- Personal Development
- Overview of Theorists & Key Approaches
- Counselling Skills
- Introduction to the profession of counselling & psychotherapy
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.
Here are a selection of testimonials from our Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduates
Please click here for student experience video
“Helpful lecturers. Small classes. Like-minded people. Wonderfull atmosphere in class. Brilliant personal development. Knowledgeable lecturers. Interesting classes and never boring.” Student,
Dublin City Centre
“I loved the open group learning, lot of practising and good venue….Very good experience, not only as start for further education but as self development”
Student,
Kilkenny
“I thoroughly enjoyed the personal development module. I gained so much knowledge especially form the group work and I have learned so much about myself and how to deal with things both past and present.” Margaret Bousquet,
Dublin West
“Overall the core work completed within the course is essential as a basis for a career in counselling with regard to PCI the lecturers are a credit to them and the online services etc. are excellent”
Student,
Athlone
“My personal experience of PCI College and the Certificate course has been excellent; it far exceeded my expectations and would highly recommend it to anyone considering a course in this area.” Colette Lennon,
Dublin City Centre
“I enjoyed this course immensely. It opened up a new vision for me and allowed me focus on who I want to be and what I want to believe. Our group was amazing and the trust we all had in each other was great and it enabled us to share our personal experiences. We had some great moments in the classroom. I would recommend it not only for those who want a career in counselling but for those who want to personally develop and take time out of their busy lives.” Laura Farrell
Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Kilkenny
“Very worthwhile course, interesting and educational and fun”
Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Limerick
"Very worthwhile course as CPD and/or career development or change in career path." Maggie Barton, Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Belfast
“Very good course and a good introduction to the theorists. Learned good listening skills and a good sense of positiveness re self-worth and self-esteem.” Dorothy Ryan, Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Limerick
“Excellent facilitators. I enjoyed the content and flow of the course.” Patricia O’Neill
Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Limerick
“Enjoyed it very much, feel I learned a lot, and it helped me understand how our thinking and feeling can affect behaviour. Made me hungry for more.”
Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Athlone
"Having studied counselling in one of the local further education colleges, I found PCI to be more in touch with the needs of their students. The fact that the tutors are counsellors themselves, they understand some of the obstacles that are faced." Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Belfast
“I am delighted I chose to study with PCI and look forward to my future involvement on the course.” Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Cork
“Really enjoyed the 'conversational style' of the method of delivery: very relaxed atmosphere, encouraging tutors, very well informed tutors, class mates were very pleasant as well. Probably the first time I have been in a learning environment which was not harried or stressful…. Overall impression - very pleased. Tutors extremely pleasant and professional.” Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Cork
“Very good course suitable for persons of all age. Excellent lecturers.” Ian Macneill , Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Dublin City Centre
“It was phenomenal and such a wonderful experience” Naledi kumalo, Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Dublin City Centre
"It was a small class and we jelled very quickly. There was a lot of trust and support from both tutors and the other students. The lessons were well planed and interesting; if a discussion went in a different direction to the one planned we were allowed to follow the thread and not pulled back to the lesson plan which helped a lot with understanding." Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Belfast
"Having graduated and started practicing and meeting fellow counsellors, I have become more impressed with the breadth of the training that we received with PCI...Overall I had an excellent experience with PCI and would gladly recommend the college to anyone thinking of training in the area"
Tony Freegrove, Certificate and BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Dublin West
“Enjoyed my time there immensely. Staff are wonderful including the kind lady and gent who tidy the student area. Felt supported at all times. Have grown immensely as a result.” Maria Martin , Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Dublin West
“Excellent tutors and course-work, made this course very enjoyable. Also, Joyce in PCI was a fabulous & caring person, and is a treasure to PCI Clondalkin. The Student Care Officer Phil Duggan was a great help in keeping students on track with their required hours. I found the college had a lovely approach in dealing with students, and helping them to handle the pressure of completing the high level of college hours, assignments, workshops, client hrs, personal therapy hrs, and supervision hrs required.”
Jenny Hannigan, Certificate & BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduate, Dublin West
Fees:
PCI College tuition fee for Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy is €1,480
Application Process:
Applicants are invited to complete and return the online Application Form. Applications must be accompanied by an Initial Deposit of €450, which is deductible from course fees if the application is successful. The balance of the fees €1,060 is payable in full before the course commences. Applicants are entitled to a refund if they decide to cancel within 14 days of receipt of their application. Please note that the name used on your application needs to be the same name that you have on your passport.
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 BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 6 FHEQ - Comparable to Level 8 NFQ). The PCI College professional counsellor/psychotherapist training programme, the Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (awarded in Year 3 of the Degree Programme) is fully accredited by the IACP in all PCI College venues. You can see more information here about professional accreditation.
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.
FAQs:
Can I go straight into the Degree programme?
The Certificate Course or Equivalent (see below) is a prerequisite for our BSc (Hons) 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 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 Certificate 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 BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 6 FHEQ - Comparable to Level 8 NFQ) 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.
