Foundation Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy
“The First Step to a Career in Counselling and Psychotherapy”
Next intake: October 25th. Places available.
Whether you are in transition, at a crossroads, or considering a new career direction the GCS Foundation programme 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 monthly and provides the essential first step for a career in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology in meeting the entry requirements of the recognised professional training programmes (IACP, IAHIP). 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 20th 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 qualified trainers and accredited psychotherapists.
Suitable for anyone interested in one or more of the following:
- A career in counselling, psychotherapy or psychology. The GCS Foundation is recognised by UL (Diploma/Masters), Tivoli Institute etc. as fully meeting professional training programmes foundation entry requirements.
- Personal development: transform how you view yourself and relationships. Further develop your relationship skills and improve relationships.
- Develop counselling skills in your workplace and Increase employment opportunities in areas where counselling skills are essential or an advantage.
- Meet required personal development work suggested by a training Institute prior to starting professional training or as required during training through temporary time out from professional training, as requested by your tutor.
- Independent guidance to a career in counselling and psychotherapy.
Guidance is crucial in choosing a professional training course as they are not of all the same standard and not all degree programmes (BA and Masters) meet the professional standards in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.
Course Content Course Ethos
Person Centred Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Mindfulness
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.
2. Highest level of ongoing personal development work. Insufficient personal development is the main reason for failing to gain entry to professional training.
2. Minimum of three 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 20yrs 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 8 weekends as is best practice in counselling and psychotherapy.
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, primary care, paid voluntary centres and in private practice. More information on graduates. Contact with previous or present students can be arranged on request.
Entry Requirements
A willingness to engage in a personal process of self exploration, self awareness work, self challenge and be open to feedback from others. To be in a position to attend all course weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Venue & Dates
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. Accomodation is also available at Cedar Lodge B & B, run by Joe and Beady, Ph: 091 592111. It is beside Galway Bay in easy walking distance of the hotel. October dates: Oct. 25/26, Nov 22/23. Dec 13/14, Jan 10/11, Feb 7/8, Mar 7/8, Mar 28/29, Apr 25/26.
Application procedure and Payment
Complete the online application form: Apply Online Now. The Course fee is €1450. Deposit payment details here.