and psychological ‘scaffolding’ you require to avoid vicarious trauma or burn-out

Why attend?
This event will be opened by President Mr. Michael Quinlan, who has prioritised members’ wellbeing during his term of office. Our speakers are drawn from the worlds of executive coaching and psychotherapy, both of whom are experienced in the particular demands placed on legal professionals. We will explore communication tools and strategies you can use right away. You will enjoy a relaxing afternoon with colleagues and leave with a deeper understanding of yourself and of your clients.

Workshop Facilitators:

Paul Hitchings is a chartered and registered Counselling Psychologist. He has spent over 30 Years in practice with individuals, couples and groups, has been significantly involved in teaching on Counselling Psychology trainings, the supervision of practitioners and has authored a number of chapters on these topics. He is passionate about ‘giving psychology away’ to professions and groups for the creation of a psychologically healthy society.

Antoinette Moriarty combines her understanding of optimum human performance, gained through her training as a Psychotherapist in London and Dublin with over 20 years’ experience designing and leading professional and executive development for lawyers and other executive leaders. In addition to her private Psychotherapy and Executive Coaching practice (www.professionaltherapy.ie), Antoinette manages the Law Society of Ireland’s Counselling Service and teaches a new element of professional legal education entitled ‘Shrink Me – Psychology of a Lawyer.

Mary B Jackson has been the LawCare Co-Ordinator for Ireland since October 2008. LawCare is the charity that supports and promotes good mental health and wellbeing in the legal community throughout the UK and Ireland. www.lawcare.ie
Mary formerly worked as a corporate solicitor until 2000, when she changed career to work as a Regional Manager for the Law Society of England & Wales. Prior to working in law, Mary was an inner-city secondary school teacher in London of English, French & Drama. She moved to the South West of England in 1996 where she lives in a cottage surrounded by woodland in North Devon. In her spare time Mary enjoys walking, singing in a choir, writing poetry and voluntary counselling work. In 2017, Mary obtained her MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) certificate in a bid to deepen her knowledge of mental health issues and guide LawCare callers to appropriate help. Most recently she has qualified as a BACP registered Therapeutic Counsellor.

How to book:

• To book online, Click Book Now
• To book by post download the Booking Form
• For full programme details download the Brochure
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* Applicable to Law Society Finuas Skillnet members