Archive for October, 2009

The Diploma in Therapeutic Group Work provides a comprehensive programme for continuing professional development within the complex field of Group Dynamics, Group Facilitation and Group/Team Leadership. When a group of people gather together with a common goal or bond, there is enormous potential to facilitate personal / professional growth and development. However, if the Group facilitator does not have the understanding of the group dynamics and processes at play the group may become an unsafe and frightening environment and there is a serious potential for harm. Working with groups and teams is an increasing element of the work of a broad range of staff within the caring professions.

Programme Aims will be to develop

• Mature and professional practice in the role of group facilitator
• The ability to compare and evaluate different theories and models of groups and group processes
• The ability to analyse critically research based evidence relating to group work
• Effective group work practice requires a sound underpinning of theoretical knowledge that informs practice and is in turn informed by that practice. With complex and changing environments it is essential that practice be informed by the best possible information

The two year part-time Higher Certificate (Level 6) in Applied Addiction Studies has been developed in partnership with Athlone Institute of Technology. On successful completion the course leads directly to a one year part-time BA (Level 7) in Applied Addiction Studies. Both courses are accredited by the Athlone Institute of Technology/Hetac. The courses additionally satisfy the Training and Education criteria set down by the Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors (IAAAC) for professional accreditation as an Addiction Counsellor.

On completion of this course, and providing all other criteria are fulfilled (supervision and clinical work experience ), successful participants will be able to seek professional accreditation as an Addiction Counsellor with the IAAAC.