Nettie brings two decades of hands-on experience in working with children to her professional endeavours. Her background is deeply rooted in the education sector, where she dedicated fourteen years to serving as a Special Needs Assistant. Subsequently, she embarked on a fulfilling path as a psychotherapist, specialising in supporting children and young people from age 9 to 18, who may be grappling with emotional and behavioural challenges.
Nettie extends her expertise to children and adolescents who have encountered trauma in their life through the medium of EMDR. Moreover, she has gained certification as a Grief Educator under the tutelage of renowned grief expert David Kessler.
Nettie believes that healing happens within the family unit and that 'parents are the agents of change' [Dr.Garry Landreth] therefore through NorthStar Parent Support Clinic she offers guidance to parents through education on emotional overwhelm, anxiety, behaviour management, communication, and explores strategies that parents can use within the home to help support them in their parenting role. Nettie draws on the knowledge and expertise she gained having trained with the HSE as a facilitator of Family Communication and Self-Esteem [FCSE] programme and Positive Parenting for Changing Families and Family Communications programmes with One Family.
Her academic foundation is anchored in Social Care, with initial studies at Carlow I.T., followed by a H.Dip in Social Personal & Health Education (SPHE) from Waterford I.T. This solid base paved the way for her pursuit of a Masters Degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS). Demonstrating her commitment to professional growth, Nettie has supplemented her qualifications with post-graduate certifications in Child & Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy, CBT with Children and Adolescents, and Therapeutic Play Skills training. Nettie has also completed Levels 1, 2 & 3 in EMDR Europe Accredited Standard Training with EMDR All Ireland president Gus Murray. She has since enhanced her qualifications in EMDR for young people with Susan Darker Smith at the Child Trauma Centre and also completed Child Specialist EMDR training with the world renowned Ana Gomez. She is also a Level 2 Mindfulness Teacher having qualified in 2019 through The Mindfulness Network in collaboration with Bangor University. She is also a qualified Child & Adolescent mindfulness teacher.
Establishing her private practice in 2014 marked a pivotal point in Nettie's journey. Subsequently, she expanded her impact by founding NorthStar Counselling & Therapy Centre in 2020. At the centre, Nettie leads a team of adept counsellors, psychotherapists and play therapists who collectively offer mental health support across all age groups, encompassing children, adolescents, and adults alike.
Beyond her individualised work, Nettie extends her influence through informative talks for parents, delivered in partnership with schools, Family Resource Centres, and other relevant agencies.