Dates: 28 January to 25 March, 2025 (excluding 18 February) 

Venue: Western Gateway Building, Room G18, UCC 

Fee: €250

Closing date for registrations: 20th of January 2025.

Course Overview: 

‘Do you sometimes think you are living a life that is out of step with who you want to be? The ‘Values Based Living’ course will invite you to reflect on what is stopping you from living now and support you in becoming more fully involved in your life. It will also facilitate you to ask key questions such as what kind of life would you choose if you were guided by the values that are truly important to you? It is designed to enable you to clarify your personal values (the qualities you would like to embody within your life) and move in goal based, meaningful directions. Values can remain as vague ideals unless we put them into practice. The course will also explore those barriers that prevent you from living those values and pursuing goals that are important to you. 

You will be introduced to the ‘Psychological Flexibility’ model, which in essence is a mindset that involves connecting fully with our experiences even those we find difficult while taking actions that are personally meaningful. The fundamental components of this model work together to promote change and commitment to leading a fulfilling life. Becoming more psychologically flexible will help you cope with challenges, like workplace stress, parenting and life transitions, such as retirement.  

This course is designed to be both informative and experiential. You will get to try out a range of exercises which draw on proven psychological approaches both during and between course sessions.  Throughout the course, you will be learning simple mindfulness practices that will encourage you to bring yourself into the present moment and more fully into your life. Written exercises and handouts will enhance your understanding of the ‘Psychological Flexibility’ model. The classes will be interactive so you will get the opportunity to explore the topics further in group discussion.  

This engaging course will help you to put your personal values into practice in a range of life domains, including work, relationships, leisure and health. On completion, you will also come away with a practical toolkit of psychological skills which will support you in looking after yourself better. 

Course Content: 

• Week 1: What is Psychological Flexibility?  
• Week 2 Choosing Your Values  
• Week 3 Promoting Openness  
• Week 4 The Story Telling Mind  
• Week 5 Taking Committed Action  
• Week 6 Psychological Selfcare Skills 
• Week 7 Building your Life Compass 
• Week 8 Course Overview and Life Applications 

Course Lecturer : 

Marie Mc Gowan is a Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland. She holds an MA in Counselling Psychology and an MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology. She has additional qualifications in the teaching of Stress Management and Mindfulness skills.  

Marie has extensive experience in the public sector both in HSE Primary Care and in university settings.  She has worked clinically with children, adolescents and families, in addition to third-level students and adults across the lifespan. This work has ranged from administering diagnostic assessments, providing individual counselling and group therapy sessions, parenting support, and running workshops and groups. Marie is a highly experienced group facilitator and is passionate about presenting practical psychological materials in a way that is engaging and informative.  

Requirements: 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at course commencement. 

Contact Details for Further Information: 

Email: shortcourses@ucc.ie  

Please note our refund policy as follows: 

100% refund if student cancels 1 week prior to course commencement, less €50 processing fee.

100% refund if student's course is cancelled due to insufficient numbers.