BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies

addiction counselling courses
Type
Undergraduate
Duration
4 Years
Validated by
QQI (by ICHAS)
Mode
Full-Time / Part-Time
Campus
Limerick / Dublin Main Campus
NFQ Level
8
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Course Overview

Understand the human experience of addiction and learn how to support others on their journey toward recovery with skill, care, and empathy.

This is an ICHAS course delivered at Griffith College by ICHAS.

The BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies is a practice-based degree for those who want to become professional counsellors with a specialist focus on addiction. 

Students explore the roots and realities of both substance and behavioural addictions. The course examines key psychological theories, therapeutic approaches, and recovery models, while also addressing broader issues such as mental health, trauma, and relapse. This degree prepares graduates to work with individuals affected by addiction in a range of settings, including rehabilitation centres, community services, and private practice. 

Why Study Counselling and Addiction Studies at Griffith College?

  • Students take part in supervised client work and engage in personal psychotherapeutic development, gaining essential hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world practice. 

  • With mentoring, personal development modules, and placement support built into the course, students are guided through both the academic and emotional aspects of addiction counselling.  

  • Lecturers bring extensive expertise from the fields of addiction counselling and psychotherapy. 

  • The programme combines online lectures with in-person workshops, allowing students to balance study with work or personal commitments. 

Course Highlights:  

  • Specialised focus on addiction and recovery in therapeutic settings. 

  • Combines theory, skills training, and personal development. 

  • Led by professionals with real-world addiction counselling experience. 

  • Includes supervised placement and reflective learning. 

  • Flexible blended learning structure. 

Intake Dates

  • Limerick - Full-Time, Part-Time - September 2025
  • Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
  • Limerick - Part-Time, Full-Time - September 2026
  • Dublin - Part-Time - September 2026

Lecturer Biography

addiction-studies-lecturer-bio

Nicki is an addiction nurse, lecturer, and researcher registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. She holds a Master's in addiction Studies and a Ph.D. , specialising in vicarious trauma in addiction nursing and the role of leadership in its mitigation. Nicki has lectured at various colleges and universities, focusing on research methods, trauma-informed care, addiction, and harm reduction. As Lead Nurse at Smarmore Castle Private Clinic, she provides compassionate leadership for individuals with addiction. As President of the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) Ireland Chapter, she fosters collaboration among addiction nursing professionals across Europe. As a recognised voice in the field, Nicki has published extensively and speaks internationally on addiction nursing, vicarious trauma-informed care, and leadership.

Nicki Annunziata

- Programme Lecturer

What students say

addiction-studies-nuala-student-testimonial
"My experience was truly transformative. The course was professional and deeply authentic, which inspired me to pursue further studies with the college on the Certificate in Addiction Studies (Gambling). The faculty’s support helped me gain a better understanding of the complexities of addiction and how to apply therapeutic modalities in real-world settings. Working with people in addiction matters deeply to me, and this programme has given me the tools and confidence to make a real difference in my community and also in my own private practice and treatment centres."
Nuala Mary Morris
BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies

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