Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy

Eligibility:
Applicants should feel that they possess a maturity to reflect on their own development as a person.

Syllabus:

• Personal Development
• Overview of Theories & Approaches
• Humanistic Approach & Cognitive Behavioural Approach
• Counselling Skills

Participants can expect to:

• Develop an understanding and appreciation of counselling as a distinct interpersonal form.
• Learn and practice key frameworks for counselling and the skills required to implement them.
• Reflect on personal growth and experience of life as a primary source of your understanding of counselling.
• Become familiar with some of the main issues presented in counselling and an outline of how each is treated.

Fees:

PCI College tuition fees for Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy is: €1,450

Applicants are invited to enrol online accompanied by a Deposit of €450 which shall be fully non-refundable in all circumstances. The balance of the fees €1,000 is payable in full before the course commences. This is also fully non-refundable in all circumstances.

The College makes every effort to avoid altering course times, course commencement and conclusion dates. However, should any changes be necessary, you will be notified at the earliest opportunity. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A full refund will be given to all applicants in the event that a class does not proceed.

Lecturers:

All PCI College Lecturers are highly qualified, experienced individuals who hold a minimum of a Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy and are practising Counsellors accredited with the IACP. Many hold MSc.s in specialist fields.

Since our foundation we have taken the steps necessary to ensure the delivery of a quality service in an environment that is characterised by an attitude to adult learners that is supportive and encouraging. We aim to provide an experience of learning that will develop in students a hunger for reflective and critical analysis.

Our learning programmes are designed to be participative, experiential and to draw whenever possible on prior lived experience. The academic value of programmes is enhanced by a learning environment that is warm, transparent, and genuine. Learners and staff interact in a mutual effort to engage in and promote the concept of lifelong learning.

Career Path:

Counselling is a fulfilling career and can change your life as well as others. People who become counsellors are genuinely interested in human behaviour and have a strong desire to help others improve their mental well-being. They are also skilled at interacting with people on a personal level, while maintaining a professional relationship.

Upon completion of the Certificate Course, students will be invited to apply to our Middlesex University Dip/BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 8) which fully meets the training criteria of the IACP. For full information on becoming accredited with the IACP, please click here. Established in 1981, the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) is an independent national organisation which sets, maintains and develops standards in the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. IACP is a registered Charity (CHY 6615) representing over 3,250 members.

Today more than ever there is a massive need for trained counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland. Indeed there is increased acknowledgement of the growing need for Counsellors within the HSE, Community Primary Care Groups, Schools and the Private Sector. Our BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy ensures that you have equipped yourself with the necessary qualification and training to be recognised and effective. Once you have completed your professional training, there are many routes open to you; You may wish to set up a Private Practice, join an agency or work for an organisation such as the HSE, a School, a Charity or a State-Body.

If you would like to continue your education, PCI College now offer a Masters in Integrative Counselling.

FAQs: 

Can I go straight into the Degree programme?
The Certificate Course or Equivalent (see below) is a prerequisite for our Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy…..

Equivalent:
• Work/Volunteer training with a substantial counselling element.*
• Level 7+ course in Psychology, Social Care/Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing or Equivalent.*

Entry onto the Diploma & BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy may require catch-up work to be completed. This is based on assessment of your prior learning, which will be discussed at Interview.

Moreover, for those considering a career in counselling, a FCertificate Course is an essential stepping stone to prepare for a professional qualification. It will help you develop an understanding and appreciation of counselling as a distinct interpersonal form and will help you decide whether it is the right career choice for you.

Can I automatically do the Degree programme after completing a Certificate course?
Upon completion of this course, students will be invited to interview for our Middlesex University Dip/BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 8) which fully meets the training criteria of the IACP. Entry is by application and interview.

What is the difference between the various start dates of the Certificate Course?
All of our Foundation courses are 100 hours and are exactly the same content.

Can I do the Certificate course as a standalone course?
Of course, the Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy is an enjoyable and challenging course developed for those who want to enrich their own personal development.

How is the course assessed?
There are two written assignments – a book review and a reflection of your journaling throughout the course.

How many are in a class?
We keep classes small (20 students), we aim to provide students with experiences and opportunities which will enable them to develop their potential in a supportive, stimulating and challenging environment, where ideas are discussed freely and where there is a sense of sharing in a continuing process of self-discovery.

I am on Social Welfare. Is there any funding available?
As we are a private college, there is no specific funding available. However, people do receive funding due to their own personal circumstances. Contact your local Citizens Information Office for more information.

What job opportunities are there for counsellors/psychotherapists?
The field of counselling & psychotherapy is very broad.  Some graduates are working part-time in private practice, some are working full time in eg HSE or schools or addiction centres or charities etc, and some have pursued their own area of interest by providing a new service in their community.  From surveys of graduates, most are working at least part-time in counselling & psychotherapy but some are simply continuing with their original career e.g. teachers, Garda Síochána etc.

What’s the deadline for Certificate course applications?
There is no deadline.  The course is filled on a first come, first served basis.