A graphic novel in thirty chapters

Niamh’s second year

Three Circles teaches the ideas in Ian Stewart and Vann Joines’s TA Today, one chapter of the book at a time. Niamh is back on placement with Ger as her supervisor, and her new client is Dee, a deputy principal who wants to stop losing her temper.

Every chapter has the same shape. Niamh gets the idea wrong in the room. Ger replays it and teaches the model. Niamh tries again. Then field notes with every term from the chapter, questions to ask yourself, and a short exercise.

  • PParentBorrowed from the people who raised you
  • AAdultA direct response to here and now
  • CChildReplayed from your own childhood

The three colours mean the same thing on every page: in the diagrams, on a balloon’s badge, and in the shadow a character throws on the wall.

Who’s who

Niamh Casey
Trainee counsellor, in her second year. Keen, over-prepared, quick to say sorry.
Ger Hanley
Her supervisor. Has seen it all and still finds it interesting.
Dee Walsh
Niamh’s client. A deputy principal, forty-six, who came about her temper.
The Master
Dee’s late father, a village schoolmaster. Seen in 1986.
Nora
Dee’s mother, now eighty-one.
Pat and Éabha
Dee’s husband, and their daughter, who is sixteen.
Kevin
A newly qualified teacher at Dee’s school.
Orla
Niamh’s flatmate.

The chapters