Professional Coaching with Deirdre McCarthy

Deirdre McCarthy MSocSc, BSW, CORU Registered Social Worker is a professional coach, author, lecturer, and trauma-informed trainer, and the founder of Family3: Social Work & Family Consultancy. Her coaching practice is grounded in a trauma-informed relational approach, integrating professional coaching methods with her background in social work, education, and emotional wellbeing.

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Deirdre has completed professional coach training with Aspire Coach Training, aligned with the standards of the International Coaching Federation, and works in accordance with professional coaching ethics and principles. Her coaching approach supports individuals to reflect, gain clarity, and move forward in ways that feel safe, sustainable, and aligned with their values.

What is Trauma-Informed Relational Coaching?

Trauma-informed relational coaching recognises that people’s current challenges are often shaped by past experiences, stress, and the demands of everyday life. Rather than focusing only on goals or performance, this approach pays attention to safety, regulation, relationships, and meaning.

Coaching is a collaborative process that helps people to:

• Slow down and reflect

• Understand patterns and responses

• Build emotional awareness

• Strengthen confidence and resilience

• Make thoughtful and realistic changes

• Move forward with greater clarity

This approach is particularly supportive for people working in helping professions, leadership roles, or situations involving high levels of responsibility or emotional demand.

A Relational and Reflective Approach

Deirdre’s coaching is informed by her experience in social work, trauma-informed care, and professional education. Sessions are guided by the understanding that people are more able to think clearly and make decisions when they feel safe, heard, and supported.

Her work draws on:

• Trauma-informed practice

• Relational and attachment-informed approaches

• Emotional regulation and nervous system awareness

• Reflective practice

• Strengths-based coaching

• Professional coaching frameworks

• The principles of The Bród Method™

Coaching sessions provide a space to think, explore, and develop insight without judgement or pressure.

Who Coaching May Support

Trauma-informed relational coaching may be helpful for:

• Helping professionals experiencing stress or burnout

• People navigating change or life transitions

• Parents and carers managing complex family situations

• Professionals seeking reflective space

• Individuals developing confidence or direction

• Those wanting to work in a more sustainable and balanced way

 

Coaching is not therapy, but it can support emotional awareness, personal growth, and professional development.

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The Bród Method™ and Coaching

Deirdre’s coaching practice is influenced by The Bród Method™, a trauma-informed framework based on the belief that people function best when they feel:

Happy – Healthy – Safe – Loved

These principles guide the coaching process by supporting emotional safety, honest reflection, and realistic change.

Professional Standards

Coaching is delivered in line with recognised professional standards and ethical guidelines.
Deirdre has completed professional coach training with Aspire Coach Training and follows coaching principles consistent with International Coaching Federation standards.

Coaching is confidential, respectful, and client-led.

A safe space to think, reflect, and move forward

Trauma-informed relational coaching offers time and space to pause, understand what is happening, and consider what comes next.

The aim is not to push change, but to support change in a way that feels grounded, thoughtful, and sustainable.

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Coaching with Family3

Individual coaching | Professional coaching | Reflective practice | Trauma-informed approach