Next Intake: Sept. 4th, 2010  Places Available  

Apply Online Now

September dates: Sept 4/5, 25/26, Oct 23/24, Nov 20/21, Dec 11/12, Jan 15/16
Feb. 12/13, Mar 12/13. [Annual intake: Sept/Nov/Feb] 

This intensive course runs over 8 weekends (100 hours) providing
a springboard for new career directions and substantial personal growth. A Foundation/Counselling skills course is a required prerequisite for entry to recognised professional training
programmes in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology. The GCS Foundation course is accepted by Colleges
and Institutes throughout Ireland for entry to professional
training programmes in Counselling, Psychotherapy and
Counselling Psychology

Now in its 16th year, the GCS Foundation course holds a solid
reputation for offering a unique and exciting foundation in
counselling and psychotherapy. The course provides a creative experiential training approach facilitated by experienced and accredited psychotherapists and trainers

The course will help you develop greater understanding of
yourself, and assist you in taking a new direction in life. You will
also develop an integrated approach to using counselling skills; incorporating counselling theory and personal development. The
GCS Foundation course is attended by people from all walks of
life who enrol for reasons of personal development and for professional training

The only independent foundation course in Ireland to offer
direct experience of the various psychotherapy approaches along with expert independent guidance for those considering a career
in counselling and psychotherapy

"I would recommend this training to anyone who is interested 
in self development, even if they do not wish to train as a 
counsellor/therapist. It was a challenging, uplifting experience
and a wonderful opportunity to grow in understanding of self
and others" Paula Martin (now in 1st year of professional 
psychotherapy training)

"This foundation course has been one of the most profoundly
transforming experiences of my life" Katharina

More Testimonials
Contact with previous or present students can be arranged on request          

Course Content  Course Ethos

A Career in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counselling Skills
Psychodynamic Theory
Person Centred Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Body Psychotherapy
Existential Psychotherapy
Art Therapy
Course Assignments
Personal Counselling

On completing the course you will join previous participants in gaining entry to Diploma, BA or Masters programmes in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology and coaching. Past students now work in universities, health boards, prisons, addiction centres, schools, voluntary agencies, and in private practice as counsellors, psychotherapists, counselling psychologists, guidance counsellors, and life/business coaches

Entry Requirements
A willingness to engage in a process of self awareness, self challenge and openness to feedback from others
To have sufficient maturity and psychological stability 
A commitment to attend all course weekends

Course Assessment
Assessment is part of the ongoing learning process involving personal reflection, self/peer feedback and assignment work. Personal development work is an essential element of the course. Successful students receive the GCS foundation certificate in counselling and psychotherapy 

Course Venue 
The Connemara Coast Hotel is 10 minutes from Galway city. It has a spectacular view of Galway bay and the Burren. Furbo has a beach, attractive walks and a labyrinth. Special rates are available at the hotel for GCS students. Directions

Course Fees
The course fee of €1550 includes:
8 training weekends (Sat & Sun, 10am - 5pm)
Access to Counselling and Psychotherapy books & Film
Theoretical materials and web based resources
Facilitation by accredited experienced psychotherapists
Independent guidance on further training
Personal counselling is an additional cost but students are assisted in procuring high quality low cost services, available throughout Ireland. Send email Ph: 086 395 4939

Application procedure and Payment
Complete online application form: Apply Online Now. You will
be contacted to arrange an interview. The course fee
(€1550) may be paid by cheque, bank draft, postal order, cash or Paypal (options below). All fees must be paid prior to course
start. Fees are non returnable and non transferable

         Pay Deposit - €450

         Pay remaining fees - €1100
         Pay Full Fee of €1550