Foundation Course in Counselling Skills

The Foundation Course provides students with the opportunity to explore their attraction to the profession and what this entails. The thrust of our work with all our students is to facilitate wholeness. Therefore, a key part of the work of the Foundation Course is to assist students to become more self-aware and well-rounded, building on any personal development work the students may have previously undertaken. Students will also be introduced to theory and have an opportunity to explore and practise basic skills.

In addition, it prepares people for entry into professional Diploma courses. The Foundation Course is not however a professional qualification.

How to apply:

  • Applicants must be 24 years of age and over to apply,
  • Applicants are invited to submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae,
  • A passport sized photograph,
  • Completed application form (dowload here)
  • Application fee of 50 Euro which is non-refunable

Based on this application, individuals will be invited to attend a Group Interview.

Successful interviewees will then be offered a place on the course.

Course Structure & Students

The course is organised on a part-time basis. The group meets over 10 workshops, running on Friday evening and all day Saturday including one residential weekend.

We usually offer two courses:

- the first is held from October to May

- the second from January to July

Students are required to be open to ongoing personal development which occurs in a group, personal therapy sessions, keeping a personal journey, assignments based on core components of the course and self and peer assessments.

Course Content

There are four essential components to the course content;

  1. Personal awareness and development,

  2. Knowledge of theories,

  3. Skills training, including the opportunity to participate in a professional supervision session,

  4. Multi-cultural awareness.

The Training Institute provides this training in a group setting which encourages exploration and learning.

Fees, Assessment & Award

Course Fees: 1,600 Euro

The fee for the year covers course tuition only. The student is responsible for any additional expenses, food, travel, books, accommodation, personal therapy sessions etc.

Assessment: is continuous and based on a series of submitted assignments, attendance and feedback on personal development from self, peers and trainers.

Award: students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a Foundation Certificate.