Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills Children & Young People?

This qualification will enable you to work with people using a counselling skills approach. In addition you will be equipped with specific skills to work with children and young people.

What are counselling skills?

Counselling skills:-

  • are essentially good interpersonal or communication skills.
  • are based on active listening.
  • involve using verbal and non-verbal skills e.g. paraphrasing, asking questions in a helpful way, summarizing, attending and responding to the speaker.
  • insert the qualities of acceptance, genuineness and empathy into a helping relationship.
  • are underpinned and informed by an understanding of counselling theory.

What can I do with a Diploma in Higher Education Counselling Children & Young People?

Students completing the Diploma in Higher Education may go on to work in an increasingly expanding range of organizations and agencies who work with children and young people - a priority area for the Scottish Government. The skills and training are also transferable into working with adults. Students may set up in private practice once they have appropriate experience.

What are the entry requirements for the Diploma in Higher Education & Certificate courses?

  • Certificate courses: There are no formal entry qualifications for the courses. If you have an interest in learning counselling skills and how to use these skills in working with children and young people then you can apply to be considered for a place on the Certificate course. We will invite applicants to an interview to explore their suitability to the course.
  • Diploma in Higher Education: It is expect that participants on the course will have experience in the use of counselling skills within a supportive environment. This may be demonstrated with the applicant holding a certificate in counselling skills or other prior learning. We will invite applicants to an interview to explore their suitability to the course.

How much do courses cost? Can I pay in installments?

We can accept payment from an employer or third-party and we can supply a list of trust funds that you can apply to for assistance with course fees. You may be eligible to apply for an annual grant of £200 to £500 from ILA Scotland once we have secured ILA status due to start in autumn 2010. Check http://ilascotland.org.uk for more information.

  • Certificate course: The course fees are £1,650 with an initial deposit of £250. The remainder of the fee can be paid in nine monthly installments of £100. These fees are under review for the new course starting in September 2010.
  • Diploma course: The course fee is £3,125 per year with an initial deposit of £250. The remainder of the fee can be paid in 24 monthly installments of £250. Please note that there are additional expenses which include personal therapy (minimum 40 hours) and supervision for the placement (approximately 25 sessions.) These fees are under review for the new course starting in September 2010.

Do I have to find a placement as part of the Diploma Higher Education course?

Yes. In order to meet the requirements of the Diploma course, students need to build up 150 hours of supervised client contact hours within an agency setting. Beginning counselling work in an agency setting also means that students benefit from the support and experience of other counselling professionals. Simpson House Training will advise and support the process.

Do I have to arrange personal therapy for myself?

Yes. A requirement of the Diploma course is that students will have begun their own personal counselling/psychotherapy shortly after starting to train. Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 personal counselling which should continue of the duration of the course.

This is not an exhaustive list of FAQs and we welcome any further questions you have. Please contact us.

 

Simpson House 

52 Queen Street 

Edinburgh 

EH2 3NS 

Charity No: SC011353