Health Professions & Social Services
Counselling Theory for Practice
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Evening
Duration 20 weeks
Start date
Jan 2024
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Counselling Theory for Practice is the second stage in our counselling training pathway. To enter this course you must have undertaken The Introduction to Counselling Course or had equivalent other training/experience in the counselling field.
In this 18-week-long course, beginning on Thursday 31 August 2023 - 18 January and a second delivery beginning on 25th January 2024, you will be introduced to the Psychodynamic, Behavioural/Cognitive and Humanistic Schools of Counselling and the role of the Counsellor in each approach. The course invites you to consider yourself, your life story and how you experience your world and to apply this to the different theories taught.
Successful completion of the course enables you to apply to progress to the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Counselling as the next step in your professional training or other similar HNC courses.
The course is intended to help you not only develop your understanding of theory but to develop your self-awareness and ability to compassionately understand your view of yourself and the world you inhabit. Students are expected to have high levels of maturity and robustness in dealing with sensitive material.
What you will learn
You will study the theories of;
- Freud, Jung, Erikson & Adler from the Psychodynamic Approach
- Pavlov, Skinner, Bandura, Ellis & Beck from the Behavioural/Cognitive Approach
- Rogers, Perls, Berne, Yalom & Van-Deurzen from the Humanistic Approach
- You will also undertake Counselling Skills training working with your student colleagues and choosing one approach to counselling from the list above to underpin your work.
Placement information
- There is no requirement for you to be in a placement during the course, however, it is highly recommended that you gain some experience in developing helping relationships before or during the course.
How the course is assessed
- The course is assessed through 4 assessments, 3 of which are project/essay-based and one of which is an observed demonstration of your Counselling Skills
Number of days per week
- 1 class per week. Thursday 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm. August 2023 - January 2024
Entry requirements
This course is open to anyone over the age of 18 with an interest in counseling who can evidence the ability to study at SQA Level 6 and who has either undertaken the Introduction to Counselling Course (or equivalent) or who has sufficient experience and other recognised applicable training in the field of Counselling and Helping Relationships.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
Prospective students may be invited to attend an interview and be asked to submit a short piece of written work based on researching one approach to counseling to evidence their ability to read and write at SQA Level 6 proficiency. Students may also be assessed on their emotional maturity and readiness to study Counseling and Human Personality Development at this level.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- HNC in Counselling
- Students may also apply to undertake the first of the 4 COSCA Counselling Skills modules; Module 1 with an aim to progress to Module 4.
Career options
- Students undertaking this course may find it helpful in developing careers in helping professions or enhancing their skills base for progression in their existing roles.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Evening | 24/01/24 | 20 Weeks |
