In-person

There is a growing awareness of the widespread harm caused by addiction to individuals, families and society at large and an evolving shift of reliance from a medically based model of treatment to engaging in Talking Therapies. In an experiential and participative environment, this course offers students the opportunity to acquire key skills and theoretical knowledge to effectively engage with the addiction recovery process.

Each module is 30 hours duration

Year 1 modules: 60 credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits) 

• Theories of addictive behaviour: history & current situation
• Generic & specific therapy skills for addiction
• Drugs of abuse: biological, psychological & social aspects
• The motivational interviewing approach

Year 2 modules: 60 credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits) 

• Behavioural addictions: gambling, sex etc.
• The CBT approach to working with addiction
• The family dimension in addiction
• Dual diagnosis: common mental health problems in addiction 

MSc component: 60 credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)

• Case study & dissertation 

Additional course requirements:

• 100 hours clinical placement / client work*
• 20 sessions with a qualified supervisor to review client work
• 20 hours personal therapy - 10 of these hours must be completed before commencing client work.

This course is intended for Professionals currently or considering working within addiction services in professions including Counsellors/Psychotherapists, doctors, nurses, youth workers, social carers, social workers, psychologists etc. who wish to solidify and enhance their qualifications and to gain contemporary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work therapeutically with those affected by addiction.

Applicants are required to hold a relevant honours degree (Level 7 FHEQ (Comparable to Level 9 NFQ); Final grade 2.2 or above).

Applicants who do not meet these criteria may be eligible to enter the course on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area.  Students applying on the basis of prior learning must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study.  This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) and be must be submitted with your application.

Applicants should ideally have access to opportunities for client work in their current role and be able to apply theoretical principles and practice in their current workplace.

There are a limited number of places available (18). Selection is based on application and interview. Please see course website for selection procedure https://www.pcicollege.ie/master-addiction-counselling

PCI runs a number of courses.