Getting started
The problem
We recognised that negative thoughts and thinking can often underpin the experience of a range of mood states, incl stress, anxiety, anger and low mood. We also identified “I can't …" as being one of the most limiting set of thoughts for people to hold accidentally, e.g. "I can't be happy", or “I can't stop feeling anxious / angry / down" or "I can't stop worrying / smoking / shopping" or I can't do X".
Our Intervention
In response, we have drawn upon the best available evidence from psychology, gerontology and CBT to set up The I Can Centre™ to improve moods and empower people towards better! This process can often include teaching people how to manage and change negative thoughts, from "I can't..” into a strong "I can" - hence the name of our centre. Our interventions take place via outreach community courses (with almost no waiting times), or through more specialist 1-1 CBT sessions [click here].
We got underway as a social development centre in the summer of 2015 offering 1-1 CBT supports, plus community courses (such as "Stress Busters"). We hoped these supports would help people make progress towards improved health, well-being and development or functioning. Findings from pre- and post-intervention survey data, alongside client feedback and testimonials, indicate that we are making progress towards these goals, and towards a better and kinder society.
Flyer for "Stress Busters" with The I Can Centre - a community CBT course for the general public
Director: Dr Ann O'Hanlon
The person responsible for all our activities is psychologist, therapist and author Dr Ann O'Hanlon, BA (Hons), MSc, PhD, Dipl Couns, PG Dipl CBT
- Ann completed a Masters degree in Health Psychology and a PhD in Developmental Psychology from The University of Southampton; and five years of postdoctoral psychology and research training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
- At Queens University Belfast, Ann also completed a Diploma in Person Centred Counselling (with distinction), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (with commendation).
- As a clinician, Ann has worked in a range of public and private healthcare settings incl the NHS. As an educator and trainer, she has taught in higher education for over ten years, and presented her research and insights at more than 400 peer-review conferences and scientific meetings around the world.
- As an author/co-author, Ann has published many scientific journal papers and books, incl a second edition 2017 academic textbook in psychology (see picture).
- Away from the Centre, Ann has many interests. She enjoys music (particularly the piano), photography and digital art. She also enjoys travel and getting outdoors, and was a prolific sports diver for many years with BSAC. More bio info can be seen on LinkedIn.
Groups we work with
The General Public
The General Public
The General Public
We offer a range of psychology, counselling & CBT interventions (incl fun and informal community courses) to men, women and teens of all ages and cultures.
Corporate
The General Public
The General Public
We provide confidential, top quality support and training for businesses and organisations. These include stress management training, coaching, and R&D.
Clinicians
The General Public
Clinicians
We support a network for mental health clinicians and professionals incl CBTers, counsellors, psychologists, GPs, and others. Supervision and CPD also available.
Respect, Equality and diversity commitment
"The I Can Centre" is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all those who enquire about, or access our services and supports. Within this context, we follow strict ethical guidelines by BPS and BABCP such that all those accessing our services will be treated with respect, dignity, courtesy and compassion -regardless of background or context incl age, gender, religion or culture.
Specifically, we value and respect all individuals, their diversity, unique identity and backgrounds. As such, our commitment to respect, equality and diversity includes (but is not exclusive to) religious belief; political opinion incl experiences / views about abortion; community background; ethnic and national origin; sex and/or sexual orientation; disability and/or age.
What you can expect from us
We believe that all clients and staff have the right to a supportive and respectful environment which is free from discrimination of any kind. This means that your welfare is our primary concern, and as such, you can expect to be treated with respect, courtesy and dignity at all times. In the unlikely event any form of discrimination or disrespect occurs, you can expect us to deal with this promptly and seriously. This can mean getting all the relevant information, speaking to the person(s) involved, getting outside advice as appropriate, and amending and updating our policies and practices.
What we expect from you
We expect you to support our commitment to respect, equality and diversity when enquiring about or attending our services (or in the case of staff, when representing our organisation). We expect you to treat staff and peers with dignity, respect and courtesy. If you are not happy about something, please air problems or concerns as soon as possible - we really appreciate any and all feedback. In the unlikely event you experience any form of discrimination from another, we would ask you to make it clear, if possible, that you find such behaviour unacceptable. Please alert a staff member who may ask/help you to complete a form, so that we as an organisation can deal with any issues seriously, promptly, and confidentially.
Steps we take towards respect, equality and diversity
The I Can Centre™ will make every effort to promote respect, equality and diversity, and ensure that discrimination of any kind does not occur. Such steps include:
- Making our statement on equality of opportunity easily accessible and visible
- Being available to explain this statement to all staff, service users and visitors
- Agreeing and promoting equality at the start of all our training events and community courses
- Ensuring that any and all complaints are dealt with seriously, promptly, and confidentially.
- Setting a good example by treating all those we meet with fairness, dignity and respect
- Being alert to unacceptable behaviour and taking appropriate action where necessary
- Seeking to meet best practice standards for promoting equality of opportunity which includes us getting ongoing advice and training.
- Rotating some of our community courses between church halls of different traditions (only where we have permission for all-faiths-and-none to attend) in order to encourage people into each other's space in a respectful and structured way.