Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy

Course Format & Delivery

Format: Live Online, Lecturer-Led Classes (Virtual Classroom via Zoom)
Schedule: 1 Day per Week (Saturday)
Time: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Duration: 9 Weeks
Live Online Attendance: 72 Hours
Self-Directed Learning: 128 Hours
Total CPD Credits: 200 Credits
Assessment: Formative & Summative
Award: Accredited Certificate
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Course Accreditation:

Professional Development Consortium
Provider of Excellence
CPD Standards Office
Irish Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (ICPA)
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Begin Your Journey in Counselling & Psychotherapy
Are you interested in pursuing a BSc (Honours) Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy? Your journey begins with the Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy at The Institute for Counselling & Psychotherapy Studies.

This accredited certificate provides the essential foundational knowledge, personal development, and practical skills required for entry into an accredited honours degree programme. It is widely recognised as the minimum entry-level qualification for those aspiring to become professional counsellors and psychotherapists.

Whether you are exploring a new career path or seeking meaningful personal development, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field and lays the groundwork for further academic and professional training.

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Course Overview
This enriching and engaging certificate course offers a dynamic introduction to the world of counselling and psychotherapy. Designed to be both intellectually stimulating and personally transformative, the programme integrates theory, experiential learning, and skills development in a supportive learning environment.

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Structured around two core modules, students are guided through a natural progression:

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From self-awareness and personal growth
To foundational counselling theories and practical therapeutic skills​
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Learning is delivered through (Live-Online) with lecturer-led teaching and experiential, hands-on activities, enabling students to develop insight into both themselves and the professional role of the counsellor or psychotherapist.

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Participants benefit from a collaborative learning atmosphere, connecting with peers from diverse age groups and backgrounds. In alignment with professional values, each student’s individuality, lived experience, and learning journey is respected and supported throughout the course.

Course Structure & Modules
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Module 1: Personal Development
34 Hours
This module focuses on self-awareness, reflective practice, and personal growth—core components of professional readiness in counselling and psychotherapy. Students explore their own values, beliefs, and relational patterns, gaining insight into how personal development underpins ethical and effective therapeutic practice.

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Module 2: Theory, Skills & Integration
38 Hours
This module introduces foundational counselling and psychotherapy theories alongside essential practical skills. Students learn about key figures in psychotherapy and develop core competencies such as active listening, empathy, presence, and professional boundaries. Skills are practiced in small-group settings with structured feedback and guidance from experienced lecturers.

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Who Should Consider This Course?
This course is ideal for:

Individuals curious about the principles and practice of counselling and psychotherapy
Those seeking meaningful personal growth and self-development
Aspiring counsellors and psychotherapists working toward IACP-accredited training pathways
Professionals in related fields who wish to integrate counselling skills into their personal or professional roles
No prior counselling qualifications are required.

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Why Take This Course?
Participants gain benefits that extend well beyond the classroom, including:

Enhanced self-awareness and emotional insight
Improved communication and interpersonal skills
Greater empathy and relational understanding
A recognised qualification that meets entry requirements for further professional training, including the BSc (Honours) Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy
This certificate serves as both a personal journey of growth and a professional stepping stone.

What Will You Learn?
Throughout the programme, you will:

Explore your inner world and reflect on how self-awareness shapes relationships and everyday experiences
Learn about key theoretical foundations and influential figures in psychotherapy
Develop core counselling skills essential to the therapeutic relationship
Practice skills in a safe, structured, and supportive small-group environment
Receive constructive feedback from experienced lecturers
As the course concludes, students are invited to reflect on their individual and collective development—often describing the experience as both affirming and life-changing.

Take the First Step
Begin your path toward a meaningful and rewarding profession in counselling and psychotherapy.

Enrol today and take the first step toward your future in the helping professions.