Breege Mc Donald
Letterkenny
Summary
Passionate professional with a proven track record in coaching, mentoring, and counseling. Skilled in helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve personal growth. Experienced leader and team manager with a positive attitude and ability to handle multiple priorities. Proficient in online and phone counseling, program development, and training. Experienced Coordinator with proven background in project management and team leadership. Skilled in streamlining operations, improving productivity, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Known for successfully coordinating multiple projects simultaneously while meeting critical deadlines. Display strong communication skills coupled with problem-solving abilities that have positively impacted previous workplaces.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Accredited Counsellor
Pieta House
Letterkenny
11.2023 - Current
- Supported clients dealing with thoughts of suicide, self-inflicted harm, and the loss of a loved one to suicide
- Engaged with clients across various age groups, including those aged 8 and older
- Implement impactful and timely interventions that effectively address clients' suicidal ideation while promoting resilience and a desire for life
- Provided support to family members
- Collaborated with clients' mental health team and General Practitioner
- Dedicated efforts to prevent suicidal ideation and self-harming.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss case management issues and plan services for clients.
- Provided crisis intervention services for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
- Utilized creative approaches such as art therapy when working with clients (Children and adolescents) who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
- Established collaborative relationships with parents and guardians in order to provide effective care for their children.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of client progress and treatment plans.
Facilitator
Donegal Women's Centre
Letterkenny
10.2021 - Current
- Develop and execute customized art and mindfulness initiatives for individuals impacted by COVID-induced isolation, survivors of trauma or domestic abuse, and war refugees
- Provided opportunities, resources, encouragement, and support to facilitate the group's success in achieving goals.
- Maintained records of attendance, participation, and other relevant information.
- Created a safe environment for participants to express their opinions without fear of judgement or criticism.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to ensure all expectations were met during the facilitation process.
- Provided timely follow-up after each session with participants, stakeholders, and other parties involved.
- Encouraged collaborative problem solving through active listening techniques.
- Conducted research into best practices related to the facilitation process.
- Facilitated group discussions and activities to ensure successful outcomes.
- Resolved conflicts between participants using effective communication skills.
- Organized materials and resources required for each session in advance.
- Monitored progress throughout the course ensuring objectives were being achieved.
Counselling Coordinator
Donegal Women's Centre
Letterkenny
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Supervised and provided support to a team of 23 student counsellors and pre-accredited counsellors
- Created and implemented comprehensive training programs for staff
- Implemented effective policies and guidelines for working with survivors of domestic violence
- Utilized knowledge of trauma-informed practices to support clients in healing
- Implemented effective training methods to foster growth in creative expression and mindfulness practices
- Conducted program facilitation for female offenders in the justice system.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures related to project management activities.
- Maintained calendars of upcoming events, meetings and deadlines.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the department including scheduling tasks and assigning duties.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure projects were completed on time and within budget.
- Offered leadership, guidance, and mentorship to student counselors and pre-accredited counselors.
- Interpreted and explained work procedures and policies to brief staff.
- Discussed job performance problems with employees, identifying causes and issues to find solutions.
- Researched and prepared reports required by management or governmental agencies.
- Trained employees on best practices and protocols while managing teams to maintain optimal productivity.
- Recruited, interviewed, and selected counsellors to fill placement roles.
- Evaluated the performance of counsellors to ensure compliance with quality standards and established procedures.
Residential Support Worker
Solis MMC
Muff
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Collaborated within a residential environment to deliver quality opportunities, experiences, and social education to young people
- Used a person-centered approach to implement a detached youth work model
- Provided 1:1 support to young individuals, designing tailored programs to meet their unique needs.
- Provided highest quality care to young people.
- Assisted with medication administration and management as needed.
- Maintained daily records of resident activities, progress, and incidents.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss current issues related to clients' welfare.
- Monitored clients' health conditions and reported any changes or concerns immediately.
- Conducted safety checks on all areas of the facility.
- Assessed new residents upon admission to determine their needs and develop a personalized care plan accordingly.
- Identified potential risks or hazards in the facility environment and developed strategies to address them.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure best practice standards were maintained.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to GDPR protocols.
Pre-accredited Counsellor
Donegal Youth Service (DYS)
Letterkenny
01.2018 - 05.2019
- Recruited program participants and provided 1:1 support to young people
- Designed and facilitated individual and group programs tailored to meet participants' identified needs.
- Implemented a detached youth work model with focus on person-centered approach.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, and other professionals.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping skills that could be used during times of stress or difficulty.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss case management issues and plan services for clients.
- Facilitated communication between school personnel, parents and guardians, therapists, psychiatrists, and other professionals involved in the student's care.
- Implemented therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness training into practice.
- Provided crisis intervention services for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of client progress and treatment plans.
Pre-accredited Counsellor
Donegal Community Counselling Service
Letterkenny
01.2015 - 05.2019
- Provide compassionate, professional, and confidential counselling services to individuals aged 17 years and over
- Work with a wide range of issues including depression, abuse, family concerns, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, bullying, fertility issues, and postnatal depression.
Team Lead and Centre Coordinator
Pastoral Centre
Ballinrobe Co. Mayo
06.2000 - 07.2008
- Established clear expectations for employees, providing guidance when needed.
- Participated in regular meetings with senior leadership to provide updates on team progress.
- Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
- Developed strategies for problem solving and conflict resolution among team members.
- Assisted with recruitment efforts by interviewing potential candidates and providing input on hiring decisions.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess individual team member progress.
- Provided coaching and feedback on employee performance, encouraging professional development.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations in the workplace.
- Monitored daily workflow to ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Created training materials and conducted group trainings on new processes or procedures.
- Held weekly staff meetings to review project updates, discuss issues, and brainstorm solutions.
- Coordinated team activities and delegated tasks to ensure efficient completion of projects.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
- Motivated and empowered team members to enhance service-users' satisfaction and loyalty, driving retention and growth.
- Maintained open lines of communication with senior management, reporting team progress and challenges.
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss targets, strategies, and address any issues.
- Negotiated with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms and improve bottom-line results.
- Oversaw training and development programs to enhance team skills and knowledge.
Family Support Worker
Pastoral Centre
Ballinrobe Co. Mayo
03.1998 - 06.2000
- Counseled clients on issues related to divorce or separation proceedings.
- Conducted assessments of family needs and developed individualized service plans.
- Developed parenting skills classes for at-risk families.
- Coordinated referrals to community resources such as housing, medical care, education.
- Assisted families with financial planning and budgeting.
- Facilitated home visits to assess the safety of a family's environment.
- Collaborated with other agencies providing services to the family unit.
- Coached clients on how best to advocate for their children's educational needs.
- Participated in team meetings with social workers, therapists, and probation officers.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress including documentation of services provided.
- Facilitated communication between parents, children, and other family members.
- Facilitated parental workshops and classes to provide support to children in achieving school and academic success.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
- Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
- Collaborated with state agencies and benefits coordinators to develop individualized plans for each case.
Education
2-Day Certificate Course - Group Therapy: Evidence-Based Strategies to Develop and Facilitate Dynamic, Purposeful and Effective Group Therapy -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
09.2023
Motivational Interviewing for Group Therapy: Clinical Skills that Drive Collaboration and Change -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
09.2023
Group Facilitator Training - Practical Aspects of Establishing an Effective Therapy Group -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
09.2023
Introduction to Wellness Recovery Action Planning – WRAP Seminar 1 (Online) -
Copeland Centre for Wellness and Recovery
02.2022
3 Modules Completed With Distinctions -
BTEI Course Information Youth Work: QQI Level 5 Major Award
10.2017
Bachelor of Science - Counselling
Ulster University Jordanstown
08.2017
Couples and Family Therapy Diploma -
College of Management and IT (CMIT Online), Dublin
01.2017
Art Therapy Diploma Course -
International College for Personal and Professional Development (ICPPD)
01.2017
Training and Development: (Train the Trainer) Training Needs Identification and Design Training Delivery and Evaluation. -
Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB)
01.2016
Training and Development
12.2015
NCFE Care Counselling for Children -
College of Management and IT (CMIT Online), Dublin
01.2015
Mindfulness Diploma Course -
Centre of Excellence (Online) Manchester
01.2015
Foundation Degree in Counselling. Level 6. -
Northwest Regional College, Derry (affiliated to Ulster University)
01.2014
Certificate in the Study of Counselling. Level 5. -
Northwest Regional College, Derry (affiliated to Ulster University)
01.2011
Degree in Computer with Business Applications -
Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal
01.2011
Access 21 Course -
Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal
01.2009
Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II) Course with Janina Fisher -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
Seminar 2: 5 day, WRAP Co-Facilitator, In conjunction with the Copeland Centre -
Recovery College
Accredited iheart Facilitator and Tutor Training -
Iheart Organisation - accredited by the matrix Standard
Foundation Course (Cruse Bereavement Support, Belfast) -
Bereavement Support Foundation Course
Foundation Degree in Sexual Health Promotion. Level 6. -
Woman’s Centre Letterkenny/HSE
Skills
- Counselling skills
- Client Records Management
- Intervention Planning
- Online and phone counselling
- Developing and delivering programs and training
- Group therapy
- Motivational interviewing for group therapy
- Group facilitator training
- Complex trauma certification training
- Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) co-facilitator
- Iheart facilitator and tutor training
- Bereavement support
- Sexual health promotion
- Couples and family therapy
- Art therapy
- Training and development (Train the Trainer)
- Care counselling for children
- Mindfulness
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)
- Salesforce
- Psychological support worker
- Youth work
- Trauma-informed practice
- Domestic abuse counselling
- Group facilitation
- Crisis intervention
- Team management and supervision
Affiliations
BSC (Hons) In Professional Development in Counselling.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), Accredited Member, 2014 - present
References
Available on request
Additional Training
- Psychological Support Worker (Donegal SA & RCC Volunteer): 2011-2012
- Court Accompaniment Training: Nov 2011
- Sayit School Project: Sept 2011 – April 2012
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training): May 2011
- Twin Towns (Wellbeing Integrated Network Volunteer): May 2009
- VEC/CDP Sign Language Course: Feb 2009- May 2009
- Weight Watchers Promoted to Coach: June 2005
- Make a Wish Fundraiser: Jan 2004 – May 2004
- Weight Watcher Leader of the Year: 2003
- Family Support Worker (Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo Volunteer): 1998 – 2005
- Crumlin Children’s Hospital Fundraiser: 2003 – 2004
- Share a Dream Foundation (Travelled to France with terminally ill Children): April 2003
- Active Retirement Group Volunteer: 1994 – 1996
- Travellers Association Playgroup Volunteer: 1992 – 1996
Training
- Computer packages: Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook
- 2009: VEC/CDP: Sign Language Course
- 2011-2012: Donegal SA & RCC: Psychological Support Worker Training
- 2011: Rape Crisis Network: Court Accompaniment Training
- 2011: ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Accredited Counsellor
Pieta House
11.2023 - Current
Counselling Coordinator
Donegal Women's Centre
03.2023 - 03.2024
Facilitator
Donegal Women's Centre
10.2021 - Current
Residential Support Worker
Solis MMC
05.2019 - 06.2021
Pre-accredited Counsellor
Donegal Youth Service (DYS)
01.2018 - 05.2019
Pre-accredited Counsellor
Donegal Community Counselling Service
01.2015 - 05.2019
Team Lead and Centre Coordinator
Pastoral Centre
06.2000 - 07.2008
Family Support Worker
Pastoral Centre
03.1998 - 06.2000
2-Day Certificate Course - Group Therapy: Evidence-Based Strategies to Develop and Facilitate Dynamic, Purposeful and Effective Group Therapy -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
Motivational Interviewing for Group Therapy: Clinical Skills that Drive Collaboration and Change -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
Group Facilitator Training - Practical Aspects of Establishing an Effective Therapy Group -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
Introduction to Wellness Recovery Action Planning – WRAP Seminar 1 (Online) -
Copeland Centre for Wellness and Recovery
3 Modules Completed With Distinctions -
BTEI Course Information Youth Work: QQI Level 5 Major Award
Bachelor of Science - Counselling
Ulster University Jordanstown
Couples and Family Therapy Diploma -
College of Management and IT (CMIT Online), Dublin
Art Therapy Diploma Course -
International College for Personal and Professional Development (ICPPD)
Training and Development: (Train the Trainer) Training Needs Identification and Design Training Delivery and Evaluation. -
Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB)
Training and Development
NCFE Care Counselling for Children -
College of Management and IT (CMIT Online), Dublin
Mindfulness Diploma Course -
Centre of Excellence (Online) Manchester
Foundation Degree in Counselling. Level 6. -
Northwest Regional College, Derry (affiliated to Ulster University)
Certificate in the Study of Counselling. Level 5. -
Northwest Regional College, Derry (affiliated to Ulster University)
Degree in Computer with Business Applications -
Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal
Access 21 Course -
Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal
Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II) Course with Janina Fisher -
Pesi uk A Non-Profit Organisation
Seminar 2: 5 day, WRAP Co-Facilitator, In conjunction with the Copeland Centre -
Recovery College
Accredited iheart Facilitator and Tutor Training -
Iheart Organisation - accredited by the matrix Standard
Foundation Course (Cruse Bereavement Support, Belfast) -
Bereavement Support Foundation Course
Foundation Degree in Sexual Health Promotion. Level 6. -
Woman’s Centre Letterkenny/HSE
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