History, Policy, & Current Issues for the Counseling and Social Work Professions in Ireland

In this undergraduate/graduate cross listed course abroad, participants learn about the history and philosophy of counseling and social work fields. Students explore related specializations including school counseling, rehabilitation, mental health, higher education, and community and school based social work. Emphasis is placed on educational and disability rights and policy, including past and current legislation. It also explores current issues regarding social and emotional learning, college and career readiness, disability services, mental health, and rehabilitation in Ireland and EU.  

We gain a broader understanding and perspective of global and cultural influence on students and adults with disabilities, mental health, prevention, rehabilitation, and social work practice, including social justice issues. We explore the cultural influences on counseling, disability awareness and social work service delivery in Irish society and the EU.  

The course includes guest speakers, professionals, researchers from counseling and education (i.e., school counseling, rehabilitation and mental health counseling, disability policy and mental health service providers, and social work) and visits to agencies, schools, community programs/services and university programs to observe and meet counselors, counselor educators, social workers, and advocates.  

We also compare and contrast Irish, EU, and US cultural influences on comprehensive school counseling programs, mental health and rehabilitation service programs, social work, supporting individuals with disabilities through educational and rehabilitation policies that impact service delivery. This includes the Irish National Disability Strategy of 2005, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Special Education law for students with disabilities.  

While in Galway, we can visit the famous Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Region, and explore the seaside city. We also see the beautiful countryside and quaint towns of Ireland as we travel by bus to Dublin. While there, we meet with Mental Health Ireland, Irish Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy, Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and social work professional groups. Additionally, we explore the city with a walking tour and visits to Temple Bar, St. Patrick’s, Grafton Street, and tour a Guinness Factory.