Systemic Psychotherapy

Objectives of the Programme

The main objective of the programme is to provide the fundamentals of good practice as a systemic family therapist. The core learning outcomes associated with this objective are the demonstration of the following:



• The skills, knowledge and competence to practice as a systemic family therapist;

• An ethical positioning that allows them to scrutinise and reflect on their practice;

• A familiarity with theory and research that allows them to review and update their clinical work;

• A reflexivity that allows them to review and manage the place of their own self in their clinical and research and professional practice

• An awareness of the importance of the therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy



This comprehensive programme in Systemic Psychotherapy/Family Therapy has particular relevance for professionals in the health, social services, education, and related disciplines. This programme, which is recognised as one of the foremost psychotherapy training courses in Ireland has been running, subject to review and revision, for twenty-five years. This programme has been modified to fit with academic and professional training requirements emerging from both Irish and European Academic and Professional bodies.



The programme is comprised of interweaving strands:

1. Theory

2. Clinical Practice

3. Ethics & Inclusivity

4. Reflexivity & Personal Professional Development (PPD)

5. Research



The curriculum comprises 5 modules/subjects which are: Theory, Clinical Practice, Ethics & Inclusivity, Reflexivity, Research.



The Clanwilliam Institute is accredited by EAPTI (European Accredited Psychotherapy Training Institutes), which is an accredited Training Institute with EAP (European Association for Psychotherapy). The Clanwilliam Institute is also accredited through FTAI (Family Therapy Association of Ireland). The first three years are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).



The Four Year MSc Programme is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The successful completion of all strands of the training lead to Accreditation with both the Family Therapy Association of Ireland (FTAI) and the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP).



Progression through the programme is dependent on successful completion of all of the programme requirements.

Year 1

• Foundation Level Professional Training Programme in Systemic Psychotherapy.

• Certificate in Systemic Psychotherapy Theory, Exit award at end of 10 Weeks.

• Certificate in Systemic Psychotherapy Theory & Practice Skills, Exit award at 10 Months.



Year 2

Intermediate Level Professional Training Programme in Systemic Psychotherapy.



Year 3

Intermediate Level Professional Training Programme in Systemic Psychotherapy.



Year 4

• Masters in Science in Systemic Psychotherapy.

• Certificate in Advanced Professional Development, Exit award at end of 12 Weeks.

1. To be considered for admission, applicants should hold an honours primary degree (National Framework of Qualifications Level 8) in a field of study in the human sciences or its equivalent.



OR



2. Hold an Ordinary degree (National Framework of Qualifications Level 7) in a field of study in the human sciences or its equivalent and have obtained a minimum of three years relevant post-qualification experience.



RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) – Indirect Entry

Applicants who are not entitled to direct entry may be considered for entry based on their prior learning, that is their knowledge and skills acquired through life, work experience and study, not attested through formal certification. Applicants will be considered provided they can demonstrate equivalence to Direct Entry Requirements which can be verified through the Clanwilliam Institute RPL process. Applicants will be required to demonstrate an ability to contribute to and benefit from the programme.



Applicants who are considering application through this route are encouraged to make informal enquiries to the Head of Training. Applicants will be required to satisfy the Head of Training and the Programme Committee as to their capacity to contribute to and benefit from the programme.



Note: Under Institute RPL procedures, a Support Person is available to assist RPL applicants



RPL applications take a minimum of 9 weeks to prepare and one week for a decision. Therefore, RPL applications should commence at least 10 weeks prior to the closing date for direct entry applications. Late applications may result in less time for preparation of portfolio.



For non-native English speakers tested evidence of competency in English is required.

To apply for this course please click on "Application Weblink" above.

4 years. Training is provided in Dublin, Athlone and Cork.

Applications for October 2026 are now open.