10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Counselling and Psychotherapy Course

Choosing a counselling and psychotherapy course is a big decision, both personally and financially. You are investing not just in education, but in a future career supporting people at their most vulnerable. Before you commit, it is vital to ask the right questions so you can be sure the course, college and teaching approach genuinely suit you. 

Below are ten key questions to ask any provider before you enrol. At PCI College, the team is always happy to talk these through at an Open Evening or in a one-to-one conversation by phone or email. 

You can view upcoming Open Evenings on the PCI College Events page: 
https://www.pcicollege.ie/events/ 

1. Is the course professionally accredited? 

One of the first questions to ask is whether the course is recognised or accredited by relevant professional bodies. Accreditation can affect everything from your ability to get insurance to eligibility for professional membership and employment opportunities. 

Ask: 

• Is this course accredited or recognised by organisations such as IACP or equivalent professional bodies? 

• Does completion of this course lead to eligibility for professional membership? 

If anything is unclear, you can bring this question to the PCI College team, who can explain how each programme aligns with professional standards during the next Open Evening or in a one‑to‑one conversation. 

2. What qualification will I have at the end? 

Different courses lead to very different outcomes: some are introductory certificates focused on personal development, while others are full degrees preparing you for professional practice. Clarify exactly what qualification you will hold and what it allows you to do. If you’re unsure about whether a certificate is enough or whether a degree is mandatory in Ireland, it’s important to understand how qualification levels connect to professional accreditation and practice.

Ask: 

• Is this an introductory course, a certificate, a diploma or a degree‑level qualification? 

• Will this qualification allow me to work as a counsellor/psychotherapist, or is it a stepping stone to further study? 

If anything feels unclear, it’s worth discussing this directly with the provider. At PCI College, staff are happy to explain how each programme aligns with professional standards during an Open Evening or individual enquiry. 

3. What is the course content and therapeutic approach? 

Counselling and psychotherapy programmes can vary greatly in their theoretical orientation and teaching style. Some focus on a single modality, while others take an integrative or humanistic approach. Understanding different modalities such as Integrative vs Humanistic approaches can help you decide which philosophy resonates most with your values and future goals.

Ask: 

• Which main therapeutic models do you teach (e.g., humanistic, integrative, CBT, psychodynamic)? 

• How much of the training is theoretical versus experiential and skills‑based? 

If you would like to get a feel for PCI College’s approach in practice, attending an Open Evening is a good way to meet lecturers, hear about the teaching style and ask specific questions about the models taught. 

4. How much practical training and client work is included? 

To feel prepared for real‑world practice, you need structured opportunities to build your counselling skills and work with clients under supervision. Practical experience is also a core requirement for many professional bodies. 

Ask: 

• How many supervised client hours are included or required as part of this course? 

• How does the college support students in finding placements and supervision? 

If you are feeling unsure about what “client hours” or “supervision” actually look like, the PCI College team can explain how placements work and what support you will receive throughout your training. 

5. How is the course delivered and assessed? 

The learning experience can be very different depending on class format, timetable and assessment methods. Consider how the structure fits with your learning style and life responsibilities. 

Ask: 

• Are classes in‑person, blended or online, and how often do they run (evenings, weekends, intensive blocks)? 

• Are assessments mostly essays, exams, skills observations, reflective journals or project work? 

If you are working full‑time, have family commitments or are returning to education after a long break, it can help to talk through the timetable and workload with a member of the PCI College team before applying. 

6. What support is available for students? 

Training in counselling and psychotherapy can be deeply rewarding, but also emotionally and academically demanding. You will want to know what kind of support is in place to help you succeed and stay well. 

Ask: 

• Is there academic support for study skills, referencing and assignment planning? 

• What pastoral or wellbeing supports are available if I find the content emotionally challenging? 

At PCI College, staff understand that many students are balancing study with work, family and personal commitments. Reaching out to the team ahead of enrolment can give you a realistic picture of the support you can expect. 

7. Who are the lecturers and what experience do they have? 

The people teaching you will shape your learning experience as much as the curriculum. Experienced, practicing therapists and educators can bring the material to life and provide valuable real‑world insight. 

Ask: 

• Are the lecturers practising counsellors or psychotherapists, and what are their specialist areas? 

• How accessible are tutors outside of class if I need guidance or feedback? 

If you would like to meet some of the teaching staff, the Open Evening is an ideal chance to hear them speak, ask questions and get a sense of whether their style and values match what you are looking for. 

8. How flexible is the course for my life situation? 

Many counselling students are career‑changers or people upskilling alongside existing roles. Flexibility and clear expectations around workload are essential to avoid burnout and drop‑out. 

Ask: 

• How many hours per week should I realistically plan for classes, study and placement at different stages of the course? 

• Are there options to pause, defer or repeat modules if my circumstances change? 

A short conversation with the PCI College admissions team can help you map the course onto your current life and decide whether now is the right time to begin, or whether a more introductory option might suit you initially. 

9. What are the costs and payment options? 

Understanding the full financial commitment upfront helps you plan realistically and avoid surprises. Look beyond just the headline tuition fee to get an accurate picture. 

Ask: 

• What is the total cost of the course, including any additional fees (e.g., exams, registration, personal therapy, supervision)? 

• Are there payment plans, instalment options or employer‑funded routes available? 

If finances are a concern, the PCI College team can talk through the different options and help you understand how and when fees are paid over the duration of the programme. 

10. What are the graduate outcomes and next steps? 

Finally, explore what happens after you complete the course. You want to know how past students have used their qualification and what support exists as you transition into practice or further study. 

Ask: 

• What kinds of roles or further training have recent graduates moved into? 

• Is there any careers advice, alumni network or ongoing CPD support? 

At PCI College, open events and one‑to‑one conversations are opportunities to hear real stories, ask about typical graduate journeys and explore how the course you are considering can fit into your longer‑term plans. 

Next steps 

These ten questions can turn a vague interest in “doing a counselling course” into a clear and confident decision about what’s right for you. 

If you’d like to explore your options, you’re warmly invited to attend a PCI College Open Evening. Upcoming dates can be found here: 
https://www.pcicollege.ie/events/ 

If you’d prefer a more personal conversation, you can contact the PCI College team at any time to ask questions or seek guidance before applying: 
https://www.pcicollege.ie/contact/ 

 +353 (0) 1 464 2268 
 enquiries@pcicollege.ie 

Taking the time to ask these questions now can make all the difference to your learning experience and your future as a counselling professional. 

 
Dan O’Mahony  
Faculty Lecturer