Archive for category: ICP News and Events

The psychotherapeutic profession is a separate scientific profession. Accreditation as a psychotherapist generally requires at least seven years of training comprising a primary degree, and four years part-time training in one of the psychotherapeutic disciplines. Professional trainings are provided in both the training institutes and Universities in Ireland. The baseline academic qualification for entry to training in any of the Disciplines / Modalities / Sections is:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in human sciences (medical, psychological, social, educational etc); Humanities or Philosophy.
• Assessment of suitability interview.
• Each modality adheres to the training standards set down by the Irish Council for Psychotherapy and the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP).

The Irish Council for Psychotherapy  acts as an awarding body on behalf of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), conferring the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) in Ireland. The criteria for the awarding of this Certificate form the minimum training requirements and entry criteria for all modalities of psychotherapy.

We are currently in the process of accrediting our existing practitioners in relation to the European Certificate and ensuring that all training courses in Ireland are meeting the European standard. The criteria for accreditation of training courses in Ireland can be found in the Training Accreditation Committee (TAC) document.

Because the ICP doesn’t accredit trainings in general, it is better to enquire directly to the designated discipline relevant to the training. ICP is an umbrella organisation with three disciplines (Couple and Family Therapy – Systemic Psychotherapies; Humanistic and Integrative Therapy; Psychoanalytic Therapy) encompassing 9 member organisations. Three of the disciplines have one organisation affiliated with it and Psychoanalytic Therapy discipline has seven organisations. For further information, please download ICP Member Organisations Contact Details.

The FAQ What Does Membership of the ICP Mean to Me as a Client? also describes the depth and length of education and training.

European Certificate of Psychotherapy

The ICP has been involved in the development of the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) in conjunction with the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP). The European Certificate stipulates that the total duration of the training for psychotherapists is 3,200 hours spread over a minimum of seven years. This seven year period comprises an initial under-graduate component, or equivalent, followed by a specific psychotherapy training. Nearly 300 of the ICP members to date have been awarded the European Certificate. Many more applications are in process.

The EAP promotes the recognition of common standards of training for psychotherapists throughout Europe, and will ensure their mobility across member states. While the European Association for Psychotherapy does not have power to legally implement the certificate before it is adopted by member states, they have recommended it to the national coordinators of member states and welcome it as an initiative in establishing joint platforms which will facilitate the employment of migrants within the European Union.

Strasbourg Declaration on Psychotherapy

About ECP (European Certificate of Psychotherapy)

There are two possible ways to apply for an ECP, one way is the Direct Award (DA) through one of the European Accredited Psychotherapy Training Institutes (EAPTIs), and the other way is to apply is through grandparenting procedure that involves recommendation from EAP National Awarding Organization (NAO) and European Wide Awarding Organization (EWAO).

About ECP (European Certificate of Psychotherapy)

How to Apply for An ECP

The ECP – Important Information for ECP (European Certificate of Psychotherapy) Application

Documents | ECP Application Forms by Grandparenting

CV Structure for ECP Application by Grandparenting

Notification by the NAO of Recommendations for the Award of the ECP by Grandparenting

Practitioner Registration Form for ECP

Psychotherapists are grouped into three sections based on their different therapeutic approaches. Each section has training standards, a code of ethics and complaints and disciplinary procedures. Each adheres to the study and training standards set down by the Irish Council for Psychotherapy in order to maintain high standards.

Couple and Family Therapy

In couple and family therapy, the client and therapist examine the emotional, psychological and interpersonal problems which arise in the way people understand and make sense of their experiences and their relationship to others. When two or more people live in close proximity, we can expect that differences, and inevitably conflicts, will ensue.

This is part of the rich weave of our lives which continue to challenge us and to teach us. Sometimes our adult lives may be thrown into turmoil by difficulties which would be relatively small or manageable difficulties for others and even for ourselves in somewhat different circumstances. Options are provided for different ways to respond and relate to problems.

Goals are usually achieved over a relatively small number of meetings with intervals of two to four weeks between appointments. Read More >>

Humanistic and Integrative Therapy

This approach invites people to develop awareness as to what may be preventing them from accessing their own true nature in the inner and outer expressions of their life. It is aimed at the person as a whole: body, feelings, mind and psyche. It invites people through the therapeutic relationship to develop awareness and insight leading to an integration of the internal and external self. It explores each person’s own resources and capacity for self-determination and ability to improve their lives. Read More >>

Psychoanalytic Therapy

This endeavours to reach the underlying, often unconscious sources of a person’s distress. Together with the therapist, the client can explore feelings, memories, fantasies, free association and dreams, relating to both past and present.

It is aimed at achieving a new and better understanding of long-standing difficulties.

This section is composed of seven organisations. Read More >>