Testimonials

“When
I decided to look for a foundation course in counselling/psychotherapy
I was very concerned that I would find one that would be worth the
money I was about to invest in my future. I heard of GCS from someone
who had attended but I still wasn’t entirely convinced. I went to a few
open evenings held by other schools but finally decided upon GCS and
I’m so glad I did! I was also concerned about the body work and art
therapy sections of the course as I hadn’t known anything about them
before. They were fabulous and I’m so thankful that I got to experience
them, a course without them could never have achieved what this course
did in the months we had together. It truely was a life changing
experience. I have been offered a place in two highly acclaimed
colleges both private and public but even if I hadn’t been going on to
further study this course would have been worth every penny and more. I
honestly believe that there is no course out there that is as fully
rounded as this one.” Sarah-Anne Creegan, Design Associates, Galway

“This was such a great course! I really liked the balance in theory and
practice with it’s emphasis on experiential learning, with so much
opportunities for processing. And there was so much clear and practical
advice and information given about how to enter further training. The
trainers were all really sound and had great experience and acted with
care, sensitivity and integrity. The honestly and sharing in the group
work was powerful and a very transformative experience for me. The
support given by the trainers for this very deep work let me find a
more true me and a stronger voice in the world. I know myself and my
issues better and I took away improved skills for self-reflection such
as the journal writing. I feel a new confidence and clarity. Taking
this course helped me to uncover my true passions and what direction I
want to take professionally in life. I would recommend this course to
anyone wanting to follow a career in counselling or increased
self-awareness and self-development. The stunningly beautiful location
was the perfect place to do this work! There was also plenty of humour
throughout the course!” Tina Hannon, Galway

“I
began this course expecting to learn about counselling as a field of
study but I never thought that I could have made such a positive
personal transformation in just a few months. I feel It is the
combination of group therapy, theory and skills practice which makes
this course such a worthwhile undertaking. It is not just a foundation
in counselling and psychotherapy but a wonderful foundation for anyone
who wishes to learn more about themselves. This course has given me the
confidence to continue my own education in counselling and
psychotherapy. It has also prepared me for the interview process for
further education and I have now been accepted on a diploma programme
with ICPPD. As great as this is, it is still my personal growth which I
will forever be thankful for… many thanks to the course and it’s
team.” Vivienne Maloney, Tuam

“The course for me was a truly valuable experience. It was a shared
space for exploration, discovery and support. I fully recommend it to
anyone who may be sitting on the fence. It was well structured and
facilitated wonderfully”. Declan Doherty, Donegal

“At the beginning I saw it as a platform for me to embark on a degree
course to become a psychotherapist/counsellor. After day one I
realised it was going to be so much more than that. I felt so
insecure starting out as I seemed to be one of the oldest there and the
fact that I have been a stay at home mother for the past ten years
wasn’t doing wonders for my confidence. I have to say honestly that
doing this course has been a life changing experience, it has given me
confidence in my choices and I always felt accepted in the
group. Our group bonded from day one which was a huge
plus. Our tutors were excellent, they were completely different to
each other but I felt they all added great value to our group’s
journey. We experienced some very powerful moments that we all
agreed were special and unique to us.  I would recommend this
course to anyone even if they where not thinking of going on to
further a career in this field.  It was hard a times but
so worth it”. Niamh Moran

“I think this has been an amazing journey for me personally. I am
surprised at how much I have grown as a person. I began this course
because I was at a crossroads in my life and I was hoping for a new
direction career wise…. I have never enjoyed something so much in all
my life. This has been one hell of an amazing journey, one I have
enjoyed so much and will treasure forever. Caitriona O’Donnell, Cork

“Whether one does this course for personal or professional reasons, the
benefits of taking part are huge. The integrity of the course tutors is
self evident, and their experience and expertise is shared in a
positive and comfortable learning environment. I feel enriched and
happier as a person for having completed the course.” Alice Kennelly, Connemara

” This was a really professional course. On completion I was left with
a good knowledge of theory, a greater self knowledge and self
awareness, an understanding of the field of counselling and
psychotherapy and an excellent sense of where to go next. This course
went beyond my expectations. The weekends proved to be a wonderful
respite from a busy week. Furbo and the hotel was a really relaxing
setting. It provided a great balance of counselling theory and personal
development and was run by very professional
and experienced practitioners. I enrolled in this course for
practical reasons; I knew I had to complete the course if I wanted to
begin a career in counselling psychology. While the course did fulfill
this primary goal, it gave me much more in terms of self knowledge and
awareness” Steve Doherty, Social care
worker, Dublin
 
“A truly life changing and uplifting experience. I entered the course
asking a lot of questions about my own personality and searching for an
explanation as to other peoples behaviors and attitudes….. What I got,
was of course not explicate answers to these questions, but a tool
that’s gave a better understanding and acceptance of life, as a result
I am more confident in who I am and what I stand for. Without doubt the
course has benefited me in everyday life and in my relationships with
others. I feel happier and more content as a person for having
completed the course” Michael McKeon, Engineer, Longford

2009-10 groups

“This course provided new insight and new perspectives that I could not have imagined. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone looking to further their personal development or a career in counselling”. William Corless, Operations Manager

“It has been such a refreshing, uplifting and mind opening experience – I could never have possibly imagined participating  in such a life changing experience. I originally was interested in participating in and learning about Counseling and Psychotherapy but looking back now for me this was mainly a very positive experience of self development”. Joanne O’Donnell, Media Developer

‘Really enjoyed the course and the fact it seemed like you were working with us as opposed to lecturing us! And there was always a sense of humour’ Caroline Byrne (Limerick)

‘This course has been amazing, really enjoyable and truly life
changing. Hand on heart it has been the best money that I have
ever spent’ Olive (engineering tech)

‘I enjoyed the groupwork in the course. I found all the teachers were fantastic. I found the honesty, and support from everybody was brilliant. I loved that it opened me up to being more aware and honest with myself’ Mark McCabe (Galway)

‘Very enjoyable worthwhile course. Excellent personal development and learning in a caring supportive environment’ Ella Larkin (Nurse)

‘Loved every minute of it!’ Charlie Cassey, Sports Therapist

‘I found it helpful, useful and life changing in a very positive way! Susan Slevin 

‘The course was well organised, superbly structured and professionally presented’ Trish McHale, Teacher and Writer

“I arrived to the course wanting to get to know myself better and I left with a finer appreciation and trust in myself which has led me to make the next move in my life professionally and surprisingly….personally”. Eimear Connaughton, Occupational Therapist

“Saturdays with process work were especially important to me, as they helped me a lot to better understand some aspects of my behaviour and reactions to certain people and situations. It also helped me to realise which direction to take further in my life” Tatyana.

2008 Foundation groups I, II & III

‘I
thoroughly enjoyed this course and was amazed by how much that I learnt
about myself. The quality of the teaching, the calibre of the teachers
and the experiential nature of the course really help to create and
hold a supportive environment where I could really begin to hear my own
authentic voice. I realise now that there is a world of difference
between intellectual knowledge and self awareness. After 7 months of
art therapy, bodywork, personal therapy and skills practice I’ve really
become much more attuned to myself. What’s more, I know what I want.
I’ve decided to continue on my studies and have already been offered a
place on a recognised course. I cannot recommend this course highly
enough. The stunning location alone is already worth the drive!’ Gerry
Maher (now in first year of professional training)

‘I can without doubt say that this course was a fantastic experience, as well as being a real eye opener into myself’.  It has thought me so much about myself and others and has left me feeling empowered and knowing that I can do anything I put my mind to.  Of course all this would not have been possible was it not for the exceptional help and guidance from Norman, Elaine and Ann-Marie, as well as the other amazing people on the course who made this experience one of a kind’ Sarah Morrissey (now in first year of professional training)

I want to thank you again for the course and all involved. It truly has opened up a brand new better world for me and for that I will be eternally grateful. Gina O’Grady (now in first year of professional training)

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

“Doing this course has been the greatest gift I have given myself. A whole new world has been opened up to me. My best description of the course is a river. I met currents along the way but I flowed through stronger, more aware of obstacles and freer at the exit. The body work/art allowed me to open up to my creative self in a safe supported environment. A warm thank you to Norman, Elaine and Ann-Marie for creating the space for my journey of self-discovery. My journey is only beginning”. Sarah Hynes (now in first year of professional training)

“This foundation course has been one of the most profoundly transforming experiences of my life. We ended the course with every single course participant spontaneously giving every other person in the room a big hug. I can think of no more beautiful or more powerful image for the enormous gift of complete acceptance for every single person’s individuality that the course fostered. I feel immensely strengthened by having been able to acknowledge and mind my vulnerability in a safe environment, feeling so completely supported and accepted by all those wonderful people who shared so much of their own vulnerability and courage”. Katharina Walter

“It was a great balance of theory and practical, and I would
recommend it one hundred percent to anyone” Michelle Wilson

2007 groups I and II

“I found the Foundation Course to be incredibly enriching; a challenging experience which I found to facilitate real individual growth. Having small groups for experiential aspects of the course enabled really deep, powerful group and individual exploration. The weekends were intense and provided me with many learning experiences. I was extremely impressed by the professionalism and passion of the course facilitators – Norman, Ann-Marie & Elaine. A course such as this relies heavily on the team which facilitate the various elements and I really cannot give enough high praise for the three of you. I thoroughly enjoyed having the Art Therapy and Bodywork as parts of the course… I would highly recommend this course to anybody who wishes to explore their own personal process and who would value a challenge.” Vanessa Hoefler, Galway. (now completing 2nd year of professional training)

“I liked the balance between theory and practise, I think it gives a good overall introduction to counselling…It was a very supportive, scary, fun, rewarding and worthwhile experience, worth travelling eight hours each weekend for!” Kate McLellan, Co. Waterford (Presently completing a masters in Counselling Psychology)

“I feel I’ve learnt a great deal about myself in the last eight months. Things that I wasn’t aware of as well as things I’ve avoided in acknowledging. It’s been personally challenging and emotionally demanding but worth every minute” Patrice McDonnell, Furbo

“Just wanted to say thanks a million for a really enjoyable year…I really feel the last year has been such a wonderful journey full of self-discovery. I feel the group really offered me a place of great support, acceptance and understanding- a place where I could really feel safe to journey deeper within myself…I will continue to recommend this wonderful course to others” Emer Sheahan, Cork (accepted onto counselling training programme in Trinity college, Dublin)

“Certainly, the strongest element of the course was the personal development work…I really think that the experiential aspects like ‘the counselling skills practice and on-going feedback make this course particularly special and unique…All the therapists involved were of a high calibre and each one was supportive, committed and knowledgeable” Jason Power, Co. Kilkenny

“I really enjoyed the Foundation course, every second. I felt I could give the course my all, due to the well defined structure of the course and the safe and healthy environment in which it took place…felt at ease yet in control of how much I shared within the course. I especially found all the lecturers very approachable and enjoyed learning from all three of you. I enjoyed having the smaller group on Sundays in order to be able to work through more personal issues” Ruth Friel, Co. Galway