Structure of Course The subjects covered are designed to be both practical and theoretical leading to a broad understanding of counselling as a profession and providing participants with foundation level skills in:

• Understanding the distinctions between counselling/psychotherapy and differing types of helping
• Exploration skills in counselling -use of opening questions, attending, listening, use of restatements and reflection of feelings
• Facilitating the arousal of emotions and supporting clients to share appropriately in therapy
• Understanding the therapeutic relationship
• Use of self-disclosure in counselling
• Working with clients to achieve insight and construct meaning of experiences
• The listening helper; qualities, skills and knowledge. Core conditions of congruence, empathy and UPR
• Establishing rapport and client engagement
• Addressing relational issues in the therapeutic alliance
• Closing skills and disengagement at the end of the session
• Demonstrating the use of core conditions in the counselling framework

Reflection on content and process of a counselling session

How will I be assessed? The assessment for this programme involves a client interview and an evaluation.

What supports will I have? ICHAS is a college with a proven track record in delivering high-quality education. At ICHAS, every lecturer and member of staff is committed to this ideal and to its implementation. We work on an individual basis with our students to bring this about, ensuring we meet your specific needs. We also have a proven track record of working with our students to overcome any barriers to progression that may occur in your course.

Where can I progress to on completion of the course? Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Essential Counselling Skills, students will be eligible to apply for a place on the range of undergraduate Programmes in the college.

What are the entry requirements for this course?

To join the Certificate in Essential Counselling Skills, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be over 18 years of age.
• Complete and submit the online application form and provide any requested information.

If you have any difficulty in applying for this course, then please contact the college on 061 216288 where we will be only too pleased to assist you.

This Certificate in Essential Counselling Skills is intended to be an introductory course to the area of counselling and psychotherapy. You will benefit from enhanced communication skills including active listening, and come to better appreciate the role of empathy and understanding in many contexts.

The certificate will not entitle you to practice as a counsellor. For that, a longer and more intensive programme of study such as the BA (Hons)  in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Level 8  is necessary. However, for those who wish to enhance their empathy, communication, and listening skills, and take advantage of the benefits this will afford in their personal and professional life; the certificate is an excellent choice.

This Certificate in Essential Counselling Skills has many unique features that make it one of the leading programmes of this type in Ireland, these include;

• It is on the National Framework of Qualifications
• The certificate is derived from a programme that has recently been revalidated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), ensuring up to date teaching methods, programme content and quality.
• It is delivered by lecturers who work in this field, who are passionate about your education and dedicated to sharing their experience and expertise.
• It covers topic areas that are relevant to society.

ICHAS Locations offering Certificate in Essential Counselling Skills

LIMERICK:  ICHAS Walton House,Lonsdale Rd., National Technology Park, Castletroy, Limerick

DUBLIN:  Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, Dublin

CORK : Griffith College Cork,Wellington Road, Cork

WATERFORD: Wharton House, Catherine Street, Waterford