Expand+We particularly welcome mature applicants and those who can demonstrate relevant prior learning, life experience, and/or practical understanding. The ethos of the course is humanistic, valuing the learner’s experience of themselves and the world, and...

Hide-We particularly welcome mature applicants and those who can demonstrate relevant prior learning, life experience, and/or practical understanding. The ethos of the course is humanistic, valuing the learner’s experience of themselves and the world, and providing opportunities that will enable the learner to develop their potential. It aims to foster respectful and ethical care of clients and service users among participants.

•Minimum age of 21 at time of registration

•Successful interview at which applicants must demonstrate appropriate work, educational, and care experience

•Two written references

•Leaving Certificate or equivalent

•Garda Vetting

Please Note: In line with best practice in counselling skills training, we will endeavour to avoid assigning participants or staff with close personal/ professional relationships to the same training group. If this situation arises we will work hard to accommodate candidates but may not always be able to progress their application.

Expand+Students are required to complete 60 credits over 4 semesters. Delivery of modules is blended, comprising regular online lectures and activities alongside on campus workshops.

In addition students are required to undertake some personal therapy as...

Hide-Students are required to complete 60 credits over 4 semesters. Delivery of modules is blended, comprising regular online lectures and activities alongside on campus workshops.

In addition students are required to undertake some personal therapy as part of their course requirements. This is arranged externally by the learner and at their own expense.

The aim of this programme is to develop learners’ knowledge and skills in the area of counselling, mental health and wellness, and personal development at a foundational level, such that they will be able to perform more effectively as helpers in a variety of caring and pastoral roles, and will also be well placed to pursue further training in counselling and psychotherapy.

This programme addresses the learning needs of workers in the field in a flexible and accessible manner. It will enhance the provision of care through development of practitioner skills and knowledge in the area of counselling and mental health, and through deepening practitioner self-awareness and reflectiveness. The programme is delivered through a blended programme of face to face and online learning which suits part time participants.

Graduates will serve as a resource in the community and the professional care field both regionally and nationally as participants are supported in their current work, volunteer, community or life situations (eg care, community, education, medical, pastoral, sports, youth work &c).

This Certificate in Introductory Counselling Skills is not a professional qualification in Counselling and graduates are not qualified to practice as professional counsellors.

This programme developed from requests from external organisations and our own graduates over the last ten years. Professionals in the care field are required to engage in continuous professional development (CPD) in line with the Health and Social Care Professional Regulatory body (CORU) and other professional guidelines. This course, as an academically accredited programme, under the National Qualifications Framework (QQI Level 6), offers an accessible route to meet this requirement.

This programme is offered as a blended programme meaning that course material is delivered face to face and also through the use of a virtual learning environment. Learners are fully supported to engage with online lectures and other web based activities by a dedicated team of tutors.

Expand+Semester 1 Title Credits
Counselling Skills 1: Foundational Helping Skills 10
Introduction to Counselling Theories 05

Semester 2 Title Credits
Personal Development A: Mindfulness and Self Awareness 10
IntroductoryPsychology for C...

Hide-Semester 1 Title Credits
Counselling Skills 1: Foundational Helping Skills 10
Introduction to Counselling Theories 05

Semester 2 Title Credits
Personal Development A: Mindfulness and Self Awareness 10
IntroductoryPsychology for Counselling 05

Semester 3 Title Credits
Counselling Skills 2: Foundational Action Oriented Skills 10
Mental Health & Wellness 05

Semester 4 Title Credits
Personal Development B: Group and personal process work 10
Professional Studies for Counselling 05

Expand+The knowledge and skills developed by graduates of this certificate course will be of value in roles in a range of areas including community development, disability, educational, family support, healthcare, lifelong learning, older persons, social ca...

Hide-The knowledge and skills developed by graduates of this certificate course will be of value in roles in a range of areas including community development, disability, educational, family support, healthcare, lifelong learning, older persons, social care, youth work, and other volunteering, pastoral care and support settings.

This Certificate in Introductory Counselling Skills is not a professional qualification in Counselling and graduates are not qualified to practice as professional counsellors.

Graduates may however, progress onto professional counselling courses thereby achieving the qualifications to work as therapists in the following areas among others; private practice, health care, social services, schools, third level institutions, and community organisations.

Graduates of this course will have begun on a pathway to a career in counselling / psychotherapy whereby a level 6 Certificate is considered to be a stepping stone qualification and is an advantage when applying for a degree or masters professional training course in this field.