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PCI College

Child & Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy

This course is designed for students who wish to gain specialist training and a Level 9 Masters qualification in counselling & psychotherapy for teenagers and children under 18.

It will provide you with the theoretical background and practical skills to work with children and adolescents in a therapeutic setting, with particular emphasis on working through creative approaches.

Course Details
Exploring creative media such as art, sandplay, therapeutic storytelling, drama, music and other approaches, this course places significant emphasis on experiential learning and acquisition of key skills for work with young clients. It draws on established and current theory in counselling and psychotherapy, up to date approaches in child and adolescent mental health lifespan development, family systems and trauma.

Students will also engage in clinical placement work of 100 hours over the duration of the course to put into practice the skills and knowledge gained in the programme. Individual clinical supervision will be required and personal therapy will be recommended for all students (required for students who are not qualified therapists).

The course is suitable for counsellors/psychotherapists, social workers, guidance counsellors, psychologists, youth workers, teachers and other related disciplines that work therapeutically with those under 18.

Entry requirements

This course is recommended for counsellors, psychotherapists, teachers, guidance counsellors, youth workers, social workers, social care workers, psychologists and others working with children and adolescents.

Applicants are required to hold a Degree (Level 7 or higher) in Counselling & Psychotherapy, Guidance Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Youth Work, Education or similar.
Applicants who do not hold a degree qualification may be considered on the basis of substantial relevant experience and training. Applications in this category will be considered on a case by case basis and applicants will be required to furnish documentary evidence (career portfolio, transcripts of results etc) of experience and training.

Entry is by application and interview. All applicants will be called for interview. Evidence that an applicant meets the entry requirements must be furnished at interview (original transcripts in hardcopy).

Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course.
Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on application.

Duration

Two years (24 months) part-time. The course will take place at weekends and the full provisional timetable will be available in April.

Careers or further progression

Career Path:
Students who graduate from the MA in Child and Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy will be qualified to work with children and adolescents (under 18) in a therapeutic setting. Other career opportunities may include working for state and voluntary organisations, schools, community care centres, mental health organisations, youth organisations and also integrating the skills with any qualifications that students have already achieved.

PCI College is currently working with Middlesex University to confirm validation for the course at Masters Level and this is expected by May 2016.

Please note that this course does not qualify you as a professional, accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist. As an addition to your existing professional qualification, it will allow you to work with Children & Adolescents in a therapeutic setting.

If it is your intention to become a professional, accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist, please see our BSc (Honours) Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy course for more details.

Further enquiries

Interested in finding out more? Call Sinéad or Lynn now at 01-464 2268.

Subjects taught

Each module is 30 hours duration. Modules are assessed by written and practical assignments.

Year 1:
Theories Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy / Therapeutic Play Skills
Family Systems and Working with Parents
Creative Therapies Sandplay and Storytelling
Counselling & Psychotherapy Skills

LEADING TO THE AWARD OF: PCI COLLEGE POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

Year 2:
Theories Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy & Counselling
Family Systems Working with Trauma
Child Psychology and Mental Health
Creative Therapies Art, Clay, Music, Drama, Puppets

Additional Course Requirements:
100 hours clinical placement / client work*
Supervision: Group Supervision is provided during the course; Students are required to attend an external supervisor for a minimum of 10 hours one-to-one supervision
Personal therapy is recommended for all students and is a requirement for students who are not qualified counsellors/psychotherapists.

LEADING TO THE AWARD OF: MA IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY (pending final validation)

Students are required to complete a Case Study and Research Thesis in Year 2. Students who choose not to complete a Research Thesis may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy on successful completion of all other requirements.

*PCI College will assist in providing client work for students through our Low Cost Counselling Service and in local organisations. Students who find their own client work will need to have placements vetted by PCI College prior to commencement.

Comment

Award: MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY MA IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY (pending validation).

Assessment method

Written and practical assignments.

Application date

Entry is by application form and interview. We expect to finalise the application form and fee details shortly and in the meantime, please contact Lynn or Declan at 01-464 2268 or enquiries@pcicollege.ie with any queries and to add your name to the Waiting List.

Course fee

The fees and Direct Debit Payment Plan details for this course will be confirmed shortly. You may add your name to the Waiting List at enquiries@pcicollege.ie and we will send you the full fees information as soon as it is available.

Additional Course Costs
Course fees do not cover costs associated with Additional Course Requirements (Personal Therapy & Supervision). Fees for Supervision and Personal Therapy are decided by negotiation between you and your Supervisor and Therapist. The average cost for supervision is approximately 60. Personal therapy may also average about 60 per session.

Application Process
Applicants are invited to complete and return the enclosed Application Form. Applications must be accompanied by an Initial Deposit of 250, which is deductible from course fees if the application is successful. Applicants are entitled to a full refund of the Initial Deposit if they decide to cancel within 7 days of receipt of their application. Should an application be unsuccessful or cancelled by the applicant following this 7 day period, an administration fee of 60 is charged and the balance of 190 refunded.

The balance of fees is payable in full before the course commences. Fees are non-refundable in all personal circumstances. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A full refund will be given to all applicants in the event that the class does not proceed.

Enrolment and start dates

Next Start Date: October 2016.

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