Irish Eating Disorders Centre

19/06/2026

Many people still think eating disorders mainly affect women but that belief can leave a lot of men suffering in silence.

Research shows that sexual minoritised men, including gay and bisexual men, are more likely to experience eating disorders and difficulties with food, body image, or exercise than heterosexual men. And yet many never seek support.

Its important to note that eating difficulties are not a vanity issue, they're not a sign of weakness and they're certainly not something to be ashamed of.

If this is part of your experience, you're not alone, even if it feels that way.

And if you're supporting someone you care about, understanding and compassion can make a real difference.

10/06/2026

Transactional Analysis (TA) looks at the transactions between people, the back-and-forth of communication. Not only what we say, but the emotional place we say it from because sometimes two people can hear the exact same words very differently.

TA suggests we move between three “ego states”:
• Parent
• Adult
• Child

These are not about age or maturity but they are ways of responding shaped through life experiences.

The Parent state carries messages we absorbed growing up. It can sound caring and reassuring: “Take your time, you’re doing okay.” But under stress, it can become critical or controlling: “You should know better.”

The Child state holds emotion, creativity, vulnerability, instinct, and fear.
This part of us might feel playful, anxious, embarrassed, defensive, or eager to please.

And the Adult state is the grounded middle ground. Present, curious and calm enough to think clearly. Not emotionless, just less reactive.

What matters in TA is how these states interact.

For example: Someone says: “Did you remember to send that email?” Depending on tone and past experiences, the other person may hear criticism, even if none was intended.

They respond from a defensive Child state: “I said I’d do it.” The first person then shifts into a critical Parent response: “Fine. Forget I asked.” And suddenly a very ordinary moment feels tense.

We often see these patterns in relationships, families, workplaces, and parenting, especially when people feel stressed, overwhelmed, or not fully heard.

One of the most important parts of TA is recognising that no ego state is completely “good” or “bad.” Sometimes supposedly “negative” responses were once adaptive ways of coping. People-pleasing may have helped someone avoid criticism or emotional distance may once have felt protective.

These patterns usually began for a reason.

The goal is not to stop having emotional reactions but to notice them sooner because awareness creates choice.

Sometimes the most powerful pause is simply asking: “What part of me is reacting right now?” Not with judgement but with curiosity.

08/06/2026

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy: The RESISTT Technique

There are moments when feelings come in fast, too fast.

Anger, panic, urges you don’t quite trust and the pressure to do something about it… now.

In practice, a lot of people reflect on the same thing: “I knew reacting wouldn’t help, but I didn’t know how to pause.”

That’s where RESISTT can help.

It isn’t about pushing feelings away, it’s about buying yourself a bit of space when things feel intense.

RESISTT stands for:
R — Reframe
Gently shift the thought, even slightly. Not “this is fine,” but maybe “this will pass.”
E — Engage in an activity
Something simple, a task, a distraction. For example, fold laundry, go for a short walk or just keeping your hands busy.
S — Stop the moment
Pause, breathe, don’t act just yet.
I — Intense sensations
Cold water on your hands, hold something cool or strong sensory input can help interrupt the intensity.
S — Self-soothe
Comfort, not correction such as a warm drink, a favourite song or a familiar blanket.
T — Think of consequences
Not in a harsh way. Just… what might happen if I act on this?
T — Take a break
Step back from the situation if you can, even a few minutes can shift things.

Some of these will feel more natural than others, that’s okay. And you don’t need to do all of them, even one small pause can change the direction of a difficult moment.

Your feelings are real and they deserve space. But they don’t have to decide everything for you.

06/06/2026

Family Carers Ireland are hosting two fantastic talks next week!

On Tuesday at 7pm, psychologist, Clara O’Byrne will host an online talk titled 'Supporting Neurodivergent Parents’ on Tuesday 9th as part of National Carers Week.

On Friday at 11am Asiam.ie will present an online session on Autism and Sensory Processing.

You can register at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/family-carers-ireland-26362127125

Join psychologist Clara O’Byrne for an online talk titled 'Supporting Neurodivergent Parents’ on Tuesday 9th June at 7pm as part of National Carers Week. Register at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987898188996?aff=oddtdtcreator

On Friday 12th June at 11am, Asiam.ie will present an online session on Autism and Sensory Processing. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987900274233?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/06/2026

Come & Try It - Surfing Programme (17th June 2026) 🌊

Did you know that the water can be a surprising kind of place? Its rhythmic, sensory in a different way and sometimes calming in ways that are hard to explain until you see it.

There’s a lovely opportunity coming up this June, a Come & Try It Surfing Programme for children aged 8–12 with mild intellectual or sensory differences.

Hosted by Waterford Sports Partnership, the focus is simple: a gentle introduction, support in the water, and space for children to experience it in their own way. No pressure to “do it right,” no expectation to be brave on cue, just a supported chance to try something new.

You can take a look at the details here:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/come-try-it-surfing-programme-17th-june-2026-tickets-1991053078355?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Come & Try Surfing – Bookings Now Open! 🌊
Waterford Sports Partnership is delighted to team up with T-Bay Surf Club to offer a Come & Try Surfing Session for children aged 8–12 years with a mild to moderate intellectual or sensory disability.
🌊 Experience the thrill of catching your first wave
🏄 All equipment supplied
😊 A fun, safe and inclusive environment
📅 Wednesday 17th June
⏰ 6.00pm
📍 T-Bay Surf Club, Tramore
💶 €5 per participant (+ Eventbrite fee)
Places are limited, so early booking is advised.
👉 Book here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1991053078355?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/06/2026

To everyone starting their Junior or Leaving Cert this week, we’re thinking of you.

We often hear the same worry again and again: “What if I don’t do as well as I should?” It can sit quietly in the background, even when you’ve done the work.

And of course it feels important. It is important.

But it’s also not the full picture of who you are. Not even close.

Exams measure how things are going right now, in a very specific way, under pressure. They don’t measure your kindness, your effort over time or the way you’ve kept going on hard days.

And stress can show up in different ways this time of year.

For some, eating or taking breaks can feel harder, or get pushed aside. Even small, regular meals and moments of rest matter more than you might think right now.

So as you go into each exam, try to hold both things at once: This matters. And you matter more.

Eat when you can, rest when you can and try step outside for air, even briefly.

And if your mind starts to race ahead to results day or points, gently bring it back. One paper at a time.

You don’t have to carry it all at once.

Wishing you steadiness, a bit of calm where you can find it, and moments of ease in between the exams 🍀

You’re allowed to mind yourself through this. And you’re not on your own.

29/05/2026

We are launching a new Online Parent Support Group for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Following an increase in parents reaching out after receiving a recent diagnosis for their child, we recognise how overwhelming, emotional, and isolating this stage can feel, particularly for parents of younger children.

This weekly online support group is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and professionally guided space where parents can:

Ask questions openly

Better understand ASD and neurodivergence

Learn practical day-to-day strategies

Discuss emotional regulation, routines, sleep, behaviour, sensory needs, and communication

Gain support from other parents who understand the journey

Feel less alone

The group will be facilitated by experienced professionals from Lighthouse Psychology and will focus on compassionate, evidence-informed support for families navigating life after diagnosis.

In addition, we will also offer a free monthly in-clinic workshop for parents, providing opportunities for further learning, practical demonstrations, guest speakers, and connection with other families.

Suitable for parents of children recently diagnosed with ASD, including preschool and primary school age children.

If you are interested in joining or would like further information, please email: [email protected]

Please feel free to share with any parent who may benefit.

27/05/2026

Staying Safe on SSRIs in the Heat

Some SSRIs can affect the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. They can also make sweating more likely. Which, in hot weather, can quietly lead to dehydration.

A few gentle reminders:

– Drink fluids regularly. Little and often can be easier than large amounts
– Try to avoid alcohol, especially in the heat
– Light, loose, breathable clothing helps your body cool down
– And if you can, stay out of direct sun between 11am and 3pm

And one thing to be really clear about: Don’t stop taking your medication suddenly because of the heat. If you’re worried, or something feels off, talk to your GP.

25/05/2026

Do you ever find that sometimes, a thought pops in, such as “This is pointless,” “I’m a failure,” “They’re judging me,”, and suddenly it feels like fact, not just a thought.

And from there, our body tightens, our mood dips and our confidence shrinks a bit more.

We hear a version of this a lot in the room: “I can’t seem to stop being so hard on myself.”

You’re not alone in that.

In DBT, there’s a simple but powerful skill: noticing when your mind is making judgments, and gently stepping back.

That’s it. Not arguing with the thought, not trying to replace it with a positive one, just noticing: “Ah. That’s a judgment.”

A judgment labels things as good/bad, right/wrong, success/failure. These judgements come quickly, often harshly.

But mindfulness invites a small shift: from being inside the judgment… to observing it.

So instead of: “I’m useless for feeling like this”

It becomes: “I’m noticing a thought that I’m useless.”

It might sound subtle, but it changes the ground under your feet.

And here’s the important part, you don’t have to believe everything your mind says.

Especially when you’re tired, anxious or stretched thin.

At this time of year, we often see people feeling under pressure with work deadlines, exams, family expectations and with that, the inner critic gets louder, faster and less kind.

This skill isn’t about getting rid of negative thoughts, it’s about changing your relationship with them.

A bit more space.
A bit less grip.

Over time, that space can make it easier to respond rather than react.

We teach this, and other DBT skills, in our courses at Lighthouse Psychology. Gently, practically and at a human pace. Because learning to step back from harsh judgments can be a turning point, not overnight, but gradually, in a way that lasts.

You are allowed to have difficult thoughts and you are also allowed to not be defined by them.

22/05/2026

What if talking doesn’t feel like enough?

And that’s a fair question.

Alongside traditional psychological therapies, we offer some gentle, complementary approaches too. Different ways of supporting the mind and body, without needing to explain everything out loud.

We often see people come in carrying a lot but struggling to put words on it. Not because they don’t want to, but just because it’s hard.

There are other ways to begin.

No rush. No one right way.

Just a space where support can meet you as you are 🤍