Disciplines

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 >>

The Council

The Council is responsible for:

  • Promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards of training, practice and professional conduct of accredited psychotherapists.
  • Maintaining a register of psychotherapists.
  • Promoting the development of psychotherapy as an independent profession.
  • Representing the majority of psychotherapists in Ireland to the public, the media and the government.
  • Awarding and conferring the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) in Ireland on behalf of the European Association for Psychotherapy.
  • Promoting continuing education, professional development and research in psychotherapy.
  • Support  through training, advice and consultancy.
  • Communications and media relations on behalf of the profession.
  • Publishing relevant publications for, and on behalf, of our members.
  • Providing informed advice to members, the public and the government.

Contact Information

Find a Psychotherapist

Protected: Governance

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

About ICP

The Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP) is the national umbrella body for Psychotherapy in Ireland. The Council contributes to public health by encouraging the highest standards of training, practice and on-going education of psychotherapists. The Council also promotes psychotherapy as an effective intervention for good mental and emotional health. Currently it represents over 1,700 psychotherapists nationwide. It is also the national awarding body for the European Certificate of Psychotherapy.

We act as a link between those who are looking for psychotherapeutic services and those who provide psychotherapeutic services.

The objectives of ICP include:

  • To consolidate and promote psychotherapy as a free and independent profession.
  • To promote the wider provision of psychotherapy for the public.
  • To contribute to public health by encouraging high standards of training, practice and ongoing education of psychotherapists.
  • To establish and monitor a National Register and a European Register of accredited psychotherapists in Ireland.