About IICP College
Institute of Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (IICP)
IICP College, part of the Hibernia College Education Group, is a recognised centre of educational excellence offering a wide range of accredited and validated programmes in counselling, psychotherapy and related fields.
We offer programmes at certificate, diploma and master’s level, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities, delivered by committed, highly qualified lecturers in a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
A warm, safe environment that is free from fear, criticism and coercion
Clear and direct communication that enhances relationships and fosters an environment that is conducive to learning
Clear goals and plans to maximise the training experience
A contract of learning that clarifies roles and responsibilities for learners and lecturers
Consistent feedback using self-evaluation, concurrent evaluation and co-verification
A need-satisfying environment where choice and personal responsibility enrich creativity, attitudes and the development of competent and confident practitioners
A system for monitoring standards of good practice by promoting ethical awareness for counsellors in training and lecturers
ICP College provides training and education to the wider community of professionals and volunteers working in the caring professions. This is achieved by offering learning opportunities that enhance personal and professional development through education and training within the context of mental health.
IICP College embraces a multicultural and pluralistic approach, underpinned by a core philosophical framework that reflects the principles and practices of Choice Theory, Person‑Centred Counselling, and Multicultural Counselling and Therapy.
Accreditations
Professional Body Recognition
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) is Ireland’s largest professional body for counselling and psychotherapy. It requires education providers to offer training in counselling and psychotherapy to a minimum of Level 8 degree standard. With over 4,000 members, IACP represents the professional interests of counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland. IICP College’s BA (Hons) degree and Master’s degree in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy are accredited by IACP. IACP recognition is associated with quality and high standards in the field of counselling and psychotherapy, and many roles (for example, within the Health Service Executive (HSE)) require both accreditation and a recognised academic qualification.
Learn more about IACP accreditation
QQI Academic Validation
All programmes in counselling and psychotherapy validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) must adhere to the Award Standards for Counselling and Psychotherapy (QQI, 2014). The following IICP College programmes have been validated by QQI and written in accordance with these standards. (For more information, select each award.)
View IICP College’s QQI profile page
BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
MA Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
Diploma in Integrative Supervision
Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
Protection of Enrolled Learners
This programme is covered by arrangements under Section 65(4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. In the event that IICP College ceases to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme with another provider or, where this is not practicable, receive a refund of the most recently paid fees.
Current Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) arrangements consist of a 2% levy of course fees. IICP College does not pass this cost on to learners.
Other Affiliations
HECA Membership
The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) represents independent, private providers of quality higher education in Ireland. Membership of HECA requires colleges to offer programmes leading to a minimum of a Level 7 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Of key importance, however, is the need to ensure that clients are seen by well-supported therapists. According to Dr. Finnerty, “People presenting for therapy are at their most vulnerable: psychologically; emotionally; spiritually and often times, physically. IICP recognise that due to the specialised nature of this training, ultimately, client well-being is an ethical and professional responsibility of the training programme. It is for this reason that IICP has made a conscious decision to limit the number of places available and to provide a learner-centred environment with a structured system of mentoring, support and supervision.”
Applications opened for the inaugural MA group in the summer of 2014 and a full cohort of learners commenced their training in September 2014. The development of the MA is timely, as 2015 appears to be the year when CORÚ will open the statutory registration process for counsellors and psychotherapists. IICP is known for its innovation and cutting edge approach to counselling and psychotherapy training. The MA continues this tradition, as the current students are the first group in the world to avail of a Masters in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy.
In the autumn of 2014, Marcella was invited to chair the 2016 International Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI) conference in Dublin.
Philosophy and Rationale
At IICP College, we seek to contribute a strong community dimension to the development of mental healthcare and counselling through a practical, cutting‑edge and integrative model, which forms the foundation of this innovative programme. Training in counselling and psychotherapy is understood as an interdisciplinary endeavour, combining both art and science and drawing on disciplines including philosophy, psychology, sociology and anthropology.
IICP College’s core philosophical ethos offers a contemporary integrative framework that encompasses humanistic‑existential, cognitive‑behavioural and multicultural psychotherapeutic models. This approach provides a broad and flexible structure for professionals working with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues. Central to the learning experience at IICP College is a learner‑centred environment and the belief that individuals are experts in the stories of their own lives. The therapeutic process can encourage clients to make effective changes in their life direction and in their subsequent decision-making. Accordingly, IICP College holds that it is not sufficient simply to teach the skills of counselling and psychotherapy; learners are given space to learn, practise and be supported as they develop a personal and effective counselling style.
The history of counselling and psychotherapy has been influenced and is inevitably intertwined with the social, political, economic and cultural climates within which it is formed. It is particularly relevant in times of crisis or transition and can also help with problem-solving. Rapid socioeconomic and technological change in recent years has contributed to the erosion of traditional social structures such as family, work and community, resulting for many in a diminished sense of purpose, belonging and security. In this context, IICP College has established links with The Village Counselling Service, enabling students to complete their clinical placement, as required by IACP, within an appropriate therapeutic setting.
Our Core Values
By your side
We support our students every step of the way through their education in a welcoming and caring environment.
Do the right thing
We value integrity and are committed to delivering the highest standards in education within a fair and ethical environment.
Let’s find a way
We are flexible to individual students’ needs and endeavour to find a solution to their educational requirements.
Reach new heights
We continually strive to deliver best-in-class education in a highly professional environment. Our faculty and teams are committed to offering students the most up-to-date learning.
