Gala Tullamore launch of new book on psychology and personal development

A GALA Tullamore launch of a well received new book on psychology and personal development took place over the Christmas holidays.

There was a large turnout in Browne's William Street on December 27 for the launch of 'Psycholopgy with a Sparke', the debut book by Tullamore native Dr Denise O'Dwyer, a well known Chartered Principal Psychologist.

Now based and living in Galway, Denise is well known locally, having grown up in Tullamore. Her late father, Derry O'Dwyer was a much revered personality in Tullamore for decades. A colourful, larger than life character, he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Midland Health Board for years and immersed himself in the local community – he was a former President of both Tullamore Rugby Club and Tullamore Lions Club, and passed away six years ago. Her mother Maureen still lives in Tullamore and is visited by Denise most weekends.

Denise has built up a substantial following on her 'Psychology with a Sparkle' social media pages, which continue to expand, grow and inspire. Posting as Dr. Dee, her popular messages about living and life, are both positive and insightful. Simple prompts regarding how to cope with and progress through life’s struggles and difficulties, have been helpful to many, and her new book, ‘Psychology with a Sparkle’ is a punchy progression from that.

Denise describes her book as: ”Something that will be of value to the everyday person, who maybe has an interest in learning, personal development and occupying their personal best, but maybe doesn’t wish to formally attend a Psychologist.”
Dr O'Dwyer thanked all who attended her Tullamore launch, announcing that 10% of book sales are going to Self Help Africa, the charity founded and ran by Clara man Ronan Scully. She outlined how much she enjoyed a travelling to Ethiopia on a trip with Self Help Africa some years ago and how she benefitted from it on different levels. She then read a section from her book.

A Tullamore friend of Denise, Emer Condron congratulated her on the publication, talking about their friendship since the 1980s. She told Denise to be very proud of her achievement, noting that she started to write the book in 2018. “She used her professional knowledge to write this beautiful book,” she said.

Ronan Scully spoke about their work in Africa and thanked Denise for donating some of the proceeds to them. He stated that the money will go to assisting starving people in east Africa. He discussed the charitable work Denise has done in Galway and also the way she has assisted people in her professional role. He wished her the best of luck with the book, hoping that she would go to Africa on another trip with them.

The publication of ‘Psychology with a Sparkle’ aims to inspire and assist the everyday person with everyday life, fostering hope and encouragement to break free from fears and limited belief systems, which unduly harass, slow, and halt human development. Her debut offering (published by U.S. Archway Publishing) is a contemporary summary of thoughts, reflections, scientific research and suggestions, to equip and empower people in the areas of their lives they most often find difficult or challenging.

The book takes readers on a journey of professional insights, personal stories, scientific research, and tips and strategies for dealing with the seemingly fixed and immovable, to sparkling fluidity.

The author explains how people can overcome maladaptive thinking and behavior patterns, silence their inner critic, improve relationships, overcome imposter syndrome, and strive toward becoming their personal best — physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and sartorially.

‘Psychology with a Sparkle’ is available through local outlets; Midland Books, High Street, Tullamore and Robbins, O’Connor Square, Tullamore. It is also more widely distributed through Waterstones, Dubray Books (from Jan ’23) Kennys Book shop, Charlie Byrnes and online at Amazon.com and The Book Depository.