Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental illness in Europe. “Mental health is a most important, maybe the most important, public health issue, which even the poorest society must afford to promote, to protect and to invest in” (World Health Organisation, 2003). Mental health has a large impact on people’s lives in Ireland. Adults who have personally experienced mental health difficulties rate their quality of life far lower than those who have not. Over 18.5% of the Irish population was recorded as having a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, or alcohol or drug use, in recent years. Rates of depression were also well above the European average for both men and women in Ireland. This impacts families, friendships, the workplace and our communities.
85% of people agree that “anyone can experience a mental health problem” and rate talking as the most effective means of looking after your own mental health. This tends to be with friends, family members, people who have had similar experiences and counsellors or psychotherapists.
Could you be part of the solution? You can be a part of the solution. Counselling aims to enable people to take control of their own lives. Start on the path to becoming a counsellor.
IICP College in Tallaght offers a four-year BA Honours Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. This innovative programme is validated by QQI and accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), Ireland’s largest professional body. With a seamless transition from theory to practice, graduates of this programme are professionally prepared to pursue an enriching and fulfilling career as a therapist.
Are you curious about becoming a counsellor but unsure about the four-year commitment? IICP College also offers an Introductory Certificate course in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Studies. The Certificate course offers introductory modules in theory of counselling and psychotherapy, counselling skills, and personal development. For those already qualified within the Mental Health and Therapeutic Professions, we also offer an extensive CPD programme, inclusive of one day workshops, short-term Professional Certificates, and two cutting edge Masters programmes. IICP College prides itself on giving students the space to learn, practice and be supported as they develop for themselves a style and model of counselling which is both personal and effective. IICP College can support you from Certificate to Masters level.
Find out more about your future in the helping professions at www.IICP.ie or call 01 466 4205 to speak with a member of the team.
