Are you interested in taking the first steps toward becoming a qualified counsellor? Or perhaps you're in another profession and would benefit from integrating counselling skills into your role? Maybe you're simply curious about how improved communication and counselling skills could positively impact your personal life and relationships?
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Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for anyone interested in counselling, whether you’re an aspiring counsellor or seeking to enhance your communication skills in other professional areas. It’s designed for individuals who want to learn counselling skills and have the opportunity to apply them in real-life situations.
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The course aims to provide high-quality, foundational training that equips students with the key concepts, skills, and knowledge needed to support a career or interest in counselling.
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Course structure
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The Certificate in Counselling Skills course comprises four modules, each involving 30 hours of learning (120 hours in total). In addition to the taught component, participants are recommended to allow for at least 3 hours per week additional private study time.
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Delivered by experienced Physis Scotland tutors, who bring extensive teaching and counselling practice to the course, the programme offers a professionally recognised qualification. Upon successful completion of all four modules, students will earn 40 SCQF credits at SCQF Level 8 and will be eligible to become a COSCA Counselling Skills Member.
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​What will I learn?
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Throughout the Certificate course, you will learn about key approaches and considerations in counselling and counselling ethics. You will learn to support others by developing practical listening skills and increasing your self-awareness. You will also develop your ability to build rapport, attune to others, improve communication skills, and actively listen.
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Each of the four modules that make up the Certificate contain elements of skills, knowledge and self-awareness.
Course Framework and Modules
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Module One: Beginnings
Module Two: Exploration and Expansion
Module Three: Review and Reflection
Module Four: Integration
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You will engage in a blend of experiential activities, group discussions, and both oral and written assignments. By the end of the course, you will have developed stronger communication and interpersonal skills, applicable across a range of settings, and will gain a clear understanding of counselling skills, distinct from a full counselling approach.
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Please note that in order to progress the next module, you will need to successfully complete the preceding module.
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Attendance
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There is a requirement for at least an 85% minimum attendance on each module of the course, in order to progress towards completion.

COSCA initial validation applied for
Course dates and locations
Our next course will start on 25th April 2025, delivered in-person at our premises in Drumsheugh Gardens on Friday mornings from 10am – 1pm.
We will also be offering a further cohort of the course from September 2025, delivered online, Monday 6 – 9pm.
The September course dates are TBC, but you can register your interest by contacting us or filling out the course application form.
The Spring course dates as follows:
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Module 1
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25th April 2025
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2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th May 2025
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6th, 13th, 20th, 27th June 2025
Module 2
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18th, 25th July 2025
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1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th August 2025
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5th, 12th, 19th September 2025
Module 3
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10th, 17th, 24th, 31st October 2025
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7th, 14th, 21st, 28th November 2025
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5th, 12th December 2025
Module 4
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9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th January 2026
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6th, 13th, 20th, 27th February 2026
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6th, 13th, 20th March 2026
Course tutors
April in-person course tutors:
Fiona Firman PTSTA
Fiona Cook PTSTA
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September online course tutor:
Norma MacKinnon Fathi PTSTA (P)
Course Fees
The fee for this course for 2025 is £1620 (inc. VAT) for the complete certificate (payable prior to the commencement of module 1) or £335 (inc. VAT) per module (payable prior to the commencement of each module). Please note that a £200 deposit is required to secure your place prior to the course starting.
How to apply
To apply for this course, applicants should complete the application form. Please attach a personal statement and an up-to-date CV (maximum 2 pages).
Applicants will then be invited to participate in a group interview, offering an opportunity to meet their peers and course tutor(s), as well as to ask any questions they may have. During the interview, applicants will take part in a group exercise, offering an introduction to the experiential learning that will be a key aspect of the course. This exercise will also allow tutors to assess each applicant's suitability by evaluating their self-reflection abilities, learning more about their motivations, and understanding their expectations for the course.
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