Testimonials
Geraldine Hallahan, Graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2011
Many times I had thought about completing the BA (Hons) Degree in psychotherapy over the years, but always procrastinated.
I had bags of excuses such as: I was too busy; would I be able for it; had I the courage to take it on; I am too old; I have too many other commitments; others needed me;
However once I made the decision, I have never looked back. They say that time fits to fill the space, and how true that saying is. It has been a wonderful year of learning for me, and I feel I have grown and broadened my horizons to such a level that it has enriched and filled me with an inner sense of confidence and trust in my abilities. Unless we dare to risk ourselves we limit the possibilities for our growth.
Studying at IICP in such a supportive and encouraging environment was great. The warmth and care I got from all the tutors and staff at IICP was fantastic. The course content and information for the students ensured that expectations were met.
I am very happy to encourage others to take this opportunity to open themselves to new learning.
“…If we really want to live, we better start at once to try
If we don’t, it doesn’t matter, but we better start to die”; W.H. Auden
Author: Geraldine Hallahan
Ramesh Ramsahoye, graduate of Certificate Programme 2011 and current Diploma student
The first thing I remember about the certificate course is the wonderful, warm welcome I received from the staff when I arrived on day one. I had spoken to the Director, Marcella Finnerty on the telephone when I had enquired months previously and was surprised when she remembered me and just picked up where we left off! This made me feel important and valued, a feeling that was reinforced by the other members of the group as the weeks passed. The course gave me an excellent introduction to major theorists such as Carl Rogers and William Glasser, but more importantly, the experiential nature of the work gave me a practical understanding of how their concepts are applied in counselling. Personal development and self-exploration was another important dimension of the course as was acquiring key skills for working with clients or with people in any capacity. As a group we were given a fair amount of autonomy in terms of agreeing how we would work together and what we would expect from each other and there was room to explore topics of personal interest. Another great strength of the Cert. at IICP is the commitment to working within an ethical framework so that challenging issues can be addressed and explored in an atmosphere of trust, acceptance and confidentiality. The qualities and attitudes needed in the counsellor such as empathy, patience and genuineness were modelled by the tutors and we all learned a great deal from seeing how they handled situations and responded to us. In this climate of safety and respectful relating, we are able as a group to share generously with each other and to do really meaningful work. The notes were very useful and pitched just right. My enduring memory of the course is of going on a very profound journey with some great people and, looking back, I see that it was a turning point in my life.
Author: Ramesh Ramsahoye
Michéle Hughes, Graduate of the two year and one semester, Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy Programme at IICP, 2011
My time at IICP marked a significant change in my life. I embarked upon a journey not knowing in which direction I wanted to go. My days were filled with lectures, notes and preparing for and handing in assignments. Through the early days the support and encouragement from faculty and peers alike was invaluable. It allowed me the space and time to give of my best work.
The course material was new to me and I found the core integrative style of the teaching and counselling approach extremely beneficial. It broadened my mind and encouraged me to express my own thoughts and opinions. I enjoyed the lively ‘classroom debates’ and the information and understanding gained from my peers was an invaluable source of learning then and still is today.
In second year the range of topics on offer was exciting and once again piqued my interest in subjects and areas of counselling that have subsequently opened doors for future challenges. Learning about new therapies and how to integrate these into my own style of counselling can only be accredited to the vast range of knowledge that I received during my time as a student with IICP.
The strong sense of trust and faith in the core material that I acquired whilst training to be a counsellor has allowed me to not only move forward with my future plans, but it has encouraged me to continue on with my studies. I find that by using the principles of ‘The Seven Caring Habits’, by Dr William Glasser I have managed to encourage my clients, my family, my friends and myself to always try new avenues and to never give up.
I wish to thank the faculty and the administrative staff of IICP for keeping their doors open and for making those of us who have moved from student to graduate always feel welcome.
Author: Michele Hughes
Graduate of the Certificate Programme and Current Diploma Student
I thoroughly enjoyed my year on the Certificate in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Studies. I was fortunate in that a very friendly and good humoured group of people decided to do it that same year.I can still remember all those faces the first night when we were asked to form triads and reflect on how we came to have our names. We were treated to some very interesting and amusing stories as to the provenance of Mary, Ann, Partricia, Liam and a somewhat inhibited Martin.
The ensuing weeks were no less enjoyable and we participated in many varied learning experiences both of a traditional and unconventional nature. I think I remember a night when we all had to take our shoes off and me being a bit embarrassed by that big hole in my sock! Personal development is a core element of this course and as a learner I was encouraged to reflect on my way of being in a very positive and supportive environment. I dipped my feet into the waters of counseling for the first time and I found it a very humbling and rewarding experience.
I was introduced to new areas of insight and knowledge in the form of Choice Theory and Person Centered Counselling and Irvin Yalom’s books have been a great source of pleasure to me. The tutors were excellent and in the true spirit of Carl Rogers were facilitators of very positive learning. It was a challenging year, one in which I felt comfortable moving out of my comfort zone, a new experience of life as well as a new experience of learning. I plunged a little deeper into those waters of counselling and I am presently on my first year of the diploma course.
Author: the author wishes to remain Anonymous
Damian Martin, Graduate of the Certificate in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Studies, 2011
My experience with the IICP was a positive one to put it simply. I found the course extremely interesting and challenging. I discovered through this Certificate that there is a lot going on inside the mind of a Counsellor while he/she are in session. The skills acquired through this course is incredible, from being able to put your own personal opinions aside, to empathise and deal with the client, to discovering the Johari window and learning about perceptions on oneself, which really hit home for me on a personal level.
I use the Johari window every day to be more aware of myself, my behaviour and how I treat people. It has had an extremely positive impact on my life. The other main module that I use every day in my life that has had a massive impact on my life is Choice Theory. Everything we do in life is a choice whether it is good or bad, whether we choose to live with the consequences or not, we chose to be where we are in life. This is a very empowering approach to put into practice.
The tutors were excellent, professional and very supportive. I felt a real sense of warmth, happy and well informed after each class I attended and I am very proud of my achievement. I highly recommend this course to anyone, even if you are not interested in becoming a Counsellor. It is excellent for personal development.
Author: Damian Martin
Graduate of the Diploma Programme 2007, Carol Lynch
When I started the two-year and one semester programme in counselling and psychotherapy back in 2004. I really had no idea how my life was to change (FOR THE BETTER OF COURSE). I was going on a journey of self-discovery. I learnt to have a relationship with myself. When I changed myself, everything else in my life changed.My relationships with others got better, especially with the important people in my life. I have brought all I have learned into my life and this has been very beneficial to me personally.When I received my Diploma I was thrilled and continued working toward my IACP accreditation which I am pleased to say I received recently. I am now working as a counsellor and I really love the work. It is really a privilege working with clients to help facilitate change in their lives. Helping clients explore what they want in their lives is really wonderful.Thank you all in IICP for your encouragement and support throughout my time with you. It was in that room in Killinarden Enterprise Park that the change began for me and I have never looked back.Warmest Regards Always,
Author: Carol Lynch
Graduate of the Certificate Programme – Sarah Mooney, 2009
I was interested in doing a certificate counselling course and after ringing around numerous colleges I phoned IICP. To be honest it was on the bottom of my list as I didn’t fancy travelling an hour and a half each way to attend this course, but then Norah answered the phone, her warmth and acceptance instantly put me at ease and I booked the course with her there and then.The course itself is a great foundation for counselling basics. Somewhere in between the theory, practice, discussion and self development I discovered what I wanted out of life – sounds ridiculous, everyone knows what they want, but honestly I had no clue.
The course included a basic intensive week in Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management. This week was fantastic and encouraged me to actually take responsibility for myself and my life. I realised I had been just drifting along with no sense of direction. I stopped making excuses for how my life was and actually started living it! William Glasser’s Choice Theory is relationship based and every aspect of my life has improved due to learning it.
I am getting married this year and have just moved to Cornwall. I left my job after ten years and have gotten a new job in a local college which I love! I am enrolled to do a counselling diploma from this September. I will be forever grateful to Norah, Sid, Marcella and all of the staff at IICP for their encouragement and teachings over the last year.
Hope all is well there. Keep in touch. Send my best to Marcella and Sid.
Take Care
Author: Sarah Mooney
Fergus Carey, Graduate of the Diploma Programme, 2009
Marcella, Norah,Got your letter today I was so thrilled and excited. Words cannot describe the
my feeling and how much this really means to me. Thank you both so much and please pass my thanks to all the faculty. I want to personally thank you and also recognize the amazing work you are doing down there. The level of professionalism, the quality of the staff and the care that has been shown to me these last two and a half years has been truly outstanding. You supported me greatly at difficult moments and times when I doubted myself. Now, here I go…into the world, helping where I can… beginning a new and exciting chapter in my life.
Looking forward to keeping in professional contact
God bless you both
Author: Fergus Carey
Allen Gilhooley, Graduate of the Diploma Programme, 2009
I had contemplated pursuing counselling a number of years ago and when the right time came I signed up for my diploma with IICP. I had an advantage of knowing course faculty from previous training and it was from their quality of work and personal care, in that course, that left me under no illusion that this was the right place for me to pursue my training in Counselling. The course was demanding as it is intensive and requires a lot of dedication. Saying that if it hadn’t been demanding I don’t feel I would have the strong foundations where I now feel ready to take on clients in a very professional and competent way.
Author: Allen Gilhooley
Phil Hynes, Graduate of the Diploma Programme, 2008
I retired from teaching in June 2004 after 43 years. I was lucky to have been accepted in IICP, Tallaght that same year. During the previous year, at the Reality Therapy Practicum, the “new course in Tallaght” was often the subject of discussion (all good, I hasten to add). I had high expectations of the course and it’s true to say I was not disappointed.I gained in confidence and self-esteem and began to see reading and studying in a new light. Being a victim of “External Control” all my life I flourished in this new “Choice Theory” world. I was just as good as anyone else! My opinion did matter! Marcella affirmed me constantly and soon I began to believe her. I began to believe myself and in myself.
I graduated in March 2007 and in September 2008 I was accredited by IACP. I believe I have helped some people in their struggles with drugs, alcohol and gambling addictions. I have made life a little more bearable for a few homeless people, some terminally-ill and several suffering loss and grief. It’s amazing, though, how much joy all this has brought to me.
It was IICP and its wonderful dedicated staff who made all this possible. There I learned about the dignity of every human being, whether marginalized or not. IICP respects and dignifies everyone. Counselling/Psychotherapy is a wonderful, privileged profession and in IICP they “train you well.”
Author: Phil Hynes
Sid Kavanagh, Graduate of the Diploma Programme, 2007
I was accepted for the Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy Course with IICP in September 2004. I still remember my first day like it was yesterday filled with fear and anxiety. I had never done a college course before. I left school at 17, went to FAS and worked in Graphic Design for 14 years. This was completely new and I felt out of my depth.The first year was very hard, but manageable and by the start of the second year I was fully prepared for what was ahead of me. As the year progressed I grew in confidence and this helped be both academically and with my client work. The confidence I gained was due to the encouragement given by all the tutors at IICP and the belief they had in me to achieve all of my goals.
I graduated in 2007 and since then have completed a degree course with honours and have recently been accredited by the IACP and the IAAAC. I now work as a full time counsellor in CDA where I am an addiction counsellor and with a school in Meath where I work counselling teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18. I also opened a small private practice with a colleague from the diploma course which has been up and running since January 2007.
I would like to thank all the tutors in IICP for all their support and a special thanks to Norah and Marcella who even now five years after we first met still keep in touch to see how I’m doing.
Author: Sid Kavanagh
Triona Kearns, graduate of the Diploma Programme, 2006
Having trained as an addiction counsellor before commencing the Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, I wasn’t sure how a general counselling qualification would further my professional development. However, I found it opened far more doors for me than my previous qualifications did. While much of my prior employment had been in the field of substance use counselling, I discovered that with the general diploma, I obtained work in different areas. I was no longer restricted in what presenting problems I could work with. I found employment as a sessional counsellor in a Youth Project, in family welfare centres and in a community project.Armed with the Diploma, I also applied for a job in the HSE which required IACP accreditation (or for the candidate to be working toward same). I was recruited for this position and have since been employed in a full time, permanent and pensioned counselling position for almost two years now.
The skills obtained in the Diploma course also helped me to develop my career in other ways. It afforded me the opportunity to design and deliver workshops with IICP to teach the Foundation Certificate in Counselling Skills and a variety of sessional sessions with the Diploma courses. I have also guest lectured on UCDs Diploma and MSc in rehabilitation studies.
All in all, the Diploma course at IICP has helped me to develop a rounded and fulfilling career.
Author: Triona Kearns
