Guidance & Counselling

 Welcome to the Guidance & Counselling section of the website.

This Resource Guide aims to identify and direct you to a number of useful resources, that you may find helpful in addressing certain issues and difficulties that can arise in the course of everyday living.

Online resources offer a range of information, advice, self-help strategies, practical coping techniques as well as other relevant links. Confidential Helplines and Support Groups are also highlighted with contact details.

There is a wealth of information available online but it is important to note that such resources are in addition to seeking professional help. They are not a substitute for medical advice, professional counselling or other health related services.

The complete Resource Guide may be read here.

What is Guidance?

Guidance refers to a range of services and activities intended to assist students to make educational, training and occupational choices and to manage their careers. The activities may take place on an individual or group basis. They include:

• career information provision (in print, ICT-based and other forms),

• assessment and self-assessment tools,

• vocational counselling interviews,

• career education programmes (to help individuals develop their self awareness, opportunity awareness, and career management skills),

• work search programmes,

• transition services

What is Counselling?

Counselling is offered on a one to one basis and is generally short-term in nature. The Service operates on an appointment basis however priority will be given in the event of an emergency. During the course of ones school days many issues and concerns may present for students. Counselling offers the opportunity to discuss in private any such issues or concerns which impact on academic performance or personal well-being.  It is not necessary to know exactly what the difficulty is in order to access the Service. A general feeling that all is not well is often enough to initially seek help. Deciding to speak with a Guidance Counsellor can be a positive step towards making life better for the individual. Self-referral to the Service is welcomed and encouraged.

Confidentiality Policy

The Guidance & Counselling Service is a professional counselling service, which abides by a strict code of ethics and confidentiality policy as outlined by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. A persistent link to this code can be foundhere.

Confidentiality is a central and integral part of the counselling process and is assured to each student who avails of the Counselling Service.  It offers safety and privacy to those who choose to discuss personal and private concerns. Information given during the counselling session is held in strict confidence. No information written or verbal will be disclosed to a third party without the student’s permission. The issue of confidentiality is always discussed with students during the first session. This provides the opportunity to clarify any concerns that may arise. Counselling Service files are not attached to any academic records held within the school.

Limits to Confidentiality

In exceptional circumstances Guidance Counsellors may need to break confidentiality if they believe there is a real intent of serious harm or danger to either their student or another individual. Such circumstances may pertain to issues relating to sexual abuse, rape, self-harm, suicidal ideation or criminal activity. In as far as is possible, in such cases, a full explanation will be given regarding the necessary procedures that may need to be taken.

Useful Contacts

The Disability Access Route to Education Document (2012 entry) and The Higher Education Access Route to Education Document (2012 entry) are both available here.

Colleges of Further Education