Back in 1991 our pioneering co-founders Liam McCarthy (RIP) and Josephine Murphy, identifying a real need for supportive and inclusive training, founded the Personal Counselling Institute (now known as PCI College).
Our programmes are characterised by an integrative, person-centred, approach to counselling & psychotherapy training. Through their extensive training, students are introduced to all the main theorists, as well as being afforded the opportunity to delve into important topics such as Abnormal Psychology, Loss & Grief, and Substance Addiction, to name but a few. This expansive breadth of training, in conjunction with the provision of high quality, user-friendly teaching, is one of the key factors that each year continues to attract many students to join the growing PCI College family of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
With over 25 years of experience, PCI College continue with our founders pioneering work by embracing the continued raising of academic standards in the context of proposed professional regulation, while still making training as accessible as possible; by continuing to set a high standard of personal development in training; by raising awareness around the huge range of issues that people still struggle within this country – depression, anxiety, suicide, addictions, relationship difficulties, etc; and by promoting an integrative approach within our field, and with our fellow professionals.
PCI College is a leading provider of third-level educational and continuing professional development courses in the fields of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Personal & Professional Development in mental health and wellbeing. As a college, it is committed to the provision of expert training and education in the field of mental health and wellbeing, in the private education sector, and tailor-made training to specialist groups.
About Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy
This comprehensive and rewarding course offers you both a stimulating learning experience and an enjoyable introduction to the world of counselling and psychotherapy. The four distinct course modules follow a natural progression from personal development and theoretical approaches to the skills practice and an overview of counselling and psychotherapy as a profession. You can expect a mix of traditional classroom-style and more hands-on experiential learning, with the opportunity to forge real and often lasting connections with your colleagues. Our classes typically include students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, offering opportunities for rich interpersonal sharing and learning. Indeed, in keeping with the ethos of counselling and psychotherapy, each student’s individual story is respected, and their unique talents encouraged throughout the course.
This course is for those who wish to learn more about both the inner workings of counselling and psychotherapy and themselves as individuals. It will also appeal to those who intend to pursue a career in the field and become an IACP accredited professional or who wish to incorporate counselling knowledge and skills into their current personal/ professional lives.
The course aims to be both intellectually stimulating and useful. The skills and knowledge acquired may be effectively applied to any number of ‘real life’ situations and professions. These skills may include increased self-awareness and empathy, improved communication and listening abilities, and a range of counselling tools that can enhance interpersonal relationships. Students wishing to pursue a career in the field will also be provided with the essential foundational elements needed as part of enrolment for a further qualification, such as our BSc Honours Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
