accord - higher diploma in counselling

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE

Higher Diploma

In Counselling

(Marriage & Relationship)

Validated by

St Patrick's College Maynooth

Accredited by

The National Association of Pastoral Counsellors

& Psychotherapists

ACCORD Counselling is non-directive and clients take responsibility for their own decisions and behaviour.

Clients are accepted, regardless of their social, religious or ethnic background, as being of unique worth and capable of self-determination and growth.

Counsellors respect the beliefs, values and standards of their clients, their dignity and inherent worth as persons, and their ultimate right to self-determination, while having due regard to the rights, interests and well being of other relevant persons.

ACCORD as a voluntary agency of the Catholic Church, provides a nation-wide professional service to couples preparing for, or seeking a deeper commitment, within the sacrament of marriage. We are seeking new members to train as counsellors. If you are warm, genuine, flexible and willing to support and carry out our vision and mission you are welcome to apply.

   Personal Suitability

Successful applicants will demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Primary needs in applying for the programme are not for personal therapy or emotional support
• An open and dialogic communication style
• Maturity, self-awareness and groundedness
• Good conflict management skills
• Warm, flexible, open, non judgemental worldview
• Desire & ability to work within ACCORD ethos and mission

   Academic Background

Applications will be considered from individuals who possess a minimum of Leaving Certificate level although a third level qualification is preferable. Applicants without the relevant academic qualification will have their prior experience evaluated.

   Course Content

Foundational communication skills, foundation in counselling theory & skills, planning & structuring in counselling, Christian understanding of marriage, counselling theory & practice, counselling with married couples & relationships, preparation for practice & cognitive approaches, spirituality, meaning & clinical practice, advanced theory & practice of counselling, advanced theory & practice in relationship counselling

   Clinical Placement

Participants will be required to attend monthly meetings and provide 150 sessions of counselling in their local centre in the course of their training.  Participants will also be required to engage in personal therapy and clinical supervision.

   ASSESSMENT

Participants are assessed on an ongoing basis, at the end of each module on both their academic and counselling skills.  Clinical skills are also assessed during placement in ACCORD Centre.

   COST

Course fees and cost of supervision are paid for by ACCORD.  All other costs including personal therapy are covered by the trainee.

   The following steps are involved in Application, Selection & Training 

• Download and forward the Application Form to the address below
• Applications will be processed based on selection criteria. A panel will be formed from which highest scoring applicants will be invited to a Selection Conference for interview and group assessment, provided the applicant's Centre of choice is willing to sponsor a student
• Following Selection Conference successful candidates will be placed on a panel.
• Highest scoring candidates will be offered entry to ACCORD's Counsellor Training programme.
• Offer of a place on the programme is contingent on successful Garda/POCVA vetting and reference checks

       We will be open for applications again early in 2011.  If you have any queries please contact Liam lally @ llally@accord.ie

Liam Lally

Columba Centre

Maynooth

Co Kildare