13-05-2025
Wexford woman honoured with award for her life-long contributions to the counselling and psychotherapy profession
Former Cathaoirleach Bernie Hackett who hails from Gorey received the national Carl Berkeley Memorial Award at a ceremony held at the Maryborough Hotel in Cork.
The award recognises a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) who has made exceptional contributions to the development of the counselling and psychotherapy field by creating or influencing projects or development work at the local and/or national level.
Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy congratulated Ms Hackett on a career that is the embodiment of the Carl Berkely Memorial Award saying: 'I had the absolute pleasure to work closely with Bernie for many years when she served on the Board and as Cathaoirleach. Bernie has dedicated more than 40 years to the fields of counselling, clinical supervision, and the training of future professionals.
"Throughout her distinguished career, she has consistently earned the highest praise and admiration from both colleagues and students for the exceptional quality of her work.'
Ms Hackett has been a fully accredited and active member of the IACP since 1991. She has made significant contributions to the organization, initially serving on the Complaints Committee before taking on the role of Chair of that Committee.
She was an active member and later Chair of the Supervision Committee, as well as Chair of the Supervisor's Forum Organizing Committee. She also served on the Board of the IACP, before being elected to the position of Cathaoirleach in 2020. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to her roles have consistently demonstrated professionalism, resulting in impressive outcomes. Furthermore, she has served as a highly positive and influential representative of the IACP.
Speaking during her acceptance speech at the award ceremony, Bernie Hackett said: 'I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of all IACP members who have given their time voluntarily over the years and with whom I have had the privilege of working in many different roles. Thank you very much to the members of the Professional Practice and Supervision Committees for nominating me, I'm truly honoured and humbled to receive the Carl Berkeley Memorial Award.'
