GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR CPD: Navigating Practice in 2026 - Confidence, Clarity & Collaboration in Modern Guidance Counselling
Navigating Practice in 2026 Confidence, Clarity & Collaboration in Modern Guidance Counselling
This CPD workshop supports guidance counsellors in navigating evolving frameworks and practices in post-primary education. Participants will explore Universal Design for Guidance (UDG), referral pathways, CORU developments, and strategies for facilitating sensitive conversations with students.
Event Overview
Guidance counselling practice continues to evolve as new frameworks, regulations, and collaborative supports emerge. This workshop provides guidance counsellors with clarity, confidence, and practical strategies to navigate modern practice.
The session will introduce Universal Design for Guidance (UDG) while exploring evolving therapy pathways, professional regulation developments, and the role of referral networks. Participants will also consider approaches to facilitating sensitive conversations with students in an ethical, confident, and supportive way.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for Guidance Counsellors working in post-primary education, FET and other education institutions who wish to strengthen their understanding of evolving guidance practices, referral pathways, and collaborative supports for students.
It may also be of interest to professionals working in student support, wellbeing, counselling, or educational guidance roles within schools or educational settings.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
• Describe the key principles of UDG and understand its relevance to guidance counselling practice in 2026
• Navigate multidisciplinary and therapeutic landscapes with greater clarity around roles, referral pathways, and CORU developments
• Facilitate sensitive conversations with students confidently, ethically, and within professional boundaries
Transferable Skills
Collaborative Practice – Working effectively with therapists, external agencies, and parents/advocates
Professional Judgement & Referral Decision-Making – Knowing when, how, and to whom to refer within a changing regulatory environment
Advanced Communication Skills – Managing complex, emotionally sensitive discussions with clarity, empathy, and confidence
Workshop Facilitators
Dr Mary Quirke
Dr Mary Quirke is a researcher and guidance counsellor for over 30 years and a member of the IGC whose work focuses on inclusive guidance, learner voice, and equitable transitions in education and employment. She completed her PhD at Trinity College Dublin and has worked across research, policy, and practice in the area of inclusive career guidance.
Dr Kristin Finkbeiner
Dr Kristin Finkbeiner is Deputy Programme Director in Psychology at Griffith College Dublin. She holds a doctorate in Cognitive Psychology and an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and works across psychology education, psychotherapy practice, and wellbeing initiatives.
Dr Maria Benito
Dr Maria Benito is a psychologist, researcher, and lecturer in psychology and counselling programmes at Griffith College Dublin. Alongside her academic work, she has extensive experience in clinical and therapeutic settings.
Why Attend
This CPD workshop provides an opportunity to:
• Gain insight into Universal Design for Guidance (UDG) and its relevance to contemporary guidance practice
• Develop clarity around referral pathways, multidisciplinary collaboration, and CORU developments
• Strengthen confidence in facilitating sensitive conversations with students
• Engage with experts in psychology and counselling while connecting with fellow professionals in the sector