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About Us

“Early intervention is the cornerstone of mental wellness. By addressing concerns in their nascent stages, we not only mitigate immediate distress but lay the foundation for lifelong well-being.”

– Prof. Patricia Casey.

Beir Bua Education emerged from the clear need to bridge the gap between high-quality, evidence-based information and the people who could benefit most: schools, parents, teachers, and children. Founded on the principles of transparency, accessibility, professionalism, and efficacy, Beir Bua represents a dedicated effort to provide insightful, impactful talks that resonate.

Beir Bua Education was founded by Stella O’Malley and Professor Patricia Casey, two luminaries in their respective fields, who have lent their substantial expertise and experience to shape our direction and vision.

Stella, a renowned psychotherapist and author, brings with her a wealth of knowledge, particularly in counseling and psychotherapy. Her bestselling books, notably ‘Cotton Wool Kids’, ‘Bully-Proof Kids’, and the 2023 release ‘What Your Teen Is Trying To Tell You’, showcase her adeptness at connecting with young minds and parents alike. Coupled with her notable media contributions, Stella epitomizes our commitment to accessible, relatable guidance.

Complementing Stella’s expertise is Professor Patricia Casey, a distinguished figure in the psychiatric community. With 14 books under her belt, over 120 peer-reviewed papers, and a professorship emeritus at UCD, Prof. Casey brings academic rigour and clinical acumen to our ensemble. Her 2023 publication, ‘Fears, Phobias & Fantasies’, further cements her position as an authority on mental health and illness. Her illustrious career, spanning various roles and contributions, mirrors our dedication to quality, research-backed content.

Together, Stella and Prof. Casey epitomize Beir Bua’s mission: to ensure that lack of access to quality, professionally delivered information is never a barrier. Our inception was not just about filling a void—it was about setting a new standard.

Books Published

Stella has published the following books:

  • Cotton Wool Kids (2015)
  • Bully-Proof Kids (2017)
  • Fragile (2019)
  • What Your Teen Is Trying To Tell You (2023)
  • When Kids Say They’re Trans (2023)

Patricia has authored, solely or in collaboration, or edited the following books:

  • A Guide to Psychiatry in Primary Care (1990, 1998 [2nd ed], 2005 [3rd ed], 2011 [4th edition])
  • Social Functioning: The Hidden Axis of Classification (1994)  
  • Psychiatry and the Law (1999, 2010 [2nd ed]) 
  • Psychiatric history taking and the Mental State Examination (2003)
  • Fish’s Clinical Psychopathology  (2007 [3rd ed], 2019 [4th ed, 2024 [5th ed])
  • Trauma and Stresssor-related Disorders (2016) 
  • Adjustment Disorder: From Controversy to Clinical Practice (2018)
  • Fears, Phobias and Fantasies (2021) 
  • Clinical Topics in Teaching Psychiatry: A Guide for Clinicians (2022)