Foundation Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy
"The First Step towards a Career in Counselling and Psychotherapy"


Personal Development          Counselling Skills          Career Change 

Whether you are in transition, at a crossroads, or considering a
new career direction the GCS Foundation certificate course
(100 hours contact time) will help support you in gaining the
confidence to take the next step. The foundation is an access
course that prepares you for entry to further professional training.
This intensive programme runs over 8 weekends (Sat. & Sun.)
monthly and provides the essential first step for a career in
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology in meeting the entry requirements of the relevant recognised professional training programmes. A foundation course is an essential prerequisite for
entry to IACP recognised courses and masters in counselling, psychotherapy and counselling  psychology programmes at the established reputable universities in Ireland and UK. The GCS Foundation course is accepted and highly regarded by the
established Colleges and Institutes throughout Ireland for
acceptance to professional training programmes. Now in its 18th
year, the GCS Foundation course holds a solid reputation for
offering a unique and exciting independent foundation in providing
a creative experiential training approach facilitated by experienced
and accredited psychotherapists and trainers.

"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 enrolled on a professional 
psychotherapy training programme).

"The assignments greatly assisted personal development, asking
simple yet hugely significant questions. The course was well 
structured, and support was available at all times. Extremely 
interesting and enjoyable" Kate Kennedy, senior radiation 
therapist and Galway Rose for 2013.

"This course has been one of the most transforming 
experiences of my life" Katherina, NUIG.

*Click here for Latest Testimonials (2013)
Contact with previous or present students can be arranged on request. To
see where graduates proceed onto click here        

Course Content  Course Ethos

Person Centred Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Psychoanalytical theory
Existential Psychotherapy
Body Psychotherapy
Art Therapy
Counselling Skills
Assignment work

Advantages of enrolling on the GCS Foundation:
1. Weekend based with 100 hours tutor contact time (minimum required for entry to IACP & IAHIP recognised professional training programmes).
2. High level of ongoing personal development work. Insufficient personal development is the commonest reason for failing to gain entry to professional training.
2. Minimum of four accredited and experienced facilitators.
3. Expert independent guidance regarding your suitability for this field and assistance to gain entry to the established professionally recognised courses with the highest standard of training. We have over 14yrs of feedback from students on their experience of the various training programmes available
4. Theoretical learning, skills and personal development run in conjunction throughout the eight weekends as is best practice in counselling and psychotherapy training.
5. Access to library books and web resources.

On completing the course you'll join previous participants in gaining entry to IACP recognised Diploma, BA, Masters or Doctorate programmes in counselling, psychotherapy, or psychology. Past students now work in universities, health boards, prisons, addiction centres, schools, paid voluntary centres and in private practice.  A certificate, awarded by GCS, is given on satisfactory completion of all course assignments, participation in self/peer feedback and 88% minimum attendance. Listen to the course director, Norman Warden, discussing the course on Radio Connemara here.

Entry Requirements
A willingness to engage in a process of self awareness, self challenge and openness to feedback from others. To be in a position to attend all course weekends.

Course Venue 
The Connemara Coast Hotel, Furbo, Co. Galway is 10 minutes from Galway city and 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.

Application procedure and Payment
Complete the online application form: Apply Online Now. The Course fee is €1450 and may be paid by cheque, bank draft, postal order, direct debit, cash, or Paypal. N.B. Please note that all Fees paid are
non returnable and non transferable.