This work has been transformative for the Star Project. The level of engagement and depth it has allowed for us in terms of group work and understanding issues that we are dealing with is amazing. Sinead (our facilitator) works in the safest, most respectful way you can with real integrity and with more than a splash of humour, magic and fun. Her experience as a therapist shines through her work.

Katy MacAndrew

Manager, STAR Ballymun

I received funding from the Arts Council to run creative workshops with a cohort of people living with OCD as part of the research and development process for a new play. Sinead was a fantastic support to me from the initial application stage all the way through the project. As co-facilitator, she gave me the confidence to share experiences with participants, allowing the workshops to unfold in a supportive, confidential and productive space. Sinead brings deep understanding of both therapy and drama to her work, and has helped me develop the skills to interrogate subjects that can be challenging within my writing, and in collaboration with communities.

Ella Skolimowski

She/her

Theatre maker

Sinead is a creative psychotherapist who is passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ young people and their families. She is a great ally to the trans community and has experience working in this area with TENI clients referred to her and as a group facilitator on our residential weekends with families. Sinead is holistic and person led in her approach.

Hannah Soley (she/her) Family Support & Education Officer, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)

The MA in Graphic Design Practice at TU Dublin employs a range of course delivery and teaching methods. The primary mode of course delivery is through live studio-based projects where creative problem solving and design skills and knowledge are developed and refined through experiential learning. Participants are set a range of practical projects throughout the year, that are self-directed with tutor facilitation promoting the development of flexible knowledge, problem solving skills and collaboration skills. Collaborative work and peer-based critiques are an essential feature of the programme activities. This reflects the nature of the design industry where designers frequently collaborate with other professionals. In this environment students are more likely to internalise the learning that takes place because they feel a greater sense of responsibility and ownership of their work when required to make decisions based on real world issues.

A key challenge for students commencing their studies, is working as a team with a group of people they have just met. Making the transition from a group of strangers to a team of design students can be difficult. To help students deal with this transition, we have developed our student induction to include sessions and tasks that encourage participants to get to know each other. Central to this, has been the introduction of a half day workshop facilitated by Sinéad Moloney, Creative Psychotherapist & Group Facilitator. Since introducing this workshop, we have noticed that participants within the class have bonded at an accelerated rate and feel comfortable in the company of their peers in formal and informal settings. This has resulted in a greater openness to try new things, to speak and discuss ideas uninhibited and open to positive critique of their work. This results in the student group being able to work cohesively within teams with confidence, prepared to take risks. The feedback from students after the workshop is consistently positive. Notably students’ comments focus on how Sinead is able to put them at ease, create a safe space to discuss and allay fears. Sinéad also works with the students to develop a personal tool kit for resilience that can be deployed in more challenging times in the learning process. We would definitely include Sinéad’s group facilitation workshop as part of our future student inductions.

Louise Reddy, Design lecturer

Programme Chair, MA Graphic Design Practice

TUD

If you have not already had the great pleasure of working with Sinéad, you are missing out! Sinéad is a professional who is positively unique and impactful in her approach to programme design and delivery. She puts her clients first, always taking the time to understand their needs and requirements, and she listens! She possesses a warm, engaging, and energetic personality that makes anyone she meets comfortable. These traits are hard to come by.

I have had the great pleasure of working with Sinéad for several years now, and if there is an engagement component in our work, Sinéad is first on my list. We have worked together to push the boundaries on community participation with system change tools and techniques, resulting in wonderful outcomes for our clients.

Sinéad's dedication to her work and her ability to create innovative solutions for complex challenges have consistently impressed me. She has a rare talent for combining expertise with a genuine passion for helping others. Her communication skills are outstanding, and she has a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Working with Sinéad is not just a professional collaboration; it's an enriching and enjoyable experience. Her enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the success of her clients make her an invaluable partner in any endeavour. I highly recommend Sinéad to anyone seeking a dedicated, creative, and personable professional for their programme design and delivery needs regarding community engagement. You won't find anyone quite like her, and your projects will undoubtedly benefit from her involvement.

Fiona Descoteaux, Strategic Lead, Innovate Communities