HNC Counselling

The HNC Counselling is a progressive route into counselling as a profession and is aimed at those working in, or seeking to work in, a variety of counselling contexts. You will be provided with the opportunity to explore and advance your existing knowledge and/or experience of counselling and this will be useful for those working in the sector.

The course is ideal for existing holders of a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills, or appropriate National Units. The course provides the skills, main theoretical concepts and approaches to counselling required to develop a working knowledge of counselling ethics and boundaries.

In addition, the personal learning and development within the programme aims to develop professional awareness and enhance career development.

What will I learn?

The general aims of the qualification are to provide a coherent and progressive learning programme relevant to the needs of the counselling sector in Scotland.

The HNC Counselling course has been designed to:

• develop transferable skills, including core skills
• demonstrate interpersonal skills and the ability to work with others
• develop personal effectiveness and develop critical thinking skills
• progress within the SCQF framework and into higher education
• provide an award for those working in the sector who wish to build on their existing knowledge and/or experience
• encourage best practice
• understand the main theoretical concepts and approaches to counselling and develop underpinning knowledge of counselling ethics and boundaries
• explain and demonstrate the practice of skills using a relationship-centred model of counselling
• explain and demonstrate personal learning and development within the course of the programme
• provide you with counselling-specific knowledge and skills applicable to several specialist areas
• provide you with the opportunity to progress to the HND Counselling

Subjects covered include:

• The Three Stage Integrative Model
• Humanistic counselling approaches
• Behavioural and cognitive counselling approaches
• Psychodynamic counselling approaches
• Understanding addictive behaviours
• Working with addictive behaviours
• Working with substance abuse
• Group counselling skills
• Theory loss, grief, and bereavement
• Graded unit

Minimum entry requirements

• A Counselling Award at SCQF level 6 or above e.g., the SQA unit Counselling Theory for Practice: An Introduction (or equivalent counselling units/awards from other awarding bodies at SCQF Level 6)
• Other relevant related qualifications (such as HNCs in Social Care, Health Care, Diploma in Social Work, Degree/Diploma in Nursing, etc) may be considered
• Two supportive verifiable references

Why study HNC Counselling at The Spark?

The Spark offers a bespoke training space designed to give you the best possible experience while undertaking your HNC Counselling. As a counselling organisation our primary focus is to offer you a nurturing and healthy learning environment that will promote feelings of belonging and a sense of personal competence. We can guarantee that by joining The Spark family you will enjoy a unique learning journey, with a focus on creativity, growth, and experiential learning. All our tutors are qualified Counsellors who have previously delivered counselling courses in further education establishments. So, join today, and continue your counselling journey with an organisation that is solely dedicated to the counselling profession and making a difference in people’s lives.

Training Dates