Building Connections for Life

Saturday 24th March 9.30-12.30 at The Academy S.P.A.C.E

This half day course looks at the interplay between our earliest experiences of relationships with others and brain development in early childhood.

The foundations built in the first few years of life can have a lasting impact on future development. Understanding the neuroscience behind attachment and the development of self-regulation skills will have a huge impact on how you think about relationships and behaviour.

You will learn:

How the brain develops from birth and how this can be influenced by the environment

The vital importance of attachment, the development of internal working models and attachment styles (and their impact)

About the impact of toxic stress, adverse childhood experiences and trauma

The session is designed to be hands on and active, with plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions.

About Fiona Holiday

I believe that, given the right conditions, every one of us has the potential to thrive and make a unique contribution to the world. Some are lucky enough to gain an appreciation of their precious individuality in the earliest years, for others this can be a long term or life- long challenge. However, given the opportunity to connect deeply with others and ourselves, we can develop a sense of our significance and potential. My work is about uncovering that potential through the power of relationships, for that is how we grow.

I began my working life as a teacher, after a Post Graduate Certificate in Education specialising in 3 to 8 year olds.

I started teaching in Manchester, moved to Leeds and then Nottingham, where I began to recognise the impact of adversity and stress on communities and families. After working as a Deputy Head Teacher, SENCO and Early Years Foundation Stage lead, I wanted to work across a wider range of settings so joined a Local Authority as an Early Years consultant and trainer. My interest in meeting the diverse and individual needs of young children led to a portfolio which included Special Education Needs & Disability and Personal, Social & Emotional Development.

During these 25 years, my personal journey has been one of discovery and growth. Often painful, but ultimately liberating, my experience of psychotherapy and mental health support informs my work and heavily influenced my decision to undertake post graduate study in psychology and play therapy.

I am currently a certified therapeutic play practitioner whilst I await the award of my PG Diploma in Play Therapy. I offer training and consultancy to a range of early years settings, schools and organisations that work with people – anywhere that knowledge of relationships and human development can be used to inform practice.

Cost : £40

Contact: The Academy S.P.A.C.E

Email : counsellingacademy@gmail.com