As both a SQA and BACP approved training centre students at The Spark can be assured that their education and training is of the highest academic standards.
The Spark is a leading provider of counselling courses and psychotherapy training in Scotland. We take what we learn in the counselling room and use it to create counselling training that has real-world applications. In addition to our own bespoke training and Diploma courses in counselling, The Spark is proud to deliver the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills.
Learn more about the wide range of entry-level, qualification and post-qualification counselling courses The Spark offers below.
Entry-Level Courses
These introductory courses are a great way to start your journey into a counselling career, with no or minimal prior experience needed. They provide an excellent foundation in counselling skills and knowledge, which can be a direct path to further study and professional practice.
Alternatively, the skills you learn in these courses are highly transferable and will be an asset in a wide range of other professions where communication and interpersonal skills are key.
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COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
SCQF 8
The Certificate in Counselling Skills is an excellent introduction to counselling theory and practice. For those considering a career in counselling, the Counselling Skills certificate is the ideal first step and a widely recognised qualification. The Spark is unique in only using professional counsellors to deliver this course, offering trainees added insight into the profession.
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HNC Counselling
SCQF 7
The HNC Counselling course 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…
Qualification Courses
These courses are at the heart of training the next generation of professional counsellors. They are designed to provide you with the in-depth knowledge and practical skills required to practice safely and effectively. Upon successful completion, you will be equipped to begin a rewarding career as a professional counsellor, helping individuals navigate a wide range of personal challenges.
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Diploma in Relational Counselling
The Relational Counselling Diploma is one of the most advanced psychotherapy training courses in Scotland, encouraging students to deepen their theoretical understanding, examine their beliefs and attitudes, and develop skills appropriate to inter-relational counselling. It provides an overarching training for counsellors seeking to counsel relationally, combining multiple modalities.
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HND Counselling
The HND Counselling course is a professional qualification, jointly awarded by SQA and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The course builds on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes from the HNC Counselling, relevant to the theory and professional practice of counselling.
Post-Qualification Courses
These post-qualification courses are specifically designed for working counsellors who wish to expand their skills and advance their professional practice. Whether you are looking to specialise in a new area, such as working with a different client group, or to develop new ways of working, these courses provide the expert training necessary to take the next step in your career.
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BACP Approved PDA in Counselling Supervision
The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Counselling Supervision is designed to equip experienced counselling practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to take on a clinical supervisory role. Jointly awarded with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), this SCQF Level 11 qualification sets a consistent and nationally recognised standard for counselling supervision.
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BACP Approved PDA in Counselling Children and Young People (11 to 18)
Our PDA in Counselling Children and Young People is a specialist qualification designed to equip you with the advanced skills, knowledge and confidence to work safely, ethically, and effectively with clients aged 11 to 18. Delivered by experienced tutors and aligned with BACP standards, this course opens the door to deeper, more impactful practice.
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Train the Trainer for Counsellors
Train the Trainer for Counsellors incorporates the SQA devised Group Counselling Skills unit (SCQF Level 7) and Conduct the Assessment Process PDA (SCQF Level 8) and two CPD workshops: Developing the Trainer and The Continuous Training Cycle.
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BACP Approved PDA in Online and Telephone Counselling
This BACP approved course equips counsellors with the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently work with adult clients online or on the telephone. This Professional Development Award has two units at SCQF level 8 covering ethics and professional standards, and safe and competent practice.