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Which course to do... help!

  • 14-05-2012 1:18pm
    #1
    sunflower27
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,822 ✭✭✭


    Has anyone here completed or in the process of completing a degree with PCI college?

    I was going to do their foundation course to get into the degree starting October but the foundation course was cancelled in my area as there was not enough people taking it.

    I am now stuck... I wanted to start the degree this year but I won't be able to now as I cannot get to the foundation course in Dublin (I don't drive).

    I can apply to the college for an interview, but I don't think there is any point if I have not done the FOundation course. All I would do is lose €60 in admin fees for them to say 'no you do not have enough Personal Growth experience'.

    I am also considering this course at ATI Psychology Institute in Waterford. This course does not require completion of a foundation course.

    http://www.psychology.ie/BA-Counselling-Psychotherapy.html

    Any feedback much appreciated. I am really unsure which way to go with this.

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    sadie9
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 375 ✭✭sadie9


    I would seriously think about doing a Foundation course first if you have no experience of counselling. It's a very expensive hobby/mistake otherwise.
    If you are not sure that it's what you want then I'd hold off committing to a 3 or 4 year degree.
    I would think plenty of people get in without having done a Foundation course (someone's got to pay the lecturing wages after all....).

    If you are not doing the foundation course first then this is what I would do:

    Go for counselling yourself - for 6 to 10 weekly sessions say. That'll give you a good idea of what it's really like. (so 10 sessions at 50 euros ph is only 500 euro - cheaper than the Foundation course, and you'll find out a ton of stuff about yourself in the meantime, and it shows you are interested in personal growth).
    The basic counselling skills will be all covered again in the degree course so I wouldn't worry about missing out on any skills in the Foundation course.
    It's really about how do you handle being up close and personal with someone in a room for an hour. And about awareness of oneself. Because that's what's at the end of the 4yrs.


  • #3
    lulu03
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 ✭lulu03


    Hey Sunflower27,
    have a look at a discussion here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=64095430
    You might find something useful in the links provided in one of the posts.
    A friend of mine did a counselling course in Maynooth. He found it brilliant. He said that it was very hands on and he has learnt a lot about himself. He loved it and is in the process of applying for a degree course. Hope this helps.


  • #4
    sunflower27
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,822 ✭✭✭sunflower27


    Thank you both so much for your help.

    Sadie - thanjsso much for that. It is real food for thought. I'm turning 40 at the end of this year and counselling has been something I always wanted to do. I feel it is a calling and a part of who I am.

    I have been to counselling myself in the past and I am aware of what it involves to some degree. I am also a listening Samaritan and really get a lot out of being there for others.

    I am leaning more towards the course in Waterford now and am going to look more in to it.

    Lulu - thatis brilliant for your friend and I know they do a foundation course where I am but that does not start till October and goes for a year.

    Maybe I should do a foundation course and attempt the degree next year.... I am a bit all over the place but will take some time out to think it through.

    Again, thank you both so much. :)


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