The Swallow's Trail Parenting Support

04/03/2026

It’s been a while- so here we go!
Welcome to all the new parents who have followed my page recently!
I’m delighted you found your way here and I hope you will find it helpful and supportive to you on your parenting journey.
Here’s a little outline of the services and supports I provide at The Swallow’s Trail, which began as a private practice for Play Therapy in 2012 and has evolved over time to become a bespoke, individualised an award-winning support service for parents. Thanks so much to all who joined my webinar on self-care for hub this morning!
And to Gemma of course for the invitation to be part of what is becoming a very special and empowering community for parents!
I’m online for week 5 withy Circle of Security group in a little while.
Did I mention I really love my job!?!❤️💫
Feel free to get in touch with any questions,
I am happy to hear from you!

04/03/2026

Starting Thursday 12th!

***There are still places left available **
After the success of her last Support Group, Michelle Nelligan will be facilitating her next group for parents caring for Autistic children, teens & adults starting - Thursday March 12th, from 10am to 11.30

Please find all details below and Michelle's contact information.

Supported by EVA - Ennis Voices for Autism

02/03/2026

It comes up again and again..
The importance of the quality of relationships and connection…
Not just the connection you cultivate with your child…
It begins even before that.
An ongoing invitation to look at how we relate to ourselves as parents and individuals.
Our connection to our own needs, feelings, experiences, strengths and struggles.
Lots of parents don’t get a minute to do this for themselves or with their parenting partners.
And that’s why taking space in parent support sessions can be a great start!
Let me know if you have any questions!

27/02/2026

Something I hear all the time!
And I thought it was fairly true til I learned about Circle of Security in 2016…
This gave me a new way to think about it.
It gave me a new way to think about lots of things in parenting.
The true meaning of good enough,
What’s underneath behaviour,
Why it’s hard sometimes to soothe big feelings,
And more!!!
Now I get it to share what I have learned with parents who come to work with me!
I’m not great with some maps ( you can ask my family!🤣🤣)
But this is one map I can definitely help you with!!💫✨🌱
There are pinned posts at the top of my grid detailing parent feedback and why I love teaching COS as much as I do!
And of course all details are on my website.
Happy to answer any questions you might have!
I would really appreciate any tags, shares or reposts please.
Thanks a million!

24/02/2026

I got an email over the weekend that I had to read and re-read a few times…
At first I honestly thought there must be some mistake..it was a bit hard to take in!
Someone has nominated me for a Women of Vision Award 2026 💫
My vision when I created my service was to create a holding space for parents who need support, gentle reassurance or some compassionate guidance to get things back on track.
It was founded on the premise that ‘the parent child connection is the most powerful mental health intervention known to mankind.’ (Bessel van der Kolk)
It was created to be able to make a timely and targeted response to what parents were needing without having to face long or inaccessible waiting lists.
It was created because as a parent I know how just hard things can be and how much we can doubt our capacity sometimes.
It has become a safe haven where parents can return as they need, just like the swallows do!
Whoever took the time to put my name and the vision of The Swallow’s Trail forward- thank you for thinking of me and my work in this way 🥰💫✨

24/02/2026

Great blog post from Daire Gilmartin

Understanding the Three-Year-Old Brain and What Actually Helps

16/02/2026

Anna Newell & Riverbank present Up In The Clouds, a chilled-out adventure for children & young people with complex/profound needs

14/02/2026

Starting week 3 this week with my February group!
3 spots are already booked for my April group.. if you want to join us please get in touch and I’ll send you the link to book!

13/02/2026

So looking forward to meeting new parents Shannon Family Resource Centre and working with Cathal and the team this for 2026!
Thanks so much for having me!💫

If you are a parent in the Shannon area and wish to meet other parents to support one another and learn new skills in a supportive and comfortable environment then our Parenting Peer Support Group is just what you need. The 1st meeting of 2026 kicks off on Thursday 26th February at 9:30am to 11:30am. Cathy from
The Swallow's Trail Parenting Support will be on hand this year to support parents and work with you all to empower you in your parenting journey.

More information available here: www.shannonfrc.com/parentingpeersupport

Funded by Department of Children, Disability and Equality