Counselling & Psychotherapy - Person Centred Modalities

This Masters programme in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Person-Centered Modalities) is designed for graduates in health and human sciences and in particular graduates of Counselling and psychotherapy related programmes as well as disciplines such as nursing, social care, social work, psychology and programmes in cognate areas.



This programme is suitable for graduates who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the human condition and the contribution of advanced level counselling and psychotherapy practice using Person Centered Approaches that focus on the person’s perceptions of his or her present circumstances and assists the person in identifying his or her own answers to problems or obstacles in life. Please go to the structure section for an overview of the content covered in this programme.



This programme is for people who have a desire to be leaders and agents for change; recognising the special contribution of professional counsellors and psychotherapists using a range of scientifically established paradigms and approaches can make to individuals, their families, and communities in supporting individual recovery, wellbeing and also at policy and preventative levels in terms of public health models, thus enriching the lives of individuals and communities.



This programme enables learners to critically evaluate institutionalised practices and values, and act as agents for challenge and change in their professional contexts. The programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their professional competence in areas of Counselling & Psychotherapy through advanced study in person-centred modalities , and through the professional placement and research elements, develop personal and professional capacity and collaborative problem-solving skills, underpinned by evidence-based practice and reflection.



It also helps graduates to meet international requirements for professional practice as set out by the EAP European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP). as well as provide leaders in professional practice who are capable of engaging with and initiating necessary professional discourse at policy levels.



This programme facilitates graduates of programmes in cognate areas who wish to study towards and meet professional Counselling and Psychotherapy Accreditation requirements of the EAP in relation to Psychotherapy accreditation.



This course will facilitate graduates of undergraduate counselling & psychotherapy related programmes as well as those from cognate areas or applicants with appropriate professional training (through RPL routes) who wish to study towards the completion of Level 9 studies on a programme that has been benchmarked against both the training standards set by the European Association of Counselling (EAC) and the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP).



Completion of the programme will assist graduates who wish to meet professional accreditation requirements for professional practice.

The following are the modules that have to be completed on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Person-Centered Modalities)



Name of Module Semester Mandatory / Elective ECTS (Credits)

Theoretical Perspectives of Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy 1 M 5

Research Methodologies & Design 4 M 10

Skills & Competencies in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy 2 M 5

Person-Centred Modalities & Therapeutic Group Work 2 M 5

Understanding Psychopathology 2 M 5

Elective 4 M 5

Knowing Self 1-4 M 5

Applications of Person-Centered Counselling & Psychotherapy 1 M 5

Practicum 5 M 15

Dissertation 5 M 30

This programme is designed for graduates in health and human sciences and in particular graduates of Counselling related programmes as well as, nursing, social care, social work, psychology and programmes in cognate areas who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the human condition.



The knowledge, skills and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 Programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Human Science Level 8 degree.



Those who have completed other relevant education programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard can also be considered. If you wish to apply for this programme, please click on the ‘Apply Now” tab. All applicants undertake a selection interview to support applicants to make an informed decision regarding their choice of programme and to ensure suitability.



Applicants should be driven by a desire to be leaders and agents for change; recognising the special contribution that professional psychotherapists using an Integrative approach can make to individuals, their families and communities in supporting individual recovery, wellbeing and also at policy and preventative levels in terms of public health models, thus enriching the lives of individuals and communities. Candidates will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.



Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College. If you have any queries in relation to this course then please contact the college on 061 216288 or email us on info@ichas.ie. A member of the Admissions team will be happy to assist you

2 Years (Part Time). Available at our Dublin and Limerick Campuses.

Attendance would normally require attendance in person (either in class or on Zoom) on 1 evening per week (6 pm to 10 pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 4.30 pm) over 3 semesters in the academic year.

Start Date: September 2025

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

On successful completion of the MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy, learners will be qualified to access Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).