Advanced Training leading to the Diploma in Counselling using TA (COSCA Validated)
At Physis Scotland we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to qualify as a TA Counsellor after three years of training. Our Diploma is taught at Post Graduate Level 11 (Level 7 English/Welsh framework). The first year of the Diploma in Counselling using TA is the Foundation Year Certificate in Transactional Analysis which ensures you have a solid foundation in Transactional Analysis theory, active listening skills and personal awareness. The further two years of training (Advanced Years 1 and 2) focus on the integration and application of theory in clinical practice, whilst introducing you to contemporary Transactional Analysis theory and other modalities.
The Physis Scotland Diploma in Counselling using TA 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).
Students who qualify with the Diploma in Counselling using TA are able to work as self employed counsellors in private practice. In addition, 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
Following the successful completion of the Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis Counselling, the second year of training (Advanced Year 1) will focus on developing your clinical skills and commencing a placement once you have been endorsed to practice by your year trainer. Increasing emphasis is placed on developing therapeutic relationships with clients, whilst developing a deeper awareness of your own internal process, considering how you are impacted in relationship and how you impact the other.
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.
Course 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 you will be endorsed to practice by your core tutor, at which point you can being applying for a clinical placement. Whilst finding a placement is your responsibility, Physis Scotland provides extensive support including a database of placement organisations and a Placement Handbook which offers guidance and practical tips. We also have a Placement Advisor, Lisa Cherry-Byrnes, who is available to support and guide you with your 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 Friday daytime. This service is staffed by trainees in Advanced clinical training.
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 you 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 (Advanced Year 2) is the ‘in-depth year’, where you will deepen and consolidate the work done in the second year of your training, whilst developing your 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, you will have the option to apply to sit your Diploma Exam and qualify with a Physis Scotland Diploma in Counselling using TA. This qualification is fully validated by COSCA.
Course 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.
Exam Criteria
- Successful completion of Foundation Year and two Advanced clinical years
- 100 hours in clinical placement
- A minimum of 17 hours clinical supervision
- A minimum of 90 hours personal therapy
- Current supervisors endorsement
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 you will be awarded a Physis Scotland Completion Certificate and will have the option to progress into Advanced Year 3 and complete your final year of core training to become an accredited Certified Transactional Analyst and/or UKCP registered Psychotherapist.
“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 and/or UKCP registration.
“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.
