Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Studies

Overview

The programme consists of two introductory modules in the subjects of Counselling Theory, Counselling Skills and Personal Development. It is a highly interactive programme, delivered through a variety of teaching approaches such as lectures, group discussion, experiential work, individual exercises, and self-directed learning.

Each module carries its own assessment, which is based on a continuous assessment strategy.

Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Studies & Reflexive Practice

This module gives students a broad introduction to the field of counselling and psychotherapy with particular emphasis on five main approaches. It also enhances student learning through a discipline-based approach to supporting learners to engage with, contribute to and benefit from the programme. It does this through focusing on generic skills and competencies required of higher education students, including information literacy and digital capacity, but it does so in a discipline-based environment.

Introduction to Counselling Skills

This module introduces students to a range of core counselling skills and facilitates them to begin to develop these skills. It grounds skills within the theoretical and conceptual frameworks presented in the programme. In particular, it explores the value of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard as core conditions of Integrative counselling and psychotherapy. This module introduces students to key considerations when establishing a counselling/therapeutic relationship:

• Opening and closing a session;
• Asking questions to enhance the client’s self-awareness and reflection on their feelings, behaviours and experiences.Students are provided with opportunities to develop a working knowledge of personal and interpersonal skills through experiential learning activities, such as role play, and interpersonal activities, such as triads, discussion and feedback. Core counselling/psychotherapeutic skills, explored include:
  • Empathy
  • Listening
  • Reflecting
  • Reframing
  • Summarising
  • Clarifying
  • Challenging / contesting
  • Awareness of key listening blocks
  • Attending to body language, minimal encouragers, intonation, words and cultural considerations.

Learners who complete these modules on the Certificate are exempt from them if they return to do the BSc. Please note, that learners completing the Autumn Certificate will do the modules alongside the BSc students who are not exempt from them. Such learners often request to progress in the BSc with the group they start. Please be mindful that it is only possible to progress in the September intake of the BSc if a place is available, which is rare. If you complete the Certificate from September – January, and then wish to progress, you may have to wait for a subsequent intake of the BSc the following September.

IICP understand that while partaking in further education is an incredibly rewarding experience it can also be a financial challenge for some students. In order to minimise the financial impact caused to students, IICP strive to keep our course fees as competitive as possible. We also provide payment plan options to facilitate learners paying the balance of their fees throughout the duration of their course.

Year One: Payment Options

(1) Pay in Full before Start of Course

(2)  Payment Plan Options Available (administration fee incurred*)

• Flexible Payment Options Available. Please Contact the IICP office to find out more!

Please Note:

Bookings operate on a first paid, first secured basis so please book and pay promptly to avoid disappointment

All programmes are run subject to sufficient demand and the formation of a viable class cohort (which shall be determined in the sole discretion of IICP College). A refund of any fees paid will be given to applicants in the event that the programme does not proceed. Fees are not refundable in any other circumstances. Receipts will be made available to you/your organisation on receipt of payment. Please note all fees are due in advance of programme commencement unless you have signed up to a payment plan.

Getting Started

Should you have any questions in relation to making your online application please contact Triona on 086-0499154.

If you have any trouble at any stage of the application please click here to get in touch and we will be happy to help.