ICPPD’s Introduction to Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy Course:

• serves as an excellent introduction to the area of counselling.
• teaches general counselling skills that will benefit people in both their personal and professional lives, particularly those who regularly work with the public.

No previous experience is necessary to embark on the course. A willingness to participate and openness to learning is encouraged.

This programme offers an access opportunity if you wish to return to education and is a springboard for anyone wishing to follow professional training in this field.

Our adult learners frequently describe the course as ‘a life-changing experience’, which many see as the most valuable outcome of taking the course.

Programme Aims & Objectives

This Course serves as an excellent introduction to the area of counselling and teaches general counselling skills that will benefit people in both their personal and professional lives, particularly those who regularly work with the public.

Syllabus

Module 1 – Personal Development (30 hours): Adult learners are required to participate in personal awareness exercises, tutorials and discussions on – mental health issues, self-esteem, assertiveness training and interpersonal communication skills.

Module 2 – Introduction to Theory (15 hours): Learners are introduced to some of the primary theoretical approaches in counselling, including Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural and Transpersonal Approaches.

Module 3 – Counselling Skills and Practice Module (15 hours): learners are introduced to basic counselling skills through experiential practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will be able to

• communicate more effectively in your relationships
• use counselling skills to develop more authentic relationships and to express yourself
• reflect on your ability to change and make decisions and choices in your life
• discuss the history and development of counselling and psychotherapy
• practice mindfulness to support and improve your mental health

• own and appreciate your self-worth as a person in your life journey

This Introduction to Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy is delivered by experienced and supportive facilitators who are accredited counsellors/psychotherapists.

ICPPD adopts an adult education approach to group learning; there is a strong emphasis on self-directed learning and on active participation and group discussion.

The course is highly interactive and combines personal development, counselling skills, and an introduction to some of the main theoretical approaches in counselling and psychotherapy.

The programme is supported by a learning environment that is experiential and highly interactive with:

• Tutorials
• Group learning through discussion
• Personal awareness exercises
• Exercises in pairs, small groups and large groups
• Self-directed learning via various tutor-recommended reading material, video, DVD, and internet material relevant to the individual modules.

Assessments for this course are:

• A 1,500-word reflection on your personal growth
• A 1,500-word essay on a theory presented
• Participation in a 10-minute counselling skills’ interview

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are required to complete the application form with a deposit of €150.00.

All modules must be completed successfully to achieve the certificate. Where attendance in any module is less than the required 85% a Certificate of Attendance will be awarded.

Progression

Those who complete this Certificate have the option to apply for entry onto the ICPPD’S Level 8 Bachelor of Arts degree (Hons) in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

Academic Supports

Academic Writing Workshops are available for all learners.

ICPPD uses Moodle, a virtual learning environment (VLE), to disseminate class material and share course-related resources, as well as news, assignment details, discussion fora, etc.

The College also provides access to EBSCO e-Library, e-Journal and other resources through Moodle. These resources facilitate the support of learners at outreach centres, and through out-of-hours times.