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Research Excellence Award [21/11/2023]

21st November 2023 

Press Release   

Ashley Morgan  Awarded Prestigious Research Excellence Award                   

Recognises Commitment to Significant Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy 

Ashley Morgan of Glenageary, County Dublin has been honoured with the Research Excellence Award by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at its 8th Annual Conference for his research ‘Narrative Therapy in a post-pandemic world: A fictional case study of a client living with depression’ published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling in 2022. 

Speaking today regarding this year’s Research Excellence Award Recipience IACP Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy noted:  

“Utilising an evidence-based fictional case study, Ashely’s timely research, written in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated both creativity and innovation around the topic of narrative therapy. I congratulate him on receiving our 2023 Research Excellence Award and wish him very success with his future research.”  

Commenting following the award IACP member Ashley Morgan stated:  

“It is an absolute honour to receive the 2023 IACP Research Excellence Award. We live in a world that often suggests that there is something ‘wrong’ with us if we cannot cope with the challenges that life throws our way. While mainstream counselling models such as CBT offer an evidence-based and effective means of support to people in distress, this brief, goal-oriented approach can locate the ‘problem in the person’ and leave little space to consider the social determinants of suffering such as inequality and discrimination. This was particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic.”  

 Ashley Morgan added: 

“I wrote this fictional case study to encourage a collaborative exploration between client and counsellor, of the client’s hidden resources and creative survival strategies that may get lost when we are told that we are ‘disordered’. This may then form the basis of a more empowered story about the self that recognises our strengths and personal power. I am grateful to the IACP for championing research in counselling and psychotherapy and am honoured that my contribution has been recognised with this award.” 

Speaking today regarding Ashley Morgan’s research Dr Ellen Kelly IACP Research Lead added:  

“The Research Committee found this research paper to be original, innovative and timely. Written in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic when many social, political, and economic determinants of poor mental health were exacerbated, this evidence-based yet fictional case study explores how Narrative Therapy might be a useful adjunct to ‘symptom-based’ interventions, and offer individuals a framework in which to explore the effects of widespread inequalities upon their experience of self and the world around them. This is an excellent contribution to the field of counselling and psychotherapy. Huge congratulations to Ashley Morgan for winning the Research Excellence Award 2023”. 

The annual awards ceremony was held at the IACP’s 8th annual conference on the 21st October 2023 at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.  

Carl Berkeley Memorial Award: Christine May  

Public Inspiration Award: Dr Tony Bates  
 
IACP Research Excellence Award:  Ashley Morgan  

Research Bursary Award: Karen Doyle  

Regional Award Recipients:   
Dublin Regional Award: Aoife Smith  

Midlands Regional Award: Christine Early Moran  

Northern Ireland Regional Award: Dr Breda Friel  

Southeast Regional Award: Pauline Macey  

Southern Regional Award: Marie O’Mahony  

West North West Regional Award: Brian Conlon  

Western Regional Award: Ríona Browne  

Ends.  

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the IACP Communications Department at communications@iacp.ie  Nicole Mac Dermott - 087 720 6033 or Wayne Tobin - 089 214 2276   

Pictured: Research Committee Member Caitriona presents Ashley Morgan with the Research Excellence Award

Notes to the Editor:   

About the IACP: The IACP was established in 1981 to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy. Our work promotes best practice and the development of the profession. The IACP represents more than 5,600 members based in communities all over the country and is the largest counselling and psychotherapy association in Ireland. For more information, please visit www.iacp.ie  

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