Counselling Course

catussa · 20-05-2009 11:46am

I was told that the number of students in one class in DBS is quiet high. correct me if I am wrong. That would be one big issue I would have with the course. Other than that I heard from current students that the school is a mess...which doesn't add any quality to it

MysticalSoul · 20-05-2009 12:08pm

catussa wrote: »

I was told that the number of students in one class in DBS is quiet high. correct me if I am wrong. That would be one big issue I would have with the course. Other than that I heard from current students that the school is a mess...which doesn't add any quality to it

I did the first year in DBS before moving to PCI, for many reasons. One being that it was as if they used the psychology modules as part of the psychotherapy course - was too academic for the type of course it is, whereas there needs to be a balance of the academia and the hands on experience, which I felt was lacking. The GAP group was an experience - the facilitator allowed people to talk about Coronation Street :eek:. Lack of communication all around - tutors and students didn't get the notice for a change in timetable once, and then due to this, four tutors turned up to take us at the same time

. To be honest, if I were to seek therapy, I would not attend someone who had trained with DBS. One girl I know who didn't pass the interview to get into second year, appealed it by saying she didn't want to practice, but was their for her own development - quite scary to be honest - as in, by progressing through the course, the aim is to practice - if someone wanted to personal development, there are many groups around that would facilitate this

Odysseus · 20-05-2009 12:42pm

catussa wrote: »

I was told that the number of students in one class in DBS is quiet high. correct me if I am wrong. That would be one big issue I would have with the course. Other than that I heard from current students that the school is a mess...which doesn't add any quality to it

I have heard some things along those lines myself, but I studied there for five years and never encountered it. Though my Masters was a research one so if I wasn't working on my thesis I was attendind the classes in St Vincents Hosp.

Odysseus · 20-05-2009 12:50pm

MysticalSoul wrote: »

was too academic for the type of course it is, whereas there needs to be a balance of the academia and the hands on experience, which I felt was lacking.

The GAP group was an experience - the facilitator allowed people to talk about Coronation Street :eek:.

To be honest, if I were to seek therapy, I would not attend someone who had trained with DBS.

I have a lot of good things to say about where you are currently studying, but I personally feel that alot of the courses around today from what I hear are not academic enough for my thinking inanyway.

That's group analysis for you, its about what the person was talking about when she was talking about Coronation St. The analyst isn't there to police the content, but to interpert it.

Would your feeling on there therapists apply to all their courses? I ask that one out of interest.

Cheers,

krankykitty · 20-05-2009 2:02pm

MysticalSoul wrote: »

To be honest, if I were to seek therapy, I would not attend someone who had trained with DBS.

I'm just going into fourth year of the course and it is quite disturbing to hear this sweeping generalisation being stated - so I'd like to respond to a number of your points.

I would agree with you in terms of class size - however the large class sizes are only applicable for the academic "lecture" type ones. The skills classes are much, much smaller and get the full attention of the trainers.

I would also agree with the general administration of the college being a joke, there were timetabling issues and issues with the rooms/facilities. It has improved somewhat this year.

As for the "Coronation Street" incident.. as Odysseus mentioned, the point of the group facilitator is not to tell people what to talk about or stop them from discussing certain topics. It's all about speaking whats on your mind in the here and now - and sometimes, the "real" topics are veiled in discussions about something else. Talking about minutiae can also be a way for people to protect themselves from what's going on, avoidance if you will. You say you only did one year of the course so perhaps the whole point of the group hadn't sunk in for you at that point. I know it took me a while to grasp what the value of the group was for me. That is not a criticism of you btw

In my opinion, I got so much out of my process group that I think it's a bad thing that the PCI course doesn't do a similar group. (to my knowledge)

Regarding the incident with the person who was allowed into second year. In the DBS course, you do not do your clinical practice until third year. The first two years (certificate in social studies) are often completed by people who have an interest in the subject but don't necessarily want to practice - or sometimes the college will refuse entry to third year as this is where you begin clinical practice, so if you are deemed unsuitable for that work, it would be unethical to allow them to continue. I have known of people who were recommended not to continue into second year, but who wanted to complete the second year to get the certificate. These people did not move into third year or gain access to clients. So indeed, the girl may have been allowed into second year but that doesnt mean that she progressed any further or worked with real clients.

I just felt I had to reply to this as I feel that some courses (DBS) get a bashing. It may tarnish the qualification I am working so hard towards in the eyes of people who believe everything they read on internet message boards.

krankykitty · 20-05-2009 2:14pm

MysticalSoul wrote: »

I One girl I know who didn't pass the interview to get into second year, appealed it by saying she didn't want to practice, but was their for her own development - quite scary to be honest - as in, by progressing through the course, the aim is to practice - if someone wanted to personal development, there are many groups around that would facilitate this

As an aside to this - I actually trained with a person in first year who were told they were not to continue on with the course as they were unsuitable for counselling work.

This person deemed unsuitable (just like the girl you mentioned) then applied to PCI and carried on their studies there. :eek:

So I guess theres good/bad aspects of all courses and their policies.

MysticalSoul · 20-05-2009 3:04pm

It was frustrating, as it seemed that every week, people would talk about Coronation Street, which was naturally an avoidance to talk about anything real. Major boundaries were broken too - people would discuss what others said on coffee breaks etc :eek:. The facilitator never talked about confidentiality, however some things, till then, I took as a given.

I don't have the same feelings for all their courses - although I would answer that with a yes and no as well. Yes, due to the disorganisation of the administration there, however apart from that, I can only comment on my own experiences.

I agree, some courses have too little coverage of the acadmic side of things - it is about balancing the academic side with the personal.

Odysseus · 20-05-2009 3:09pm

Talking on coffee breaks with stuuf like is always going to happen. It was a common thing when I facilitated groups even though it would be metion at the first seesion. We used to view that it was fine to talk about yourself but not what other people said. A few difficult thing to police and of course your only responsibilty in group work is wihin the group.

Thanks for responding.

Odysseus · 20-05-2009 3:12pm

Just another point you should hear some of the content of some people when they free associate!!!

MysticalSoul · 20-05-2009 3:14pm

Odysseus wrote: »

Talking on coffee breaks with stuuf like is always going to happen. It was a common thing when I facilitated groups even though it would be metion at the first seesion. We used to view that it was fine to talk about yourself but not what other people said. A few difficult thing to police and of course your only responsibilty in group work is wihin the group.

Thanks for responding.

What used to be happen is stuff said in the smaller groups, would be said to people who were not there - kind of like chinese whispers, rather than in the way you mention above.

Odysseus · 20-05-2009 3:24pm

MysticalSoul wrote: »

What used to be happen is stuff said in the smaller groups, would be said to people who were not there - kind of like chinese whispers, rather than in the way you mention above.

I aggee with you that that type behaviour shouldn't happen I regularly facilitated groups from about 5 yrs and unfortunately that's what group members do.

I would expect student's would try not to engage in this, but they are humans too.

Odysseus · 20-05-2009 3:27pm

Not having a go, but did you feel too uncomfortable to tackle the issue in group, as I said not having a go just interested.

MysticalSoul · 20-05-2009 3:28pm

Odysseus wrote: »

Not having a go, but did you feel too uncomfortable to tackle the issue in group, as I said not having a go just interested.

We did, time and time again, and the same people kept apologising, and then doing it again - boundaries is a bug bear of mine, or rather, lack thereof.

krankykitty · 20-05-2009 3:32pm

MysticalSoul wrote: »

It was frustrating, as it seemed that every week, people would talk about Coronation Street, which was naturally an avoidance to talk about anything real. Major boundaries were broken too - people would discuss what others said on coffee breaks etc :eek:. The facilitator never talked about confidentiality, however some things, till then, I took as a given.

I don't have the same feelings for all their courses - although I would answer that with a yes and no as well. Yes, due to the disorganisation of the administration there, however apart from that, I can only comment on my own experiences.

I agree, some courses have too little coverage of the acadmic side of things - it is about balancing the academic side with the personal.

I agree all right about group being frustrating - especially at the start! I think as the group progresses though (in a lot of groups anyway) eventually people will start to voice their frustration and challenge it, which is a great source of learning for everyone. I think the coffee break thing is probably universal, though I never personally witnessed anything being said about anything/anyone in group to someone who was not a member.

The unorganised fashion of how the course is run has been a bone of contention with the students since day one and we were constantly complaining in first and second year - though I can't say that this alone would make someone from that course a bad or good therapist. I reckon there's personal development to be had in learning how to deal with all the hassle

Odysseus · 20-05-2009 3:40pm

MysticalSoul wrote: »

We did, time and time again, and the same people kept apologising, and then doing it again - boundaries is a bug bear of mine, or rather, lack thereof.

Try working with active atticts, bounardies are next to extinct:)

catussa · 22-05-2009 11:34am

Just to expand on the confidentiality issue: Our teacher puts a huge emphasis on the confidentiality issue and I think it makes a big difference! I cannot remember that people ever discussed what has been discussed in small groups - i think this is an important point of the training and an indicator of maturity...Especially because it is in the code of ethics should you ever apply for membership e. g. IACP

krankykitty · 22-05-2009 12:10pm

I don't think confidentiality is something that needs to be drummed into you by a teacher - common sense and working ethically means that you are obviously aware of the need of keeping the client's confidence, whether you apply to IACP or not.

catussa · 22-05-2009 12:12pm

but it needs to be mentioned by a teacher since common sense is obviously missing in some students...

krankykitty · 22-05-2009 12:18pm

Of course it needs to be mentioned, and indeed the importance of it emphasised and discussed. And I must point out that this, contrary to popular belief, DOES actually happen in DBS. But in my opinion, going into this sort of course, if you don't understand yourself about the importance of confidentiality with clients, there's something wrong there.

Science · 16-06-2009 8:30pm

Hoping someone can give me some advice.. Im really interested in doing a counselling course, Unfortunatley Ive a science degree with no counselling experience at all. Is there anything I could do to improve my changes of getting a place?

headforthelight · 17-06-2009 4:47pm

when i was looking for the right foundation course i was told that organisations like the IACP required a foundation course for a couple of reasons. the obvious reason is an academic foundation. but the real reason is the personal developement aspect. i was told that it was important to begin to put my own life into perspective. if you are truelly interested in becoming a counsellor then i would recommend a route that will give the best chance to develop as a person and a counsellor. this will make you a very effective counsellor. i assume that you are in the limerick area. i believe pci college offers a course there. i have friends that have gone to pci and have said thier foundation year was a great experience. i suspect that if you did the foundation year you would get a really good idea whether you want to be a counsellor or not. there are other degree courses in the limerick area if you do not want to be interviewed by the same guy as you did this time. best of luck

krankykitty · 18-06-2009 7:41am

Science wrote: »

Hoping someone can give me some advice.. Im really interested in doing a counselling course, Unfortunatley Ive a science degree with no counselling experience at all. Is there anything I could do to improve my changes of getting a place?

Not all courses will insist that you have a foundation course to begin their counselling course - DBS for example didn't when I was starting, however there was an interview of professional suitability after the first year and continuous assessment of suitability throughout the course. I had no experience in the area whatsoever when beginning so don't let your lack of experience put you off applying, if that's what you want to do. Even the courses that prefer you to have done a foundation may take you on based on maturity/genuine interest in the area etc.

Afoundation course such as the one mentioned by the last poster may certainly give you a better idea of what counselling is all about, and help you decide whether a longer course is for you. You know yourself best, so only you can say whether you need that year to decide.

sachamama · 18-06-2009 1:46pm

Science wrote: »

Hoping someone can give me some advice.. Im really interested in doing a counselling course, Unfortunatley Ive a science degree with no counselling experience at all. Is there anything I could do to improve my changes of getting a place?

if you are really interested in getting a place you could enroll for the introductory course, and perhaps do some voluntary work with Aware or the Samaritans (training is required for that)

PCI are doing an introductory course over the summer, they condense the year course into a 3 month course, you could do that and see if you can enroll with them for their degree course to start this September, if you are very keen! Call them up and see if there are places still available.

Ultimately it doesn't have anything to do with having a degree, science or otherwise. Its got everything to do with who you are, and why you want to do this.

SATSUMA · 18-06-2009 7:58pm

Hi All,

Just seeing what do you think of Tivoli Institute? I'm living in Galway so am a bit limited as to where to study. I was just thinking of firstly doing the foundation course and seeing how I feel about pursuing counselling further.

KEN.G · 19-01-2010 11:48am

Hi Guys,

I’m really interested in starting a new career in counselling coming from and engineering background originally so I have no idea really of what to look for. I’m trying to pick a foundation course to give me an introduction to see if I’m cut out for it and then follow on with a degree.

The course I have settled on is the 16 week part time NCII Certificate in Counselling Skills & Practice. Although this is a very expensive at 950 Euros you do get it back if you go on to do the HETEC Degree with NCII. Can anyone with more experience in this field think of a better route into counselling?

Thanks in advance,

Ken.

catussa · 19-01-2010 11:59am

HI Ken

a foundation course is good to start off I guess, the price is also reasonable, I paid 500 quid more in PCI and it wasn't "refundable". Nevertheless it was worth each penny, I really enjoyed my foundation course and am now on the degree program in PCI.

As of now you only need a diploma to become and accredited counsellor, but regulations might change soon so you are better off with a degree.
Another route is through Psychology and then doing a postgrad in the counselling field, but that will take long and might be very expensive depending on the university

.

Best of luck with the course, hope you are enjoying it.

carol.c · 19-01-2010 12:05pm

Hi Ken. Good luck with your new career. Making the choice about what you want to do is half the work. I am currently in my fifth year of an honours degree with N.C.I.I. When I started the college was in its infancy so there was a lot of learning for both sides on the way. At this stage the college is absolutely brilliant. It's a great place to study because they are always there to give help and advice and really will do everything they can to make sure you succeed.
I have really enjoyed the experience of learning more about myself apart from anything else but a word of warning - it's extremely hard to make money as a counsellor/psychotherapist especially in the current climate.

hotspur · 19-01-2010 5:59pm

Ken, search more on this forum for threads on counselling, we have this discussion all the time. There's a thread another thread on the first page about it.

KEN.G · 19-01-2010 9:42pm

catussa wrote: »

HI Ken

a foundation course is good to start off I guess, the price is also reasonable, I paid 500 quid more in PCI and it wasn't "refundable". Nevertheless it was worth each penny, I really enjoyed my foundation course and am now on the degree program in PCI.

As of now you only need a diploma to become and accredited counsellor, but regulations might change soon so you are better off with a degree.
Another route is through Psychology and then doing a postgrad in the counselling field, but that will take long and might be very expensive depending on the university .

Best of luck with the course, hope you are enjoying it.

carol.c wrote: »

Hi Ken. Good luck with your new career. Making the choice about what you want to do is half the work. I am currently in my fifth year of an honours degree with N.C.I.I. When I started the college was in its infancy so there was a lot of learning for both sides on the way. At this stage the college is absolutely brilliant. It's a great place to study because they are always there to give help and advice and really will do everything they can to make sure you succeed.
I have really enjoyed the experience of learning more about myself apart from anything else but a word of warning - it's extremely hard to make money as a counsellor/psychotherapist especially in the current climate.

Thanks for the advice guys and good to hear a good report from a NCII student.

hotspur wrote: »

Ken, search more on this forum for threads on counselling, we have this discussion all the time. There's a thread another thread on the first page about it.

Thanks hotspur looks like there’s a heavy debate going on in another thread over which institute to go for - IACP, IAPP, NCII. TBH I'm even more confused now than when I started

cuffem · 01-03-2010 7:05pm

Hi there

I am in my 3rd year of studying counselling. after completing a cert in nui maynooth i then went on to DBS to start my degree in counselling and psychotherapy. I absolutely love some of the classes but felt that it was too academically minded with not enough practical experience to balance it out. in addition to this DBS are the biggest disaster to deal with. this is a huge shame as they have ultimately pushed me so far that i am now in the process of trying to leave midway through the year and complete my training in NCII. Its really really sad as i have many friends in the class and cannot fault the lecturers who are lovely but the DBS administration is a nightmare to deal with. constant changes, additional subjects being added to the curric 2 years in without consultation, changing and merging therapy groups and telling us to sort it out and when we protest the words 'deal with it' are uttered. then when you say we are paying 5k to receive poor treatment your told 'thats not condusive to the conversation and it will be terminated if you dont drop your tone or content!'. awfull stuff
anywho taking my previous rant out :rolleyes: i was looking for some feedback on NCII? anyone any points advice etc?

thanks

krankykitty · 01-03-2010 9:34pm

cuffem wrote: »

Hi there

I am in my 3rd year of studying counselling. after completing a cert in nui maynooth i then went on to DBS to start my degree in counselling and psychotherapy. I absolutely love some of the classes but felt that it was too academically minded with not enough practical experience to balance it out. in addition to this DBS are the biggest disaster to deal with. this is a huge shame as they have ultimately pushed me so far that i am now in the process of trying to leave midway through the year and complete my training in NCII. Its really really sad as i have many friends in the class and cannot fault the lecturers who are lovely but the DBS administration is a nightmare to deal with. constant changes, additional subjects being added to the curric 2 years in without consultation, changing and merging therapy groups and telling us to sort it out and when we protest the words 'deal with it' are uttered. then when you say we are paying 5k to receive poor treatment your told 'thats not condusive to the conversation and it will be terminated if you dont drop your tone or content!'. awfull stuff
anywho taking my previous rant out :rolleyes: i was looking for some feedback on NCII? anyone any points advice etc?

thanks

What year are you in? Would you not just stick out the year having paid for it, there's only another two months realistically, and it would mean you mightn't have to repeat whatever year you are in now in your new college.

I can feel your pain about DBS's organisational skills but I must say as bad as the administration side is, it's improved tenfold this year (I am in the fourth year). It was atrocious up until then. They have changed the course this year also but in my opinion it makes things a bit more streamlined and makes more sense. Its funny, I often hear people saying (usually on here) that the DBS course is too academic but I personally genuinely think it's an important part.

I have no real knowledge about NCII, there was a discussion here about it a while ago if you have a search on it. Just make sure it is accredited before wasting your time and money on it.

Good luck.

Odysseus · 01-03-2010 9:46pm

krankykitty wrote: »

Its funny, I often hear people saying (usually on here) that the DBS course is too academic but I personally genuinely think it's an important part.

Personally I think it's fundamental, you can pick up the clinical side in your work with clients and this will be ongoing for the rest of your working life. In order to go on to a Masters or PhD programme people are going to need a good academic background. I really believe the emphasis some places put on experiential learning does our profession no favours.

hotspur · 02-03-2010 12:54am

Hey look yet another 1st time poster wanting to talk about the merits of NCII. Remarkable how frequently that happens.

sadie9 · 05-03-2010 4:21pm

I did a foundation with NCII but I wouldn't do a degree with them. They talk a good talk though.
For starters it's very easy to get on their courses. All you have to do it pay the money! No interview or nothing. Any other reputable course has an interview process presumably to screen out unsuitable candidates or those doing the course for the wrong reasons.
And they accept school leavers on their fulltime course whereas other courses you have to be over 25 to apply.
Also they are not accredited by the IACP.

If you are thinking of doing a Degree in Counselling ask yourself these questions:
Do I want to do this because I like the personal development side, and classroom interaction and the close connection with my classmates, and would like to continue this? Could this need be fulfilled some other way.
If I want to become a Counsellor then why am I not doing some counselling work at the minute (eg. volunteering with Samaritan's or Childline) or other volunteer work. Is it because I'm not trained or I don't feel ready or do I just not fancy it at the moment.
I was seriously thinking of doing a counselling degree but the more I explore it the more I am questioning my motives. And it's an expensive hobby if it comes to nothing more than a personal develoment exercise...

Sofa so good · 04-04-2010 2:59am

It seems there are too many people out there looking for a quick route into a career as a counsellor...

I am also surprised at the lack of desire for academic knowledge, do people just expect to practice their way into being an efficient and competent counsellor?....I would query the capablity of these people to become effective counsellors if they don't expect to have a deep understanding of the theoretical aspects of counselling, or how to keep up to date with research into the efficacy of various approaches to specific problems.

Counselling is not a career to be entering on a whim. It scares me to think that there are so many courses out there, I hope the public are aware of the difference between a weekend warrior and someone who has spent years studying to become the best counsellor that their abilities allow.

thierrym · 09-04-2010 1:55pm

Hi, I am into my 3rd year of a 4 year part-time degree in "counselling and addiction studies" with the N.C.I.I. I am loving the course and the lecturers are top notch. I have heard criticism about the N.C.I.I degrees such as "too theoretical, not enough practical". I tend to agree a small bit with this, though i am getting a lot of knowledge through this course. During this year (3rd), as part of the course I have to do 55 hours of shadowing and next year I will have to complete 110 hours of practical work experience. I beleive the N.C.I.I degree course is the only course that is HETAC accredited (i could be wrong). I would recommend this course to anybody who wishes to study this subject. The N.C.I.I runs courses on general counselling, addiction studies and youth studies. If anyone wishes to ask me about what i know about the N.C.I.I, feel free to ask.

krankykitty · 09-04-2010 2:07pm

thierrym wrote: »

I beleive the N.C.I.I degree course is the only course that is HETAC accredited (i could be wrong).

DBS is Hetac also and I think PCI may be, or may be in the process of being accredited with them

However, as has been stated time and time again on this forum, hetac accreditation is not of any particular use for gaining accreditation so the fact NCII is Hetac accredited is of as much relevance to furthering your career in the field of psychotherapy as a pair of old socks.

joaney79 · 21-04-2010 5:08pm

Hi,

Please help me I am at my wits end trying to find a voluntary counselling placement in Dublin I have rang and emailed many organisations to no avail. They are either full or do not offer placements.

I would appreciate if you knew any places that are accepting trainees. No one seems to be able to help even my tutors. I cant believe it is this hard to find somewhere.

Thanks,

thierrym · 21-04-2010 6:05pm

Dear Joaney79, May I ask what course you are doing and if it is a shadowing placement or a work experience placement that you are looking for. As I said on this post earlier, I am in 3rd year of a counselling degree with the N.C.I.I.
During the course of this year I had to complete a 55 hours shadowing placement, The college said to the students that taking up voluntary work with Childline would be OK for our shadowing placement. I therefore replied to an ad in my local paper stating that Childline was looking for volunteers. I was accepted with Childline. Prior to starting work on the phonelines, Childline gives serious training consisting of 13 training sessions of 3 hours each, and once your garda clearance comes back clear you can then start work. I have loved the Childline phonelines work. Childline asks that you commit to 1 shift/week of 4 hours each. I have hugely benefited from this placement as regards "listening skills" as well as the other skills i had been taught on my course. Childline is regularly looking for volunteers.
I hope this helps.

krankykitty · 21-04-2010 6:30pm

Hi Joaney

What course are you doing? Is there someone in the college looking after the placements? In my course even though there is a placement officer it took an awfully long time and a lot of effort to find a suitable placement.

Are you at the start of clinical practice at the moment or have you any experience? I remember when I started looking around, a lot of places were unwilling to take you on without any hours, however that leaves you in a catch 22 situation as how can you get experience without getting a chance... Eventually everyone in the course got sorted out so it was just a case of persevering with the search.. as frustrating as that is.

Most of the low cost/community centres will take trainees, a web search might give you some ideas. Also some therapists will take on trainees who they will refer people who come to their practice looking for low cost counselling, and will hopefully do an assessment for you. Some of the students on my course spoke to local GPs and got clients referred from them. You could look into finding a room to rent by the hour or a few hour block to do this. That might be an option?

This time of year is probably a good time to be looking as people finishing their courses might be also finishing up their placements..

Just so you are aware, phone based helplines such as Childline would not have been considered as hours in our clinical practice. You know yourself what you're after anyway

Best of luck..

thierrym · 21-04-2010 6:54pm

Hi Krankitty,
You are right in saying that the work in Childline and other similar services is not accepted by the college as regard clinical practical experience, it is accepted as shadowing placement only.

krankykitty · 21-04-2010 9:35pm

We didn't do a shadowing placement.. What did it entail? I presume there was an element of watching/listening to someone else working, did you actually shadow people doing face to face counselling?

thierrym · 21-04-2010 11:07pm

Hi Krankitty, The shadowing is in an observatory position. The degree that I am doing is "Counselling and addiction studies" so a shadowing placement would entail being in a treatment centre, being present at group therapy sessions and observing the workings of a treatment centre. I am about to do such a placement. However the N.C.I.I. has accepted that a placement in Childline is acceptable as a shadowing placement. I did Childline for the training it offers and the practical experience. Next year when I will be in the 4th and final year of the degree I will have to do 110 hours of a practical clinical placement. I hope to do this in the same treatment centre in which I will have done 2 weeks shadowing. This 110 hours will count towards the 450 hours required to become an accredited member of the I.A.A.A.C.
Is it for a degree that you are studying? have you completed the course yet or are you still at it?
Thierry

krankykitty · 22-04-2010 10:52am

Sounds very interesting, and I'm sure it will be of benefit when you go to do your practical clinical placement.

It was a degree all right (counselling and psychotherapy), I've just finished this week!!

Odysseus · 24-04-2010 11:16am

krankykitty wrote: »

We didn't do a shadowing placement.. What did it entail? I presume there was an element of watching/listening to someone else working, did you actually shadow people doing face to face counselling?

Some courses are looking for this. I have posted about it before. I have no problem with having a student on a clinical placement. However, my boss have come to twice with that type of request. The student sits in on the session. No chance, it's not happening in my clinic, though I know our yooung persons programme facilitated it. It's just appalling. Either they are ready to see clients under supervision or send them back to me when they are ready to do so.

Odysseus · 24-04-2010 11:17am

krankykitty wrote: »

Sounds very interesting, and I'm sure it will be of benefit when you go to do your practical clinical placement.

It was a degree all right (counselling and psychotherapy), I've just finished this week!!

Congrats.

thierrym · 24-04-2010 1:22pm

Krankitty, congrats on finishing your degree course, i bet you' re well happy. I hope you exam results will come back brilliant.
Odyseus, indeed sitting in private sessions is unacceptable as part of a shadowing placement. however i think it is ok to sit in a groupt therapy session in a treatment centre (I will be doing that soon). I am not unfamiliar with addiction and dependency and have a great understanding of it.

Odysseus · 24-04-2010 5:35pm

thierrym wrote: »

Krankitty, congrats on finishing your degree course, i bet you' re well happy. I hope you exam results will come back brilliant.
Odyseus, indeed sitting in private sessions is unacceptable as part of a shadowing placement. however i think it is ok to sit in a groupt therapy session in a treatment centre (I will be doing that soon). I am not unfamiliar with addiction and dependency and have a great understanding of it.

No I have no problem with the group therapy side of things, I have allowed that myself in the past with I used to facilitate group therapy; its an excellent learning opportunity. Just to note though I have refused three placements in the past couple of years because they where looking to sit in on individual sessions; really the course organisers need a good slap asking for that.

Then again I do have strong views on the subject, I had to video sessions a few years ago for a course the HSE where forcing on us. They tried then to make this a contant thing, the plan was to divide us into training groups and use that format for ongoing CPD. I pulled the plug on that, I'm aware of the concept behind it, and if others choose to work that way that's fine. I just have no time for it; I found it intrusive to the process.

I don't know your background on the last part, and most importantly I'm not having a go or trying to be funny; however, with addiction it really is a case of the more you learn the less you understand. Anyway I hope the placement goes well for you, once your working full time it get harder to get the time for good quality learning.

Out of interest if you don't mind answering. Where are you doing the placement?

thierrym · 24-04-2010 7:43pm

Hi Odisseyus, I totally understand your point of view about sitting in on individual sessions. I also can' t imagine that a client would feel comfortable in this position. Same about the videoing of sessions.
By background in addiction is "been there, done that" and feel I lucky to have come out the other side.
From what you say I presume that you are currently working in the counselling/psychotherapy field. What do you mean when you say that as regards addiction "the more you learn the less you understand"?
I presume that too many theories can get tangled up and even an ex-addict (if there is such a thing) can forget the rawness of it all when the head becomes crammed with theories.

thierrym · 24-04-2010 7:46pm

I will be doing a shadowing placement in ALJEFF in Limerick for 2 weeks. The director of this centre is one of our lecturer on addiction.
I can give feedback here if anyone wants.
I am hoping to then do 110 hours clinical practical placement there during the course of my 4th and final year of my "counselling and addiction studies" degree with the N.C.I.I.

Counselling Course

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