At IICP, we desire to contribute a community dimension to the development of mental health care and counselling through the use of a practical, cutting-edge and integrative model, which formed the basis for this pioneering and innovative programme. We consider that training in counselling and psychotherapy is an inter-disciplinary endeavour, a combination of art and science to include, amongst others, the disciplines of philosophy, psychology, sociology and anthropology.

 

IICP’s core philosophical ethos, which offers a theoretical framework encompassing humanistic-existential, cognitive-behavioural and multicultural psychotherapeutic models, is a contemporary integrative framework. This approach offers a broad structure to professionals who are dealing with a diverse range of clients and presenting problems. IICP offers a unique learner-centred environment. At the heart of the training provided in IICP lies the belief that people are experts in the story of their own lives. The therapeutic process can encourage the client to make effective change in relation to life direction and the ensuing process of decision making. IICP holds that it is not enough simply to teach the skills of counselling and psychotherapy. Learners are given the space to learn, practice and be supported as they develop a style and model of counselling which is both personal and effective.

 

The history of counselling and psychotherapy has been influenced and is inevitably intertwined with the social, political, economic and cultural climates within which it is formed. It is of particular relevance in times of crises or transition and can also be of help in problem solving. The recent rapid socio-economic and technological changes have resulted in the erosion of traditional social structures such as family, work, and community. As a result, the sense of purpose, belonging, and security associated with these structures has been lost for many. In this context, IICP has established links with The Village Counselling Service, which enables students to complete clinical placement as required by IACP within an appropriate therapeutic setting.