D. Couns in Counselling Psychology

The course is designed for students with a degree in Psychology or Dip. Psych. with relevant professional experience who would like to progress their academic and research performance with the practice of counseling psychology and acquire professional knowledge and skills.

In the first year, the course offers academic and practical skills training in counseling psychology and related research. After the first few weeks of full-time coursework and personal development work, 2 full days per week are spent on placement and 2-3 days in classes. The D.Couns.Psych. offers a wide range of course-approved placement options in the community, health, mental health, education, and private practice settings, as well as welcoming new student-recommended sites, particularly for those students residing outside the greater Dublin area. At least 3 different placements are required during the 3 years of the course

The second year involves further training in counseling theories and practice, and students conduct a research dissertation related to counseling psychology, initiated during the summer before entering the second year.

The third year includes small group supervision, reflective practice, and advanced counseling and psychotherapy theory and its application. However, the main focus will be on research. Courses are taught and supervision is provided by both core staff and other practitioners from varied theoretical orientations. Humanistic theory underlies the course. Psychodynamic and systemic perspectives are also emphasized, and training in cognitive behavioral approaches is provided. Practical placements continue through the summer

Course Content

Taught classes, as well as counseling skills training, supervision, and reflective practice modules, emphasize the application of current psychological knowledge informed by empirical research in the work of counseling psychologists. The students are facilitated to be aware of current research findings and to incorporate them into their clinical practice.

Year 1 modules include Small Group Supervision I; Counselling & Psychotherapy Skills Training I; Personal Development I - (Group Process, Personal Counselling); Reflective Practice; Professional Issues in Counselling Psychology and Case Management; Theories and Approaches and Theoretical Issues in Counselling Psychology; Advanced Lifespan Developmental Psychology - Theory and Practice; Psychological Assessment I; Placements I; Research in Counselling Psychology I; and Small Scale Research.

Modules taken in Year 2 include Small Group Supervision II; Reflective Practice & Research; Counselling & Psychotherapy Skills Training II; Advanced Counselling & Psychotherapy Theory and its Application - Counselling Modalities I; Personal Development II (Group Process, Personal Counselling); Research in Counselling Psychology II; Dissertation Research - Research Proposal & Literature Review; Psychological Assessment II; and Placements II.

Modules taken in Year 3 include Small Group Supervision III; Advanced Counselling & Psychotherapy Theory and its Application - Counselling Modalities II; Dissertation Research – Doctoral Dissertation; and Placements III.

Personal development work, including individual therapy, is required throughout 3 years.

Graduates of this course are qualified counselling psychologists, skilled to conduct mental health assessments and therapy with individuals, couples, families and groups across the lifespan. Graduates have pursued careers as counselling psychologists in a variety of settings and have been employed by Health Service Executive, within the National Counselling Service, Refugee and Asylum Seekers Service, Autism Services; Voluntary agencies; Hospitals; Third level student counselling services; Private practice and multiple other locations. Graduates have also pursued further academic research, including Ph.Ds.