The aim of the course is to provide a recognised psychotherapy qualification with a strong practical, as well as theoretical basis.
The course is humanistic and integrative in approach, embracing person-centred, gestalt, psychodynamic, 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.
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.
Comment
Qualification
MA in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (Clinical) This is a level 9 qualification on the NFQ validated by IT Carlow.
Course Recognition
The Professional courses are designed to fully meet the criteria and guidelines available. Graduates of the courses have been accepted since 1995 for registration as psychotherapists by the Irish Association for Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) and the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). The courses are also fully recognised by the Irish Association for Psychotherapy in Primary Care (IAPPC).
It is envisaged that most graduates of the course will apply for accreditation with the Irish Association for Psychotherapy in Primary Care (IAPPC) and with the Irish Council for Psychotherapy via the Irish Association for Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP), or the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
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.