Professional Certificate in Addiction Studies: Psychoanalytic Theory & Clinical Technique
This advanced professional certificate offers an in-depth exploration of addiction through the lens of psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice. Designed for mental health professionals, psychotherapists, counsellors, and allied practitioners, the programme integrates contemporary addiction studies with psychoanalytic insights into human behaviour, unconscious processes, and the formation of compulsive patterns.
Participants will critically examine the intrapsychic, developmental, and relational dimensions of addiction, exploring the role of trauma, repetition compulsion, ego defences, and transference phenomena. Drawing on key thinkers such as Freud, Winnicott, Lacan, Khantzian, and contemporary relational theorists, the course places addiction within a broader framework of psychic structure and symptom formation.
The programme combines theoretical seminars with case-based learning and technical workshops, providing clinicians with practical tools for assessment, formulation, and intervention. Special emphasis is placed on therapeutic technique, including working with resistance, building the therapeutic alliance, and managing countertransference in addiction treatment.
By the end of the course, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of addiction as both a psychological defence and a symptom of deeper psychic conflict, enabling more nuanced and effective clinical responses in both individual and group settings.
(May) Advanced Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies
Course Description
The Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies is a comprehensive, evidence-based programme designed to deepen understanding of addiction and enhance professional competencies in working with individuals affected by substance use and behavioural addictions. Delivered online over 10 weeks, this diploma is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, healthcare workers, educators, social care professionals, and anyone with a professional or personal interest in addiction and recovery.
Grounded in a trauma-informed and integrative framework, the course explores the psychological, neurobiological, social, and cultural dimensions of addiction. Each weekly module combines theory with practical case examples, group discussions, and reflective practice to ensure applied learning. Participants will gain tools for assessment, intervention planning, and ethical decision-making, while also learning about recovery models, relapse prevention, and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.
Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this diploma offers a valuable and accessible foundation in addiction studies — equipping you to support clients with empathy, clinical insight, and professional integrity. The course also integrates a strong theory and application principles of Psychoanalysis
- Course Manager: Professional Development Consortium (Accreditating Body)
- Course Manager: Marie (Student Support)
- Course Manager: Irish Counselling, Psychotherapy & Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (ICPHA)
- Course Manager: Dr. Michael McArdle
- Senior Lecturer: Dr. Hugh Cummins
- Senior Lecturer: Mr. John Mangan
- Senior Lecturer: Professor Helen Noble
(February) Advanced Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies
Course Description
The Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies is a comprehensive, evidence-based programme designed to deepen understanding of addiction and enhance professional competencies in working with individuals affected by substance use and behavioural addictions. Delivered online over 10 weeks, this diploma is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, healthcare workers, educators, social care professionals, and anyone with a professional or personal interest in addiction and recovery.
Grounded in a trauma-informed and integrative framework, the course explores the psychological, neurobiological, social, and cultural dimensions of addiction. Each weekly module combines theory with practical case examples, group discussions, and reflective practice to ensure applied learning. Participants will gain tools for assessment, intervention planning, and ethical decision-making, while also learning about recovery models, relapse prevention, and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.
Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this diploma offers a valuable and accessible foundation in addiction studies — equipping you to support clients with empathy, clinical insight, and professional integrity. The course also integrates a strong theory and application principles of Psychoanalysis
- Course Manager: Professional Development Consortium (Accreditating Body)
- Course Manager: Marie (Student Support)
- Course Manager: Irish Counselling, Psychotherapy & Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (ICPHA)
- Course Manager: Dr. Michael McArdle
- Senior Lecturer: Dr. Hugh Cummins
- Senior Lecturer: Mr. John Mangan
- Senior Lecturer: Professor Helen Noble
(October) Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies
Course Description
The Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies is a comprehensive, evidence-based programme designed to deepen understanding of addiction and enhance professional competencies in working with individuals affected by substance use and behavioural addictions. Delivered online over 10 weeks, this diploma is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, healthcare workers, educators, social care professionals, and anyone with a professional or personal interest in addiction and recovery.
Grounded in a trauma-informed and integrative framework, the course explores the psychological, neurobiological, social, and cultural dimensions of addiction. Each weekly module combines theory with practical case examples, group discussions, and reflective practice to ensure applied learning. Participants will gain tools for assessment, intervention planning, and ethical decision-making, while also learning about recovery models, relapse prevention, and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.
Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this diploma offers a valuable and accessible foundation in addiction studies — equipping you to support clients with empathy, clinical insight, and professional integrity. The course also integrates a strong theory and application principles of Psychoanalysis
- Course Manager: Professional Development Consortium (Accreditating Body)
- Course Manager: Marie (Student Support)
- Course Manager: Irish Counselling, Psychotherapy & Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (ICPHA)
- Senior Lecturer: Dr. Michael McArdle