Build your foundations
Explore therapeutic relationships, safeguarding, assessment and pluralistic counselling techniques.
January 2027 · Near Belfast · Northern Ireland & Ireland
Train as a Counsellor near Belfast
Build your counselling skills with CICS’s two-year, part-time Diploma in Pluralistic Psychotherapy, starting January 2027.
Explore the full diploma →Core practitioner training for people ready to qualify as a general counsellor.
Course recognition and qualification pathway
COSRT-accredited as a Specialist Foundation Pathway Diploma. Designed to meet PCPB Column A standards and metrics, with eligibility to apply for course accreditation expected in summer 2027. PCPB accreditation is pending.
Core counselling training300 guided learning hours across two years.
Inclusive by designPluralism and anti-oppressive practice underpin the course.
Practice-led learning100 clinical practice hours, with placement support in Year 2.
Why this diploma?
How to become a counsellor with CICS
The Diploma in Pluralistic Psychotherapy is a core practitioner training leading to qualification as a general counsellor. Study part time near Belfast through live teaching, online learning, reflective work and supervised clinical practice.
The course is designed for students across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It also provides a foundation for progressing to the CICS Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy.
Read the full course informationWhat makes CICS different
Pluralistic counselling training with an inclusive approach
Pluralism recognises that different clients benefit from different approaches. You will learn to respond to each client’s needs while keeping the therapeutic relationship central and considering culture, identity, power and privilege.
Develop through practice
Complete 100 clinical practice hours and 40 hours of personal therapy, alongside reflection and skills assessment.
Work inclusively
Explore race, religion, culture, gender, sexuality, disability and neurodivergence through anti-oppressive practice.
Study near Belfast
Part-time counselling training built around live learning
Learn alongside peers in CICS’s training rooms near Belfast. Teaching combines experiential skills practice and group learning with home-study materials and online modules.
Immersive practicePractise counselling skills and explore clinical material with support.
Real communityStudy with people preparing for counselling practice across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Experienced teachingCarolyn Tailford is the lead tutor for this programme.
70% of the course must be attended in person near Belfast; 30% is online. The programme includes 22 live teaching weekends, with teaching from 10am to 5pm.
Is it right for you?
Is this counselling diploma right for you?
- You have completed CPCAB Level 2 and are enrolled on, or have completed, CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies.
- You want to qualify as a general counsellor through a pluralistic approach.
- You value pluralism and anti-oppressive practice.
- You can commit to live teaching, clinical practice and personal therapy over two years.
Common questions
Counselling training near Belfast: your questions answered
What qualification will I gain?
You will complete the CICS Diploma in Pluralistic Psychotherapy, a two-year core practitioner training leading to qualification as a general counsellor. It also provides a foundation for progression to specialist psychosexual and relationship therapy training.
Who can apply for this counselling course?
You must have completed CPCAB Level 2 and be enrolled on, or have completed, a CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. Exceptions are offered for medical doctors, registered nurses, mental health nurses, sexual health advisors and social workers. Contact CICS to discuss your eligibility.
Where is the course taught, and can I study online?
Teaching takes place in training rooms near Belfast, Northern Ireland. The course is intended for students across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. 70% must be attended in person and 30% is online; this is a blended course requiring attendance near Belfast.
When does the January 2027 course start?
The first teaching weekend is 30 and 31 January 2027. The part-time programme runs over two years with 22 live teaching weekends, 10am to 5pm. The full course page lists the teaching dates.
How much does the counselling diploma cost?
The full course and materials cost £5,800 including VAT. A £400 non-refundable deposit is followed by 24 monthly payments of £225, commencing 1 January.
What is pluralistic counselling?
Pluralistic counselling recognises that different clients may benefit from different approaches at different times. It keeps the client’s needs, preferences and therapeutic relationship central while drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches.
Is the course accredited?
The course is accredited by COSRT as a Specialist Foundation Pathway Diploma. It has been designed to meet PCPB Column A standards and metrics. CICS expects to be eligible to apply for that course accreditation in summer 2027; PCPB accreditation is pending.
What clinical practice and personal therapy are required?
You must complete 100 hours of general psychotherapy clinical practice and 40 hours of personal therapy with a qualified, registered therapist. Clinical practice starts in Year 2, with support to find an appropriate placement and supervisor. NCPS student membership is required before clinical practice and until qualification.
Can I progress to psychosexual and relationship therapy training?
Yes. The pluralistic diploma is a foundation route to the CICS Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. The Belfast specialist programme has its own course information and application process.
Where can I find the full requirements and apply?
Read the full course page for dates, assessment, clinical practice, personal therapy and qualification requirements. Use the application link to apply, or contact CICS if you would like to discuss your background first.
Counselling training · January 2027
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for the January 2027 intake near Belfast or contact CICS to discuss your qualifications and the course.
