Thinking About Becoming a Counsellor? This Accredited Certificate Is your First Step

More and more people are choosing counselling and psychotherapy as a meaningful career - whether as a full career change, a natural progression from a helping profession, or a long-held interest finally being explored. But one of the biggest barriers people face is not knowing where to start, or worrying they’ll commit to the wrong course, the wrong format, or something that isn’t recognised.

If you want a credible, flexible and professionally recognised way to enter the field, the Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Live Online) offers exactly that — without requiring you to upend your life.

This programme is a prerequisite for progressing into an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy and is designed for people who want a structured, supported entry point into the profession.

A Recognised First Step - Not Just an Introduction

This isn’t a hobby course or a taster session. The certificate is a formal stepping stone required for entry into a full degree. It gives you a foundation in counselling theory, core skills, and reflective practice while still allowing you to confirm that the profession is the right fit for you before making a bigger commitment.

Live Online Format: Flexible Without Losing Quality

The course is delivered via live Zoom sessions, not pre-recorded material. That means real-time interaction, breakout rooms, tutor feedback and group engagement.

Structure:

• Nine Saturdays, 9.30 am–5.30 pm (8 hours each)

• Total: 72 contact hours

• Plus 128 hours of independent learning

This structure allows you to balance study with work, family or other responsibilities — especially if you're changing career or upskilling alongside a current role.

Professionally Credible & Highly Regarded

What gives this programme real weight:

• Accredited by the CPD Standards Office & Professional Development Consortium

• Awards 200 CPD points

• Delivered by senior practitioners from psychotherapy, nursing and psychoanalytic backgrounds

This level of recognition strengthens your CV and gives you confidence that you're training within an established professional pathway.

Practical, Reflective and Skills-Based

You won’t just sit and listen - learning is applied through:

• Skills practice

• Reflective assignments

• Formative and summative assessment

This helps you build self-awareness, confidence and insight into your developing practitioner style.

Community and Support

Although delivered virtually, the course still provides connection and mentorship. Learners interact with peers, tutors and supervisors throughout the programme, and many continue into further study together.

Who Typically Enrols?

This certificate suits people who are:

• Considering psychotherapy or counselling as a new career

• Working in helping professions such as nursing, education, youth work, social care or community services

• Exploring a career change later in life

• Looking for a credible route into a degree programme

• Prefer a live, interactive online format over fully in-person or self-directed study

Course Details

Start date: 10 January 2026

Application: Early booking is advised and places are limited

Cancellation: Rescheduling allowed up to 14 days before start.

Deposits are non-refundable

Contact: enquiries@icps.ie | 043 33 62041

Why This Programme Stands Out

Feature	Benefit
Live, synchronous sessions	Real-time engagement, questions, feedback and skills practice
High accreditation and CPD points	Adds credibility and contributes to professional development
Senior faculty	Learn from actively practising and research-informed professionals
Balanced schedule	Nine Saturdays plus self-directed study — manageable for working adults
Direct progression pathway	Required for entry to the Honours Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy

All information correct at the time of publication.

Is This the Right Next Step for You?

If you’re thinking seriously about becoming a counsellor or psychotherapist or you want a respected foundation before committing to a degree, this certificate gives you a structured, recognised and achievable start.

You don’t have to give up your current work or take a leap in the dark — you can begin with a qualification that is valued, accredited and designed with real careers in mind.

To enquire or reserve a place: enquiries@icps.ie |

043 33 62041Or visit: https://www.icps.ie/service-page/certificate-in-counselling-psychotherapy-live-online-january-intake

Considering a career in counselling or psychotherapy? Take the first step - online study.