Interested in studying counselling and psychotherapy

mtoutlemonde

Hi folks,

Apologies if this is the wrong forum. I have been looking at counselling courses and wonder if anyone has any recommendations? I don't know if I can name the course provider but I've been looking at a 60 hour 3 module certificate course in counselling and psychotherapy. Many thanks in advance.

Stanford

Its important that whatever course you do is accredited or you will be wasting your time and money if you ever want to practice, check this link

https://iacp.ie/register-of-accredited-courses

mtoutlemonde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119491626#Comment_119491626

The course is part of the BA programme that is on that list.

Stanford

There are several BA programmes on the list, I advise you to ensure your chosen programme is currently accredited.

Wezz

A certificate course won’t give you the credentials to work as a counsellor so if you are looking at that as a career you will need to do the BA.

Make sure the course is accredited to the IACP. The PCI and IICP courses are, can’t speak for the rest.

I’ve studied with both of the above so fire away if you have any questions.

mtoutlemonde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119495368#Comment_119495368

Thanks. I'm aware that I can't work as a counsellor but this is to see if I like it. I already have a career, this has been something to do as a hobby or even a career down the line with further study - who knows? I have a deep interest in well being and mental health and have identified many issues in my work in education (which I refer to appropriate person). I was speaking to someone in one of the colleges last year and I could do the masters but I would like to get some basics first.

luna11

Hi did you continue with the course? I am thinking of doing a BA in counselling and psychotherapy with PCI. Can anyone advise me if they have done the course with them and were they happy with the course?

mtoutlemonde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120322201#Comment_120322201

Hi, I didn't do it. I am studying something different which may lead to chaplaincy - I have to investigate options.

flipflophead22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120322201#Comment_120322201

Just wondered if you pursued the course? Im thinking of this one

https://pcicollege.ie/counselling-courses/foundation-counselling-psychotherapy

Wezz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120801897#Comment_120801897

I did that course, really enjoyed it but wasn't too keen on PCI as a college so I didn't finish my education with them.

flipflophead22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120862230#Comment_120862230

Ah ok, did you continue on with another college instead in the same area?

Wezz

I finished the cert with PCI. A year later I decided to do the degree but went elsewhere .

mtoutlemonde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120891302#Comment_120891302

Can I ask what college did you use? I have looked at PCI and ICPPD but it's very difficult to know which one to go to. You can exit the ICPPD programme with adiploma/cert also.

Wezz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121089781#Comment_121089781

IICP. No real reason why I chose them, just the fact they were local to where I was at the time and had a timetable that suited me.

mtoutlemonde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121096147#Comment_121096147

Thanks. I'll check that one out as well. Another choice!

Kajor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121098621#Comment_121098621

I'm currently doing the H.Dip (with follow on Masters) with IICP and can recommend it. AFAIK they are still taking applicants for this year.

mtoutlemonde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121510240#Comment_121510240

Thank you. I'm doing a cert course with ICCPD and really enjoying it. HDip sounds interesting - could only find Degree programmes close to me.

mtoutlemonde

Hi again.

I found a blended learning degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies with ICHAS. The reason I like it is the blended approach although there are mandafory lectures but does not mention how often.

Now the question arises around accreditation with IACP. It is not listed on their website but there is a change coming in 2024 that the minimum requirement for registration is a QQI Level 8 qualification which the above is.

Anyone do this programme or experience with ICHAS?