Holding Space. The Intersection of Disability and Psychotherapy Practice, Supervision, Education, and Inclusion.

Holding Space. 

 The Intersection of Disability and Psychotherapy Practice, Supervision, Education, and Inclusion. 

Disability Psychotherapy Ireland

in conjunction with Callan Institute, Saint John of God Community Services clg.

and UCD Centre for Disability Studies, University College Dublin

Date: Friday 11th December 2026      Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

CPD Credits: 6    Cost: €80

This is a hybrid event, both In Person and Online

The UCD Club, University College Dublin, Belfield, D. 4

Light refreshments provided, lunch not provided.

This conference invites all people who are interested in Disability Psychotherapy, focussing primarily on intellectual disability across the lifespan, to come together to hear about advances in Disability Psychotherapy

The conference explores how disability and psychotherapy for both children and adults intersect in education, practice and supervision.

Through keynote presentations, workshops and practice discussions, the conference offers a space to learn, reflect and strengthen psychotherapy practice in ways that promote healing and belonging.

The morning programme will focus on the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively as a disability psychotherapist and as a clinical supervisor of disability psychotherapists. Keynote speakers Dr. Valerie Sinason and Dr. Eimir McGrath  will explore key learning areas designed to support therapists and supervisors who wish to develop specialist expertise in this field.

The afternoon programme will showcase the work of disability psychotherapists through practice presentations, reflections and lived experience-informed perspectives. Speakers will share what they have learned from working alongside people with intellectual disabilities, exploring how these experiences have shaped their understanding of trauma, identity, relationships, ethics, inclusion and belonging.