The psychotherapeutic profession is a separate scientific profession. Accreditation as a psychotherapist generally requires at least seven years of training comprising a primary degree, and four years part-time training in one of the psychotherapeutic disciplines. Professional trainings are provided in both the training institutes and Universities in Ireland. The baseline academic qualification for entry to training in any of the Disciplines / Modalities / Sections is:
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent in human sciences (medical, psychological, social, educational etc); Humanities or Philosophy.
- Assessment of suitability interview.
- Each modality adheres to the training standards set down by the Irish Council for Psychotherapy and the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP).
The Irish Council for Psychotherapy acts as an awarding body on behalf of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), conferring the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) in Ireland. The criteria for the awarding of this Certificate form the minimum training requirements and entry criteria for all modalities of psychotherapy.
We are currently in the process of accrediting our existing practitioners in relation to the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) and ensuring that all training courses in Ireland are meeting the European standard. The criteria for accreditation of training courses in Ireland can be found in the Training Accreditation Committee (TAC) document.
Because the ICP doesn’t accredit trainings in general, it is better to enquire directly to the designated discipline relevant to the training. ICP is an umbrella organisation with three disciplines (Couple and Family Therapy – Systemic Psychotherapies; Humanistic and Integrative Therapy; Psychoanalytic Therapy) encompassing nine member organisations. Three of the disciplines have one organisation affiliated with them; Psychoanalytic Therapy has seven. For further information, please download ICP Member Organisations Contact Details.