Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy - Clinical

The aim of the course is to provide a recognised psychotherapy qualification with a strong practical, as well as theoretical basis.



The course is existential/humanistic and integrative in approach, embracing gestalt, psychodynamic, existential and other styles. Particular emphasis is placed on skills and theoretical models concerned with the development of a therapeutic relationship. It is understood that the therapist's personal development and personal awareness are central to the therapeutic enterprise.



There are six main elements:



Theory/Skills

Personal Therapy

Peer Group

Practice with clients

Experiential group work

Supervision (in relation to client practice).



Peer/Practice Group

Students meet bi-monthly (or more frequently if possible) in small groups mainly for skills practice which is monitored by trainers.



Experiential Group Work

Experiential group work affords an opportunity to explore personal and interpersonal issues within a group context.



Personal Therapy

Trainees are expected to have at least 135 hours of weekly personal therapy on an individual basis during the course. (This requirement may change in line with changes in the requirements of the professional accrediting bodies).



Practice with Clients

Students undertake to work with clients in placement situations or otherwise. The student is responsible for the completion of 220 hours of client work. The Institute will assist with the fulfilment of the client practice requirement in a variety of ways including direct provision of client-work, the arrangement of suitable placements etc..



Supervision

Trainees will be supervised on their client work in two ways. Supervision will take place in small groups as part of the training weekends.



Trainees will also have a fortnightly supervision session on an individual basis with a designated supervisor. Trainees can expect to have approximately 60 such sessions during the course. Payment is made by the student for these sessions over and above the course fee.



Course Recognition

The MA programme is designed to fully meet the criteria and guidelines currently available for professional training in psychotherapy. It is also designed to meet the anticipated requirements under the new statutory registration arrangements which are not yet in place.



The MA programme incorporates the IACP recognised 4 year Professional Diploma in Psychotherapy.



Graduates of the courses have been accepted since 1995 for registration as psychotherapists by the Irish Council for Psychotherapy and IAHIP and the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). The course also satisfies the requirements of the Existential modality of the European Association for Psychotherapy.(EAP).



It is envisaged that most graduates of the course will apply for accreditation with the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP) or the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).



Arrangements are in place to assist graduates of the Institute, where practicable, to secure the number of post-graduate supervised hours of practice required by the accrediting bodies.



Qualification

MA in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (Clinical) This is a level 9 qualification on the NFQ validated by South East Technological University,. Ireland

The course is suitable for graduates e.g. health professionals, teachers, care workers and others with equivalent graduate-level qualifications or life experience. A lower age limit of 24 years applies.



Candidates are expected to have undertaken at least the Institute's Foundation Course or the equivalent in personal development courses/workshops and be able to show evidence of most or all of the following:



Experience in personal development or group work

Self-awareness, maturity and stability

Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience

Capacity to cope with the emotional and intellectual demands of the course

Potential to form a therapeutic relationship.

Assessment is continuous. Emphasis is placed on the facilitation of the student's self-assessment. Guidelines and criteria are made available in advance. The Institute reserves all rights in relation to a student's participation on the course. In addition to assessment which relates to the quality of practice, assessment is by portfolio of written work. Quantitative criteria also apply, including hours of practice and case studies.

The course duration is 4 years in accordance with the standards of the European Association for Psychotherapy.



11 weekends October to May (years 1 to 3). Year 4 is a blend of supervision and 4 weekend workshops.

Saturday and Sunday all day



Venue

At the Tivoli Institute's Dublin premises 24 Clarinda Park East, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

€5,854 per annum years 1 to 3. €6250 for year 4. There is no interview fee. A strictly non-refundable deposit of €2000 will be payable only upon acceptance of a place.

Commencing October 2025 (Weekend based)