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Ms. Barbara Hannigan

Asst Prof & Placement Co-Ordinator (Psychology)
ARAS AN PHIARSAIGH

 hannigab@tcd.ie

 3531896 2429


Biography

Barbara Hannigan is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, and Fellow with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin. She has been practicing as a Counselling Psychologist and member of faculty with the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, for more than 26 years. As placement coordinator with the D. Couns. Psych. TCD, she has collaboratively facilitated psychologist's career choices and developmental trajectory. Appointed Consultant Psychologist to The Irish Defence Forces, Cadet School, to review, revise and implement a new academic syllabus. She is widely published and enjoys researching qualitative and mixed method studies with particular interest in Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Practice Research, life story research of people with diverse lives, such as; people from within LGBTI community, breast cancer survivors, traveller community, and adult children of parents with severe and enduring mental health histories. Presently she is researching different aspects of therapist's personal and professional development with her PhD focused on World Renowned, Master Therapists' Life-stories.

Research Tags

  Counselling Psychology   PSYCHOLOGY   PSYCHOTHERAPY

Research Projects

 Renowned Master Therapist Academics: Personal Lives and Professional Mastery - A Life-story Approach
 Eating Disorders: Understanding the Process of Recovery
 Irish Defence Forces: Academic Course Review and Revision
 Steering to Safety Project, Cooperation and Working Together (CAWT)
 A National Survey of Traumatised Irish Children

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Representations

Details Date
Assistant Professor, Clinical and Research Supervisor & Placement Coordinator, Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, TCD. Lecturer Postgraduate Diploma & M.Sc. in Clinical Supervision (Psychology) School of Psychology, TCD Ethics Committee member, School of Psychology, TCD. Lecturer and Ethics Committee member to M.Ed. in Educational Guidance & Counselling, School of Education, TCD.
Sponsorship and funding for D. Couns. Psych. trainees for the first year ever in 2023/2024.€750,000.00 awarded for trainees following years of active campaigning. Giving counselling psychologists equality for the 1st time ever with Clinical Psychology for recognition of qualifications for eligibility for recruitment to HSE Public Sector Jobs 2023 2024
School of Psychology, EDI Committee Member. I am a member of the EDI Committee and active contributor. This is also one of my core research areas. I organized the whole event alone, and hosted the LGBTI and Psychological Society of Ireland Forum for the banning of Conversion therapy on the Island of Ireland, July 2024. Minster Roderick O"Gorman attended and provided a keynote address. Athena Swan, Silver Award, Reviewed and contributed to the document for submission. This was awarded to our school on 22/08/2024. 2022 to present
I reviewed the academic syllabus and developed the entire academic degree programme for The Irish Defence Forces. The BA in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies (Level 7), is still operational today in The Cadet School. First non-military psychologist to have ever been appointed to Irish Defence Forces. 2005 to 2008
Irish Institute for Counselling and Psychotherapy IICP " Curriculum review and consultancy. 2015 to present
Expert Panel Advisor for Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) For various courses going through validation and revalidation for degree courses. 2015 to present
External Examiner, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Ulster, Magee. PhD Dissertation by: Flemming, S., (2015) The structure of psychopathology and the association of environmental adversity. 2015
External Examiner " Dublin City University and later for University College Cork " M.Sc. in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, Turning Point. 2015 to present
HSE Digital Mental Health Supports Project " Online therapies subgroup. Primary researcher and completion of meta-analysis. 2018 to 2021
DCU (Student Empowerment Programme), Team Leader, Programme Design and Implementation and this programme runs successfully to this day. 2001 tp 2005
Internal Examiner " MSc Applied Psychology Course, TCD. I usually examine 2 or thesis each year for this course. 2015 to present
External Examiner, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Ulster, Magee. PhD Dissertation by: Orla McDevitt Petrovic (2019). Improving access and treatment effectiveness using low intensity cognitive behavioral therapy for mild to moderate level mental health disorders, including medically unexplained symptoms, in Northern Ireland. 2019
Research & Teaching Collaborations: National Suicide Research Foundation, (NSRF) Mind Yourself Project, Health Service Executive, (HSE), Rehab Care, " RTE, " Turn2me, " HSE Adult mental health and Primary Care, Child and adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) " Turning the Tide of Suicide (3T"s), " Mental Health Commission, " Self Harm Intervention Project (SHIP) and " Aids & Drugs Services, (HSE) " BodyWhys " Irish Defence Forces " Irish Institute of Hypnotherapy " Irish Institute for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IICP) etc etc 2005 to present
External Examiner " MSc Applied Psychology Course, Ulster University. 2020 to 2021
External Examiner, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Ulster, Magee. PhD Dissertation by: Justin MacLochlainn (2022) Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences in Irish Schools: A Pilot Trial of Whole-School Trauma-Informed Approaches 2022
External Examiner " D. Clin. Psychology, NUIG, Galway. 2022 to 2023
Fellowship, Psychological Society of Ireland " PSI Fellow of the Society. " Criteria for the award of Fellowships: A Fellowship is recognition of a significant contribution to the profession of psychology, and it is regarded as the Society"s highest individual honor. " I am entitled to use the abbreviation F.Ps.S.I 2021
Curriculum, Review, Revision and Implementation. " The Irish Defence Forces, BA in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies (Level 7), Irish Defence Forces 2005 2009 2000
Expert Panel Member/Subject Advisor " Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy, (IICP) & Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). " I have sat on approximately 6/7 panels for QQI to date. They each require about 6 weeks of engagement. 2015 to present
Editorial Board member " Irish Journal of Psychology, Special Edition, Celebrating 50 Years of The School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin. With Ruth Byrne and Richard Carson 2012
Regular peer reviewer for international leading academic journals: Ongoing Peer Reviewer for several journals to include: Invited Peer Reviewer for Psychotherapy Research Invited Peer Reviewer for Counselling Psychology Quarterly Invited Peer Reviewer for Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies Invited Peer Reviewer for Journal of Traumatic Stress 1998 to present
Dublin City University (DCU), School of Nursing, Faculty of Science & Health. DCU School of Nursing & ACCORD Marriage Care Services, for Proposed Graduate Diploma/MSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy. Dublin City University (DCU), School of Nursing, Faculty of Science & Health Course and Curriculum Review for new course that was ratified and approved for delivery at DCU, School of Psychology. 2003 and 2005

Languages

Language Skill Reading Skill Writing Skill Speaking
English Fluent Fluent Fluent
French Medium Basic Medium

Memberships

Membership of Professional Institutions, Associations, Societies

Details Date From Date To
Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) Member of the Society. SPR is an international, multidisciplinary scientific association devoted to research on psychotherapy. 2022 to date
Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) Member 2023. Conference Executive Organising Committee, Dublin 2023 " Conference Hosts at TCD. 2022 2023
Awarded Full Fellowship Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) for significant contribution to Psychology 2021 to date
American Psychological Society (APA) member (05775589) International Affiliate 2019 to date
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Division of Counselling Psychology, (DCOP) Vice Chair of The Division of Counselling Psychology 2010 2014
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Division of Counselling Psychology, (DCOP) Division Committee Member 2008 to date
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Division of Counselling Psychology, (DCOP) Division Member 2000 To date
Irish Association of University & College Counsellors. (IAUCC) National Executive Committee Member & IAUCC Public Relations Officer 1998 2005
Psychological Society of Ireland, full member. PSI Division of Counselling Psychology, full member 1996 to date
Conmy, E., Prentice, G., Hannigan, B. and Trimble, T.J., The lived experiences of women who discovered their partner perpetrated a sexual offence, Journal of Criminal Psychology, 14, (3), 2024, p271 - 287, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI  URL
Doyle, K. & Hannigan, B., Exploring the Experience of Racialisation and Subsequent Experiences of Psychological Therapy for Black and Multi-ethnic Clients in Ireland., European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy., 14, 2024, Journal Article, ACCEPTED
Hannigan, B., van Wanrooij, T., Gaffney, M., & Quigley, J., Personal and relational ideologies of master therapists., European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy, 13, 2023, p1 - 17, p1-17 , Notes: [The study was the first of my publications from my PhD and it is based on one topic of exploration regarding the personal and relational ideologies of master therapists. They each have vast expertise in the profession of psychotherapy as demonstrated through their copious peer reviewed publications, development of therapeutic approaches, and their international contributions to the profession. Results yielded 4 domains, with 6 main categories pertaining to the master therapists" most fundamental values in their; lives, careers, relationships, romantic encounters and notably, in how they consider their life"s work as their life"s legacy. The risks and rewards arising from their ideologies were described. An interesting findings was that the participants referred to their life goal as including a "purposeful rebellion" to scientifically challenge, flawed ideologies in the scientific and psychotherapy field and in wider society. They reported experiencing deep, genuine care, and easiness in maintaining professional relationships with colleagues, peers, students, and with their clients. Their professional status felt immensely personal to me through the interviews, and with this came the consequence of an imbalance between their work and life, especially in early career while aiming to become tenured. A valuable lesson for all driven academics!! These findings overlap and expand upon previous studies of renowned therapists and suggest a synergy when it comes to their ideologies for life and work.], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  URL
Qiu, S., Hannigan, B., Keogh, D., & Timulak, L., Learning emotion-focused therapy: certified emotion-focused therapists perspectives. https://doi-org.elib.tcd.ie/10.1080/14779757.2020.1717989, Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies, doi.org/10.1080/14779757.2020.17179891-21., Volume 19, (4), 2020, p310 - 330, p310-330 , Notes: [Qiu, S., Hannigan, B., Keogh, D., & Timulak, L. (2020). Learning emotion-focused therapy: certified emotion-focused therapists perspectives. Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies, 1-21.], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  URL
Conmy, E., Trimble, T., Hannigan, B., Randall,P., and Prentice, G., Female Non-offending partners of Sex Offenders, Psychological Society of Ireland, Annual Conference, Kilkenny, November 2019, 2019, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED  URL
Baruah, S., Hannigan, B. and Oberlin, V.K., The Phenomenological Inquiry of the Emotional Experiences of Shame and Pride in Eating Disorders, Psychological Society of Ireland, Annual Conference, Kilkenny, November 2019, edited by Conference Committee Editorial Board , 2019, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED  URL
Oroz, S. and Hannigan, B., The Impact of Working with Children who have been Sexually Abused - Therapists' Experience, Psychological Society of Ireland, Annual Conference, Kilkenny, November 2019, edited by Conference Committee Editorial Board , 2019, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED  URL
Howley, E. and Hannigan, B., How do early-career Counselling Psychologists understand and engage in self-care?, Psychological Society of Ireland, Annual Conference, Kilkenny, November 2019, edited by Conference Committee Editorial Board , 2019, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED  URL
Teo, M., & Hannigan, B, Teo, M., & Hannigan, B. (2018). The role of social media in Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) behaviours among adolescents and young adults. , Psychological Society of Ireland, Annual Conference,, Wexford Ireland, November 2018, 2018, Notes: [Teo, M., & Hannigan, B. (2018). The role of social media in Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) behaviours among adolescents and young adults. Psychological Society of Ireland, Annual Conference, Wexford, Ireland. November, 2018.], Conference Paper, PUBLISHED  URL
Continued Professional Development and Life-long Learning in, editor(s)Robert Bor and Mary Watts , The Trainee Handbook, Sage, UK, Sage, 2017, pp428 - 447, [Barbara Hannigan], Notes: [Written by a team of leading trainers, practitioners and supervisors, this bestselling classic is the trainee therapist's best friend. It identifies and guides trainees through the practical skills and knowledge they'll need to make a success of their training - from writing essays through to case formulation and on to preparing for their first meeting with a client. Along the way, it addresses and allays the concerns which are common to all students. Now in its fourth edition, the book has been fully updated to take account of the significant changes in the therapy professions in recent years. It now includes new and important chapters on: Evidence-based practice Working with diversity Reflective practice Using social media, technology and online therapy The Trainee Handbook is an invaluable companion, and source of information and guidance for all trainees in counselling, psychotherapy and counselling psychology, and newly-qualified therapists entering into practice.], Book Chapter, PUBLISHED  Other
  

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Awards and Honours

Award Date
Fellowship of Psychologcal Society of Ireland 2021 to date
Nomination: Provosts Teaching Award for excellence in teaching 2012 - 2013
Nomination: Provosts Teaching Award for excellence in teaching 2011 - 2012

Research Interests

Description Of Research Interests

Broad research interests include; counselling psychology and the therapeutic process, including mixed methodology research on typically occurring presenting issues to counselling psychologists, evaluating therapeutic interventions, programme evaluation along with phenomenological experiences of both therapists and their clients. Currently there are 3 main intertwined strands to my research: 1. Life-story Research: Therapist development and enhancing therapy 2. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) with vulnerable populations. 3. Risk Prevention: Suicide Pre & postvention, Driving safety and collision prevention 1. My PhD research is Renowned Master Therapists, Personal Lives and Professional Mastery; A Life-story Approach. I interviewed 16 World Renowned Master Therapists using The Life-story Interview Schedule, McAdams, (2021). I have collected 55 hours of data, delving into personal accounts of master therapists" lives and how they interconnect with their career mastery and expertise. 2. EDI: The purpose of this research has been to explore some of the most fundamental challenges encountered by several of society"s most vulnerable and overlooked populations; people at risk of suicide, marginalized groups like LGBTI+, and research topics included - Racial Matching, Culture in Therapy, Social Class, Exploring Gender, Black and Multi-ethnic groups, Transgender and The Traveller Communities and people with poignant life experiences. 3. I was co-leader of a research stream on Suicide Prevention and Postvention in collaboration with The National Suicide Research Foundation. One article "The experience of depression during the careers of elite male athletes", published in Frontiers in Psychology has more citations than 96% of all Frontiers articles. It was also nominated for The First Annual Spotlight Award in 2017, for the top 10 Exceptional Research Topics.