Who am I?

I am a qualified primary teacher with over ten years experience teaching in a large special school at both primary and secondary level.

I've always had an interest in Psychology and completed a degree in the subject part-time while teaching. I left education in 2021 to work as an Assistant Psychologist in child and family services

In my work as an Assistant Psychologist I frequently think 'I wish I know that when I was teaching!'

I put this course together to share with teachers the psychological concepts and strategies I've learnt that I wish I knew in my teaching career


Do you have students who are experiencing Anxiety Based School Avoidance (ABSA)? Are you finding it difficult to support them and help them attend school regularly? Supporting a student with ABSA can be complex and challenging, requiring careful planning, preparation, and collaboration between the teacher, school, student, and home.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course aims to provide you with the knowledge, practical strategies and techniques to understand and effectively support students experiencing ABSA. Participants will:

  • learn about the key psychological theories related to anxiety.
  • explore ABSA as a manifestation of anxiety.
  • Learn a variety of strategies and techniques to effectively support a student experiencing anxiety and ASBA.
  • Explore the impact supporting distressed students can have on teachers’ wellbeing.
  • Explore the value of reflective and self-care practices.
  • learn practical strategies to apply in managing more entrenched/longer term school avoidant behaviour.
  • will explore the complexity of reasons a student may present with ASBA.
  • be guided in how to respond compassionately and sensitively (within the limitation of the role of teacher) and how to link in with external supports.
Bridget


"I have learned a lot in this course which I think will really support me in my role next year and beyond. I think the resource toolkits will be brilliant to refer to during the year as needed."

Brian


"As a HSCL Co-Ordinator, I see now that I have a very central role in this area. I realize that I need to be more central to the planning in my support of the parent in the situation. Having done this course, I am more confident in my role here".

Amy


"I have learned a lot in this course. There was an abundance of resources which I found very helpful. I learn a lot about the importance of effective communication and collaboration. Seeing things from a parents' perspective really resonated with me and I think it was presented very well in this course".

Example Curriculum

  Intro
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 1: What is Anxiety and Anxiety Based School Avoidance
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 2: Responding to Anxiety.
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 3: Responding to ABSA and taking first steps
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 4: Understanding the Complexity of ABSA
Available in days
days after you enroll

This course is closed for enrollment.

Check out our other courses.


Bundle courses for extra savings! If you'd like a bundle but can't see the combo you are interested just email [email protected] and ask!

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Managing Anxiety in the Classroom

As a teacher, I felt unprepared for the growing mental health challenges in my classroom. As a psychologist, I now have the tools I wish I had back then. This course provides teachers and SNAs with clear, actionable strategies to support anxious students while maintaining a calm and connected classroom. You’ll gain the confidence to respond effectively—without feeling overwhelmed

Susan Quain

Susan Quain

€75