Next Intake: September 4th, 2010       Apply Online Now
Deadline for September applications: 30th May
To avoid disappointment please apply early as numbers are limited 
Annual intake: September, November & January

This intensive course runs over 8 weekends and provides a springboard for new career directions and guidance towards
further professional training. The GCS Foundation course is a required prerequisite for entry to recognised professional training courses 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

Information about Course Facilitators


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 with higher
level qualifications in both psychotherapy and training

The course will help you develop greater understanding of
yourself, and assist you in taking a new direction in life. The
GCS Foundation course is attended by people from all walks of life and employment status who enrol for reasons of self development or/and for professional training

The only independent foundation course in Ireland to offer direct experience of the various psychotherapy approaches by accredited therapists 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

"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

  • Careers in Counselling or Psychotherapy

  • Gestalt Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

  • Psychodynamic Theory

  • Person Centred Theory

  • Bodywork Psychotherapy

  • Existential Psychotherapy

  • Counselling Skills

  • Art Therapy

  • Self Development Group

  • Personal counselling

  • Assignment work

Course Ethos

On completing the course you can join previous participants in gaining entry to Diploma, BA and Masters courses in counselling, psychotherapy and psychology. 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, mediators 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
Total course fee of €1550 includes:
8 training weekends (Sat & Sun, 10am - 5pm)
Facilitation by accredited experienced psychotherapists
Access to Counselling and Psychotherapy books & Film
Theoretical materials and web based resources
Send email Ph: 086 395 4939

Application procedure and Payment
Complete online application form:
Apply Online Now. You will then
be contacted to arrange an informal interview. Enrolment entails a deposit of €450 to secure your place followed by the remaining fee of €1100. Course fees may be paid by cash, cheque, bank draft, postal order or Paypal (visa and mastercard. Incurs 3.4% fee). Please note that the deposit and fees are non returnable and non transferable

         Full fee €1600 (includes paypal fee)