This Webinar draws on the recent research data from the first published Irish qualitative phenomenological research study to discuss Irish school guidance counsellors’ lived experiences of coping with student suicide from a theoretical and practical perspective. This was a much needed study, as there was little data available on the impact of suicide trauma on this cohort of professionals working on the front line. The study did recognise that there is much in international literature on traumatic impact on other mental health professionals. In the background of increased prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicide, it is accepted as part of the role as a guidance counsellor in Ireland that there is a likelihood of encountering students who have struggled with suicidal ideation or who have been exposed directly or indirectly to the effects of suicide. This can shape the worldview, aspirations and hopes of young people and calls for a holistic approach when promoting lifelong learning and lifelong sustainable careers and goals. It equally has professional and personal self-care implications for the guidance counsellor.
This webinar generates valuable insights, provoke questions and reflection on the personal and professional challenges facing guidance counsellors when dealing with trauma impact in their workplace. It will offer insight into the factors that can exacerbate the impact on the individual and the system. It also deals with interventions and protective factors that were reported as effective to regain stability and long-term well-being for both the guidance counsellor and the student
Dr Clare Finegan BA, PGDE, MSc, PGDEL, DPsyc
Member IGC, NAPCP, IAEVG, PSI, AOTOS, Irish Teaching Council
Currently an assistant Lecturer in Education, Guidance & Counselling at Maynooth University
My academic journey began with studying French, German and Irish at NUI Maynooth, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich and Université Toulon. I worked as a language teacher, where I developed an interest in Guidance and Psychotherapy. Postgraduate master's studies in Guidance, Psychotherapy, Vocal therapy and Clinical Supervision led to clinical work in two medical practices, guidance counselling in several schools and clinical supervision. I use therapeutic techniques from multiple therapy models. I find Family Systemic, CBT, Vocal therapy and EFT very beneficial when working with children and adolescents and doing Trauma work.
My long experience of dealing with critical incidents in schools led me to conduct qualitative research on guidance counsellors' experiences of coping with suicide aftermath. Having completed many workshops in trauma theory and trauma-informed systemic care, I now facilitate workshops on the same, integrating developed, practical techniques to assist personnel at the forefront of delivering mental health first aid care during a critical incident.
