Research on the practice of counselling by guidance counsellors in post primary schools

Counselling is recognised as one of the key elements of the guidance program in post-primary schools in Ireland. The Education Act 1998 requires that schools use their available resources to ensure that students have access to appropriate guidance to assist them in their educational and career choices. Following the recommendations of a Steering Group, the National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE) commissioned this research to provide relevant stakeholders with information on the nature, scope and context of counselling practice by guidance counsellors in schools. This research was carried out in 2009-2010 with the final report submitted to NCGE in 2011. Within the mixed methods perspective, the research was carried out in the three phases: a nationwide survey of guidance counsellors; focus groups of guidance counsellors; and meetings with representatives of identified stakeholders. The study showed that guidance counsellors are recognised by themselves and by key stakeholders as being highly committed to carrying out the counselling aspect of their role. It is especially noteworthy that more than three-fifths of guidance counsellors had been involved in further training since their initial qualification and that much of this training was taken at their own expense, on their own time, with no formal recognition in terms of salary or time off in lieu by their school management. One of the most consistent findings from this research is that there is not a shared understanding of what the counselling aspect of the role involves, either among guidance counsellors themselves or among the key stakeholders. A number of recommendations are made.

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