On 18 February, at CORU Headquarters in Dublin, ACI Chairperson Dr James O’Shea represented Addiction Counsellors of Ireland at the CORU Professional Body Engagement Event. The session offered important updates for the counselling and psychotherapy community and a forward-looking perspective on professional registration.

Key Updates from CORU

• Overview of progress over the past five years and current developments in registration for counselling and psychotherapy.
• Emphasis on cross-professional engagement across health and social care sectors.

Discussion Highlights

• Need to broaden practice placement opportunities, with flexibility across public and non-government settings.
• Efforts to accommodate international applicants.
• Focus on diversity and inclusion in the future register.
• Recognition of professional bodies’ role in supporting education, training, and workforce development.

ACI Engagement & Key Takeaways

During the event, Dr O’Shea explored opportunities for collaboration with other professional bodies and discussed potential shared Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives. ACI continues to actively advocate for the interests of addiction counsellors and their clients.

ACI members should note that CORU is committed to structured, ongoing engagement with counselling and psychotherapy professions, focusing on expanding placement opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering collaboration that may bring new CPD opportunities for ACI members.