At Physis Scotland we are delighted to offer our trainees the opportunity to qualify as a TA Counsellor after three years of training (Foundation plus two further years).
Students who qualify with the Diploma in Counselling using TA are able to work as self employed counsellors in private practice.
The Diploma is validated by COSCA and is recognised as a “qualification in counselling” by other accrediting bodies such as BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).
Successful students who pass the final Diploma exam are eligible to apply for BACP or COSCA Accredited Practitioner status two years following qualification, on completion of a total of 450 practice hours.
In the second year of training students will focus on developing clinical skills and commencing a clinical placement once they have been endorsed to practice by their year trainer. Increasing emphasis is placed on developing therapeutic relationships with clients, whilst developing a deeper awareness of our own internal processes and how we impact and are impacted in relationship.
There are 20 days of training comprising:
The Saturdays of each weekend will focus on developing theoretical understanding through a variety of methods including taught elements, experiential exercises, working in pairs and small groups, group discussion and group process. The focus on Sunday is developing clinical skills, which includes observed skills practice and feedback.
Each of these Advanced Year 1 training weekends will invite reflection on systemic, political, social, environmental, ecological, cultural and intersectional contexts (as relevant).
A minimum of 40 hours of personal therapy per year is a requirement for Advanced clinical training.
In Advanced Year 1 students are endorsed to practice by their core tutor, at which point they can being applying for a clinical placement. Whilst finding a placement is a student’s responsibility, Physis Scotland provides extensive support including a Placement Handbook which offers guidance and practical tips which may be helpful to students applying for placement. We also have a Placement Advisor who is available to support and guide students with their placement applications.
Placement with Physis Scotland in Collaboration with UK Counselling Network CIC
Physis Scotland in collaboration with our colleague Sally Benson, MBACP and her Award Winning Social Enterprise UKCN website was delighted to launch a low-cost counselling service in March 2022, offering face-to-face counselling in Drumsheugh Gardens on a Thursday and Fridays daytime. This service is also offered online for those students not based in Edinburgh; on the proviso they secure an additional placement to complete a minimum of 70 of their 100 client hours face-to-face.
*23rd September 2023: Considerations for working with clients remotely mandatory training day with Susie Hewitt, TSTA.
Ellaine Sweeting, PTSTA plus visiting trainer Helen Rowland, TSTA
On successful completion of Advanced Year 1 participants will be awarded a Physis Scotland Completion Certificate and will be eligible to progress into Advanced Year 2.
The third year of training is the ‘in-depth year’, where students deepen and consolidate the work done in the second year of training, whilst developing their clinical ‘toolbox’ and range of interventions in clinical work.
There are 20 days of training comprising:
The Saturdays of each weekend will focus on developing theoretical understanding through a variety of methods including taught elements, experiential exercises, working in pairs and small groups, group discussion and group process. The focus on Sunday is developing clinical skills, which includes client presentation, supervision, and skills training .
Following the successful completion of all training requirements and having completed 100 hours in a clinical placement setting, trainees are eligible to apply to sit their Diploma Exam in TA Counselling.
Each of these Advanced Year 2 training weekends will invite reflection on systemic, political, social, environmental, ecological, cultural and intersectional contexts (as relevant).
A minimum of 40 hours of personal therapy per year is a requirement for Advanced clinical training.
Norma Mckinnon Fathi, PTSTA plus visiting trainers Andy Williams, TSTA and Jennie Miller, PTSTA
On successful completion of Advanced Year 2 participants will be awarded a Physis Scotland Completion Certificate and will be eligible to progress into Advanced Year 3 (taught psychotherapy component).
“I have absolutely loved Advanced Year 2. I have enjoyed being in person so much. The facilities at Drumsheugh are great, it’s the little things like deodorant in the toilets and blankets in the rooms. Special mention for the delicious biscuits and the beautiful gardens. I enjoy Jennies teaching style, particularly the neurodiverse aspect, her sharing her life experiences and boundaries. Was such a treat to have both Ronen and Helen as guest tutors. I feel so lucky to have all the support available to use. Can’t wait for Advanced Year 3!” Advanced Year 2 student, Jaynie, March 2023
Many trainees complete their Diploma and continue into their final year of training at Physis Scotland (Advanced Year 3), developing their private practice at the same time as completing the taught component of the CTA Psychotherapy.
“The two Fionas are running an excellent training programme. They have a good support system with Olivia as Programme Manager, Fiona Melvin-Farr as Marketing Strategy, a great team of core and visiting tutors and brilliant resources with Mary as Academic Support and Lisa as Placement Advisor”. External Examiner, June 2023.
Advanced Year 1 Students 2022-2023
Advanced Year 2 Students 2022-2023
VAT Registration Number: 450 2279 15
