MSc Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
This master’s programme is for practitioners who wish to gain specialist training in psychotherapy for children, teenagers and young people under the age of 25.
The programme sets out to build upon the knowledge and skills that you have developed through your undergraduate education and practical experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist. The programme acknowledges the requirement for all psychotherapists working with children and young people to complete a specialised academic and professional qualification to ensure the highest standards are met. Our programme is intended to align itself with European and international standards and promote continuous development and support for the therapist. The course meets the minimum competency standards for working with Under 18’s as developed by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).
Who is this course for?
The MSc. Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy programme is a comprehensive professional training course, focused on working therapeutically with young people. The course is validated by Middlesex University* and is designed to supplement trainees’ existing qualifications. It is not a stand-alone counselling qualification. Applicants include counsellors and psychotherapists who are accredited or are eligible for accreditation, with the IACP/IAHIP/BACP or equivalent, all of whom seek to deepen or extend their current skills to facilitate therapeutic work with young people up to the age of 25 years.
What are the benefits of doing this course?
The philosophy underpinning the Master of Science in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy is a belief that the practice of working with children and adolescents requires a specific type of skill set. You will gain the knowledge and skills to create fundamental changes for children and adolescents, and our diverse faculty brings together rigorous classroom learning with individualised mentorship and hands-on professional learning.
The programme centres around theoretical knowledge, skills and experiential growth which will instil a sense of competence, confidence and clarity for the developing child and adolescent psychotherapist. You will gain a number of practical skills such as assessments, creative skills and report writing.
We integrate professional development through self-reflection, emphasising personal capabilities such as self-awareness, integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion, imagination, and personal presence. You will also cultivate an enhanced sensitivity to the experience of childhood, and the many developmental strengths and difficulties with which young people are constantly engaging.
What will you learn?
As a student on the MSc Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy programme you will be immersed in the therapeutic skills required to work with children and adolescents, developing a mastery in the practical application of both skills and theory in class and through clinical placement. You will be equipped with tools and skills for assessment and intervention when working with children and adolescents coupled with experiential practice where you can experience first-hand what it is like to use creative therapies to enhance the therapeutic relationship and process. You are encouraged to think critically, explore diverse perspectives, and develop your communication skills as you proceed through the coursework. You will examine critical current legal and ethical obligations around Child Protection, statutory reporting, contracting with parents and clients, case notes, confidentiality and consent. You will be provided with opportunities to evaluate and critically assess appropriate interventions for the client group and develop proficiency in assessment and report writing skills. You will be introduced to a trauma informed approached to working with children and adolescents in addition to an in depth understanding of the role of the family and child psychology.
VENUES THAT RUN THIS COURSE: Dublin West (Clondalkin)
Apply at https://pcicollege.ie/master-child-adolescent-counselling-psychotherapy or apply using application form attached.
