Making Sense of Stress and Trauma

Hi, I am Dr. Claire Conlon, I’m a Chartered Senior Clinical Psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and parents across Ireland and the UK. As both a clinician and a mother of three, I know that becoming a parent is often described as a joyful and transformative experience — but for many, it can also bring unexpected emotional pain, stress, and even trauma.

Whether it’s complications during conception, pregnancy loss, a difficult birth, or medical interventions for your child, these moments can leave lasting effects that aren’t always visible — but are deeply felt. Many parents I’ve worked with describe feeling “stuck,” overwhelmed by worry, or constantly alert to potential danger. Others carry guilt or a sense of failure they can't quite explain. These responses are valid, real, and rooted in how the brain and body experience trauma.

This pre-recorded online workshop is designed to help you make sense of those experiences. It offers gentle, science-based psychoeducation around the body’s natural response to stress and trauma. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of why you may feel the way you do, why certain situations trigger strong emotional reactions, and how trauma responses can show up as anxiety, hypervigilance, or persistent worry about your child’s wellbeing.

Most importantly, we’ll explore practical tools to help you feel more in control of these responses — so that they no longer define your daily life. When we understand trauma, we can begin to reduce its grip, and create space for healing, connection, and self-compassion.

If you’re holding emotional weight from the journey into parenthood, know that you’re not alone — and that support is available. This workshop is here to help you feel understood, empowered, and more at peace in your parenting journey.