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Returning to the Well
In this Spring program, we will return to the well, to this gift from a divine world, to support ourselves and connect to the nurturing aspects of the mother within in the service of our own lives and that of our ancestors.
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Walking Between Worlds
NEW! Seasonal Program Series
In the Walking Between Worlds series, we cross the threshold into the Inner World and the realm of the spirit in an immersive journey of self-discovery and sacred time or ‘deep time’, which encompasses the past, the present, and the future. It is the time of landscape and cosmology, the time of dreaming, the space for the ‘subtle body’, and the time of the soul.
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A Journey Inward
New! Online Course Series
A Journey Inward is a series of online courses that explore the Self-Abandonment Wound and how to support yourself in healing the wound of unworthiness and embracing life—mind, body, and spirit.
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Cultivating Sanctuary
Join the Deepening The Senses Mailing List to receive access to the Cultivating Sanctuary Guided Visual Meditation.
✓ Create Your Sanctuary Tutorial
✓ 15 Minute Guided Meditation with Video
✓ Companion E-Workbook + Journal Invitations
✓ Unlimited Access
✓ 15% Off Discount Code for Future Online Workshops -
Deepening the Senses
Deepening the Senses is an immersive, transformative experience, a space of exploration where we build connections and reconnect with our inner world and soul self.
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Psychotherapy
In my 1:1 work as a psychotherapist, I work in a process-orientated way, creating a space to explore how our past belief patterns and experiences can interrupt us in the here-and-now moments of our lives…
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Inner Depth Work
I aim to provide a compassionate space where difficult and sometimes painful experiences and emotions can be heard, felt and healed. A space for you to feel welcomed and understood. A space to explore and deepen curiosity and wonder at your inner world and embark on a journey of self-understanding and deeper connection, that can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
“We are all badly in need of the symbolic life. Only the symbolic life can express the need of the soul – the daily need of the soul.”
CARL GUSTAV JUNG
About
Eileen Ní Shuilleabháin
BSocSc, MSW, MA Psychotherapy, Dip Supervision, Dip Jungian Studies, Certified Coach (WCI)
I am a Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Coach with over 20 years of experience. I am dual-located in the US and Ireland (In Northern Nevada and on the West Coast of Ireland, in Galway).
I grew up in Connemara, a wild and rugged landscape on the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Oscar Wilde famously said of the region, “Connemara is a savage beauty”. I grew up in a small, rural Gaelic (Irish) speaking community where Gaelic is still spoken today in people's homes. This area was a major centre for the work of the Irish Folklore Commission, recording endangered folklore, mythology, sean-nós (old-style) songs, and oral literature. I have been greatly influenced by the wild physical landscape and immersed in those ancient songs, stories, customs, myths, legends, and music since childhood.
I desire to share with you a sense of that culture and spirit and, as a Psychotherapist, to support how that connection can nourish and guide you on your personal development journey.
New! Online Course Series
A Journey Inward
A Journey Inward is a series of online courses that explore the Self-Abandonment Wound and how to support yourself in healing the wound of unworthiness and embracing life—mind, body, and spirit.
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Embodiment, Soul and the Celtic Spirit
Healing the Wounds of the Abandoning Self
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The Cailleach's Descent to the Underworld
Crossing the Dark Seas of Loss into Strange Country
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Resting Under Brigid’s Mantle
Cultivating Sanctuary and Self Compassion in Daily Life
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Awakening Bealtaine
Embracing Our Authentic Power
A Celebration of Granuaile -
Celebrating the Harvest at Lúnasa
Taking Your Seat at the Banquet of Life
Inner Depth Work
Individual Services
I work in a process-orientated, holistic and integrative way, creating a space to explore how our past belief patterns, experiences, and unconscious can interrupt us in the here-and-now moments of our lives. Creating awareness in the body, noticing and exploring thoughts, feelings, sensations, beliefs, images, and memories, can support us in understanding the roots of complex issues and how these often unconscious processes and our past trauma can interrupt us and our life potential.
If you are interested in deepening into this work on an individual level, you are very welcome to explore my website to learn about my Inner Depth Work and Psychotherapy Practice.
Latest Reflections
Many of the Irish writers of this small island wrote about what it means to connect to a sense of place, to connect to home, to connect to Ireland, to its native language, and this, too, has often been an expression of a yearning and sense of exile within…
James Joyce was an Irish novelist, poet, and literary critic. He is considered the most prominent English-speaking literary figure of the first half of the twentieth century…
Eavan Boland was an Irish poet, author, and professor at Stanford University, where she had taught since 1996. Her work deals with issues of Irish national identity and the role of women in Irish history…
Michael Harnett (Micheál ÓhAirtnéide) was a bilingual poet who wrote in Irish and English. He was deeply revered and beloved amongst his peers…
Edna O'Brien was an Irish novelist, memoirist, playwright, poet and short-story writer. Her writing often spoke to women's experiences and described the inner world of women and their challenges in society…
Brendan Behan was an Irish poet, short story writer, novelist, and playwright who wrote in both English and Irish. At the age of 16, Behan joined the IRA, which led to his serving time in a borstal youth prison in the United Kingdom and imprisonment in Ireland…
When we don't feel safe in our bodies, we live in our heads, disconnected from our physical experience. We need to return to the language of the body, to come to know what our bodies are communicating, to support ourselves in our bodies, and to feel our feelings…
The Celtic day began at night, and the new year started in darkness, for it is understood that the whisperings of new beginnings come in dark silence. These threshold times are liminal times…
This coming autumn and winter can be a beautiful opportunity for us to allow a different pace in our daily lives...
We are on the threshold of a new season. The natural world around us is still full and ripe, yet we feel a change is coming. The trees are getting ready to lose their leaves again, and vegetation will begin to change colour and die away...
Our ancient Gaelic ancestors gathered at night around the hearth to share songs, music, poetry and stories. This provided escape from a harsh existence...
The native language of any country is a vessel for translating the soul of that country and its people. If a country lost its native language, it would lose an entirely unique way of thinking and feeling about the world…
Lúnasa marks the mid-point between the Summer Solstice and the Equinox and was celebrated in remembrance of the God Lugh…
Courage is facing our fears, going into them, and being able to face what frightens us…
His name means ''Son of the Sea,'' he is considered the God of the sea and one of the Túatha De Danann…
Going through difficult times in our lives really brings home the importance and value of kindness…
The Grey wolf was an integral part of the Irish countryside and culture until 1786, when the last wild wolf in Ireland was said to have been killed…
The moon has a face we can see and an unseen side in the shadows. This is a wonderful symbol for our own psyche…
Solstice, blessings to you all! This is a beautiful time of the year when we can celebrate the sun…
Before the famine, Ireland saw one of the worst storms ever recorded in Ireland. It was a storm that led to…
At this time of year, the Sun has its greatest moment of light, the longest day of the year, and lasts for a few days where the hours of daylight remain almost the same— as though the Sun has stopped in the sky at that place of most light…
Teallach is the Irish word for hearth. The hearth was always of central importance in Celtic society…
This proverb invites us to view change and transformation as a metaphorical dark night- an initiation...
This sean fhocal, or proverb, speaks to how all things have their own timing. It is a wise reminder not to wait for a crisis to happen to make the changes necessary in our lives…
The haystacks stood in the field for a month or so, and then it was time to bring them home from the fields to the shed or haggard- the traditional storage area for the crops…
Probably the most well-known Sean Fhocail, which is most often referenced, is “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine”…
Water is life-giving. We meet it from the very beginning, in the womb. We emerge into the world when the waters break…
Bealtaine marks the beginning of summer in the ancient Celtic calendar. It is a Cross Quarter Day, halfway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. In ancient times, bonfires were lit to mark a time of change and transition, celebrating the season's turning…
Antoine O Raifteiri (Anthony Raftery) was an 18th-century blind Irish poet and fiddle player who came from the ancient bardic tradition. He lived and walked the roads of Mayo and, later, predominantly, South Galway, playing music and reciting poetry in the time before the famine…
We all have both Masculine and Feminine energy, irrespective of gender. How we embrace our Feminine and Masculine aspects within us is key to our individuation journey to become our authentic selves, towards a sense of wholeness…
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“Eileen is insightful, she has a remarkable aptitude for dealing with the abstract. It was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
Sarah
Previous Participant of the Deepening the Senses Programme, 2021 -
"Oh my goodness, Eileen. Your workshop touched me deeply. You made it safe to enter our own realm and helped us navigate. Your stories and poems helped me see and understand the process, which has never been made clear before. I feel honored to be guided by you, as my journey is just beginning. I eagerly await the rest of the series. Your style is amazing."
Wendy - BC, Canada
Previous Participant of the entire A Journey Inward Series -
"I cannot recommend this wonderful retreat enough. Deepening the Senses and the pleasure of meeting Eileen Ní Shuilleabháin was life changing."
Mary
Previous Participant of the Deepening the Senses Programme, 2016 -
"I have found these recent gatherings likened to being wrapped in a warm, comforting blanket and curled up to listen to the music that resonates with my heart, under your gifted guidance and the company of seekers. I am looking forward to joining you again soon. Many thanks."
Roseleen - Ireland
Previous Participant of A Journey Inward and Deepening the Senses Workshops -
"This workshop has been so introspective—a coming into consciousness. I love the idea of putting yourself into the way of beauty, using our perceptions to allow us to see a new way of life. I've quit crying and just feel such a sense of relief."
Ellie
Previous Participants of Celebrating the Harvest at Lúnasa -
"The format is light and creative and inviting, a gentle entry to personal resonance with an ancient story, landscape, and archetypal experiences. It involves mugs of tea, blankets, and stones from the garden. A journey through landscape, Irish myths and legends. Keep cultivating this soul space."
Noel
Previous Participant of Resting Under Brigid's Mantle and Returning to the Hearth -
"Eileen has created a beautiful workshop. Eileen’s style is engaging, warm, and also boundaried. She creates a wonderful, safe space while being playful and creative. I would love to do an in-person retreat or workshop sometime with Eileen."
Ellis - Ireland
Previous Participant of Embodiment, Soul and the Celtic Spirit -
"It was phenomenal."
Dominique - Ireland
Previous Participant of Embodiment Soul and the Celtic Spirit, Returning to the Hearth and Awakening Bealtaine -
"Wow... just...Wow... See you next month."
Stacy - WA, USA
Previous Participant of the entire A Journey Inward Series -
“It was just beautiful and profound. I got so much out of it and no doubt I will continue to do so for quite awhile."
Deirdre
Previous Participant of the Deepening the Senses Programme, 2023 -
"Eileen has a unique style. She is true to herself, gentle yet challenging and supportive. She practices what she preaches. This workshop was for the soul. Refreshing which evokes a real sense of purpose, a divine guidance."
Lucy
Previous Participant in the Deepening the Senses Programme, 2020 -
"Through these workshops and Personal Development Coaching Work with Eileen, I am able to return to a more grounded deep knowing that transformation is a necessary part of life. I am finally allowing myself that grace and self compassion to grieve the aspects of myself and my life that are dying off or are no longer useful. Eileen’s style is amazing. Her empathy, intuition and gentle nature creates a supportive environment of exploring and reclaiming one’s ‘Self’."
Heather - Canada
Previous Participant of The Cailleach’s Descent to the Underworld and Awakening Bealtaine -
"Your words will live in me forever. Your presentation is so powerful, a Tsunami of history. So much coming at me, each word you spoke a thousand emotions. Music, voice, and evocative pictures stirring my soul. I did feel energized and uplifted from three hours of Awakening Bealtaine, a fire lit to welcome us home. Banshee wailing, keening a lament, calling her lost children home. She holds a lantern of shadows and light, a warm glow in the distant stars beckoning the journey to begin….Thank you Eileen for this wonderful experience, delightful and inspiring. A soulful journey of history and mystery."
Graham - CA, USA
Previous Participant of Awakening Bealtaine -
"I enjoyed the workshop very much, I thought it was presented beautifully. For someone who experienced exactly what you were sharing, it was hugely validating and comforting."
Kelly - Guatamala
Previous Participant of Awakening Bealtaine -
"This changed my life and has given me the courage to start a new journey."
Mairead - Ireland
Previous Participant in the Deepening the Senses Programme, 2020 -
"Thanks so much for a beautiful afternoon. It was a lovely mix of visual and spoken elements which dug deep and brought up some emotions! It's been a long time since I dedicated that much time to doing something for myself and I am happy that I did. I miss my other home (Ireland) a lot and it was a delight to return there in my mind's eye through your story-telling, music and your beautifully calming voice."
Eleanor - USA
Previous Participant of Awakening Bealtaine -
"I loved the encouragement to take the courage of Grace O’Malley in spite of feeling fear. I really enjoyed learning how to harness & marry masculine & feminine energies. I shall aim to carry the Workshop learning with me as I move forward, including the words in your final ‘blessing’ in the email. Your Workshop has inspired and supports me & will support me going forwards. Till next time then!"
Vee - United Kingdom
Previous Participant of The Returning of Light and Awakening Bealtaine -
"I sense my soul is smiling. Wow, working on myself has encouraged me to live my life true to me. Thank you."
Aine - Ireland
Previous Participant of the Deepening the Senses Programme, 2022 -
"The experience brought me to corners of my psyche I had been turning away from for 50 years- I had no awareness these wounds were even there! I was able to go there with gentle, loving curiosity, and feel those vulnerable, scary and tender parts. Before, when those parts were touched I would dissociate, or be overcome with defenses, so much that I had no awareness whatsoever of the process that was happening. I am astounded by how healing that experience was... something I did not expect! It was really amazing!"
Sherry - WA, USA
Previous Participant of Awakening Bealtaine -
"My favorite was hearing the story of Grainuale, Grace O'Malley. The weaving of the story into reclaiming what is rightfully ours (or mine) was timely. From creative pursuits to my relationships to finding my place post-COVID in my community, Grace's story of authentic courage echoed deeply and emotionally. You made it safe and comfortable to share. To weave in this history and connect it to reclaiming our abandoned selves, standing up for rights, stopping oppression at all costs, sparked the fiery rebel part of my soul."
Kathleen - MA, USA
Previous Participant of Awakening Bealtaine -
"I enjoyed meeting so many different people and hearing about their stories. Connecting with the Irish diaspora abroad made me realize something on a deeper level about the level of pain that the dispersed Irish carried around the world with them, not being able to 'come home'. I love Eileen's style of facilitation; it is very engaging, inclusive, and empathetic. I like how the workshop was structured and how it stayed 'on plan' while respecting everyone's time. I would highly recommend this to a friend."
Denise - Ireland
Previous Participant of Awakening Bealtaine -
"Thank you so much for how you have presented and shared through each step of your presentation what is happening inside. It allows me to remember how normal and human I am! I felt like I was being guided back inward with a mirror, of how it has been for me. I also felt the strength of our ancestors and Gráinne from the beginning."
Anne
Previous Participant of The Returning of Light, Returning to the Hearth and Awakening Bealtaine -
"Eileen embodies the celtic oral/aural tradition in the deepest most accepting way. The group that were called together were some of the most open hearted i have ever been blessed to meet. We changed our inner lives in the gentlest and profoundest ways. It will take some reflection to examine those ways."
Patsy - Ireland
Previous Participant of the Deepening the Senses Programme, 2016 -
"I enjoyed all of it. I have to say. The pace of everything was perfect. The content was absolutely excellent. Your style is truly magical. Your tone, voice, cadence, and soft facial features are very inviting, trusting, and powerful. I would like one every Sunday."
Linda - USA
Previous Participant of Embodiment, Soul and the Celtic Spirit -
"I really enjoyed the beautiful images, music, stories, and poetry and continuous orientation to the body and inner felt sense. Eileen’s style is incredible, gentle, soft, inviting, empathetic, and compassionate. Thank you for a beautiful presentation. You gave me a wonderful appreciation of our island, culture, and heritage."
Mairead - Ireland
Previous Participant of Embodiment, Soul and the Celtic Spirit -
"I had a wonderful, deep and rich experience with your intermixing of stories, images, poetry and music. In the presence of so much beauty and so much mystery. I hope you will continue to offer this type of experience on any topic related to healing and growth. Your style is just wonderful. Your voice, pace, and obvious experience and command of all aspects of the workshop. Thank you so much for this marvellous and moving gift."
Anonymous - USA