The Complexity of Implementing a Guidance Counsellor Education Programme

Abstract

The Guidance Counsellor has a significant role to play in Irish secondary schools as they provide for the personal, social, educational and vocational development of the young people. At the National Guidance Forum (2007) the ‘Guidance for Life’ report was launched. In this report it suggests areas to improve in Guidance Services. One such suggestion it lists is to,

Ensure that people working in guidance are well-trained and supported, with proper quality assurance procedures in place. (2007, p.34)

In order the observe such a suggestion an exploration into the efficacy of the University of Limerick graduate diploma in Guidance and Counselling in providing quality graduates to practice as guidance counsellors is taking place. This paper presents an aspect of the research which explores the theoretical frameworks and influences on the guidance counsellor education programme. The literature and course director’s personal narrative on the course content of guidance counsellor education programmes show that variation exists who decides on the course content. This paper describes the complexity of implementing a Guidance Counselling education programme and suggests how this may be addressed.