Monica Monahan

Restorative Circlekeeper, Restorative Practitioner and Trainer

Restorative Practice, also known as Restorative Justice, is a method used to build strong, healthy and connected relationships in any environment where every voice is heard. The practice focuses on repair, supporting accountability where there has been harm and dispatching the negative effect of blame or shame. Creating healthy and growthful boundaries within those relationships is a key goal of any restorative intervention. 

Monica works through structured circles with individuals, family groups and organisational groups to support the growth of Restorative Cultures within those groups so that relationships can flourish, grow and sustain themselves. She holds the space within the circle, where trauma can be healed through active accountability, and negative behavioural patterns can be recognised and transformed. Trained by the Internationally renowned Peacekeeping Circle Trainer Kay Pranis, Monica remains closely connected in her practice to a deeply held belief that all human beings are inherently good, that we are all interconnected, and that the circle can carry the journey towards that goodness within any community.  

Monica work is informed by the most current neuroscientific findings with regard to the brain’s response to relational stress, Polyvagal Theory, Affect Theory and Indigenous Teachings handed down from Irish, Native American Indian and First Nations peoples, whose cultures were deeply rooted in living restoratively, viewing the journey to justice where there has been harm as the restoration of peace within a community rather than an eye for an eye.

She holds a Bachelor of Art & Design - DIT, Diploma in Art and Design Teaching - NCAD, M.Ed in Aggression Studies - Trinity College , Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy - ICPPD, Micro Credential in Restorative Practices - Maynooth University, and is currently working towards a PHD in Peace Psychology Marburg University, Germany.