Physis Scotland
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Advanced Years 1 & 2: Diploma in Counselling using TA

Advanced Training leading to the Diploma in Counselling using TA (COSCA Validated)

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.

Components of the Diploma in Counselling using TA

Advanced Year 1

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.

Sample Content

  • Beginnings – Group formation, Contracting Revisited, An Introduction to Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • The Cathexis School, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Classical TA
  • The Redecision School and Gestalt, and Co-Creative Principles
  • Personality Adaptations
  • Integrative TA
  • Classical TA, Psychodynamic and Relational TA
  • Starting in Practice and Self Care
  • Difference and Diversity
  • Introduction to Attachment Theory
  • Endings in Therapy, Ethics, Presentations, Self and Peer Assessment

Each of these Advanced Year 1 training weekends will invite reflection on systemic, political, social, environmental, ecological, cultural and intersectional contexts (as relevant).

Assessment

  • One 3000 word essay
  • One 3000 word presentation supporting paper
  • A 10-15 minute presentation (including supporting documentation)
  • Evidence of reflective learning journal
  • Minimum of 85% attendance
  • Observed skills practice
  • Ongoing participation in group discussion and process

Personal Therapy

A minimum of 40 hours of personal therapy per year is a requirement for Advanced clinical training.

Placements

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.

Course dates 2024/2025

Please note all training days will take place in-person, except the 21st September mandatory online training day and the January training weekend which will take place online.

  • 7th/8th September 2024
  • 21st September 2024
  • 5th/6th October 2024
  • 2nd/3rd November 2024
  • 16th November 2024
  • 7th/8th December 2024
  • 4th/5th January 2025
  • 1st/2nd February 2025
  • 1st/2nd March 2025
  • 5th April 2025
  • 11th/12th May 2024
  • 8th/9th June 2024

Course Tutor 2024/2025

Ellaine Sweeting, PTSTA plus visiting trainer Helen Rowland, TSTA

Recognition

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.

“I am finding the course content this year, as ever, fascinating and deeply valuable – both theoretically and personally. I think it’s working so well as a build on the Foundation Year – I can really appreciate the foundation that that first year has provided, and Advanced Year 1 really feels like every weekend is an addition and a build upon – adding colours to a new universe”.  Advanced Year 1 student, Sarah, March 2023

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.

Sample Content

  • The Therapeutic Relationship – The Real Tool for Change
  • Sadness, Loss and Grief
  • Assessment and Diagnosis for Depression and Anxiety
  • Treatment Planning – The Story of Therapy
  • Working with Clients in Extreme and Distressed States
  • Trauma, Shock and Spiritual Crisis
  • Working with Shame and Defensive Processes
  • Difference and Diversity
  • Working with Couples
  • Endings in Therapy, Ethics, Transcripts, Self and Peer Assessment

Each of these Advanced Year 2 training weekends will invite reflection on systemic, political, social, environmental, ecological, cultural and intersectional contexts (as relevant).

Assessment

  • One 3000 word case study
  • Two pieces of transcript analysis (maximum 500 words each)
  • Evidence of reflective learning journal
  • Minimum of 85% attendance
  • Supervisor’s Report
  • Ongoing participation in group discussion and process

Personal Therapy

A minimum of 40 hours of personal therapy per year is a requirement for Advanced clinical training.

Course dates 2024/2025

Please note all training days will take place in-person.

  • 14/15th September 2024
  • 12th/13th October 2024
  • 9th/10th November 2024
  • 16th November 2024
  • 14th/15th December 2024
  • 11th/12th January 2025
  • 8th/9th February 2025
  • 8th/9th March 2025
  • 5th April 2025
  • 10th/11th May 2025
  • 14th/15th June 2025

Course Tutor 2024/2025

Norma Mckinnon Fathi, PTSTA plus visiting trainers Andy Williams, TSTA and Jennie Miller, PTSTA

Recognition

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.

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“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.

 

"I have found support whenever I have asked for it – which I have done especially in meeting Mary to run through each assignment plan. I have hugely appreciated this support and encouragement and I know that more support is readily available – such as the mentor scheme and additional tutorials". Advanced Year 1 student, Sarah, March 2023
Advanced Year 1 Students 2022-2023 Advanced Year 1 Students 2022-2023
Advanced Year 2 Students 2022-2023 Advanced Year 2 Students 2022-2023

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