Establishing a counselling and psychotherapy training and educational college – a holistic approach

This context statement supports my position as a therapist and an educational entrepreneur who founded The International College for Personal and Professional Development. My claim is that this College is based on ground-breaking work that can empower people who avail of its courses and the services of its graduates.

I consider what it means to live in a time when the rate of change exceeds our ability to adapt to it. I am making the path as I walk it, in the work I have done and do with ICPPD. It is based on how through heuristic enquiry, I make meaning of the experiences that gave birth to the College and my work as a therapist and educator today.

The purpose of this Context Statement is to reflect on the Public Works produced through my various roles with a view to distilling insight that will transform my own practice as Academic Director and the practice of similar professionals in the field of therapy. The knowledge generated is intended to support me to rethink my practices and inform change both for myself and for ICPPD.

Today, ICPPD is recognised nationally, as an academic third-level provider and by professional training bodies as making a distinct contribution to the field of counselling and psychotherapy in Ireland. It holds at its heart an explicit holistic ethos, humanistic values, and principles, and learning experiences which are evidenced and woven throughout this context statement. The dissertation highlights both the joy and personal cost of living a holistic professional orientation within the context of ICPPD. It unpacks the challenges of this approach and points to new practices that ensure sustainability of the work at ICPPD.

This reflexive audit validates a combination of professional knowledge, expertise, and leadership as I present myself and my works for consideration for this Doctorate in Psychotherapy by Public Works.