COSCA
SMILE Counselling and Training is a COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) Validated Training Provider.
COSCA
Developing self-awareness and counselling skills
This fun and fast paced course suits all those who are interested in developing self-awareness and counselling skills. This is an experiential course with delivery including group activities, media, skills practice and written text. It is ideal if you are in, or considering, employment in a helping role. While this course does not lead to a qualification suitable for practicing counselling, it can assist you in your next step in applying for further study in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Course Details
Many participants attend the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills to enhance their knowledge and skills in existing workplace roles, i.e., managers, funeral celebrants, nurses, social workers, sports coaches, teachers.
The course provides 120 hours of training towards a level 8 SCQF certificate validated by COSCA (40 SCQF credits). The four modules each contain elements of skills, knowledge, self-awareness and ethics, which includes an element of self-reflection within a confidential environment.
There are four themes associated with the modules:
Available Places
Course Hours
Courses Completed
Course Information
Our course participants are already benefitting from and appreciating learning about:
- Counselling skills and approaches
- The application of these skills either within the workplace or for personal development
- The difference between Counselling as a professional activity and Counselling Skills that could prove valuable for people in a wide variety of occupations.
For further information, view the Certificate in Counselling Skills Information Leaflet Here
SAAS
Part Time Fee Grant
You may be eligible for £402 funding toward your course cost if:
- You are a resident of Scotland.
- You meet the general residence conditions.
- You earn less than £25,000 per year and can provide evidence to SAAS.
Apply directly through the SAAS online application service here
West Lothian Funding Training and Upskilling
You could access up to £1,500 to support your training and upskilling.
Funding priority will be given to parents in the following groups:
- Lone parent
- Parent with a disability or a disabled child
- Parent of 3+ children
- Parent of a child under 1
- Parent aged under 25
To learn more, email pesf@westlothian.gov.uk or click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the COSCA Course. Should you require more information please don't hesitate to contact us
The cost is £300 per Module (£1200 for the whole course including materials, handbooks and certificate).
Payment is due for each module in advance.
A £100 deposit will secure successful applicants.
The course includes four modules, each delivered over a 10-week block. For specific dates and times, please refer to the course timetable. In total, the course offers 120 hours of training, contributing towards a Level 8 SCQF certificate (40 SCQF credits), validated by COSCA.
Online Dates Thurs Evenings
12th September 2024 to 28th August 2025, inclusive [Course now FULL]
18th August 2025 to16th July 2026, inclusive [Applications Open]
17.30 -20.45 Thursday evenings online
Online Dates Tues Evenings
Yes. Our membership Number is
COSCA Organisational Membership - 4321
The easiest way to apply is through our website where you will find the course dates and application form.
The COSCA Certificate in Counselling is a valuable stepping stone for anyone aspiring to further study in Counselling and Psychotherapy. While it does not qualify you to practice as a counsellor, it is an essential prerequisite for our Diploma Course and comes highly recommended for anyone exploring roles in the 'helping' professions.
This course has proven beneficial to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those in the Police, NHS, Education and various industries within the private and public sectors. It is structured around four key themes:
Module One: Advanced Communication Skills
Module Two: Exploration and Expansion
Module Three: Review and Reflection
Module Four: Integration
Participants consistently highlight the benefits of gaining practical counselling skills and approaches, as well as learning how to apply these skills effectively in professional settings or for personal development.
So, whether you're enhancing your workplace capabilities or preparing for advanced training, this course offers a solid foundation in counselling concepts and techniques.
This course does not provide a qualification for practicing counselling; however, it serves as a solid foundation toward pursuing further studies in Counselling and Psychotherapy. It is also a mandatory requirement for enrolling in our Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The course offers 120 hours of training, contributing to a Level 8 SCQF certificate validated by COSCA, equivalent to 40 SCQF credits.
Each student is required to have a 30-minute one-to one session with the tutor every module – it’s an important part of the programme to ensure you receive the full support and guidance you need. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
SAAS funding is available if you are eligible. For this COSCA Course YOU MAY BE ENTITLED to £402 funding which is deducted from your total course cost, if you meet the following criteria:
• You are a resident in Scotland
• YOU Meet the general residence conditions and
• Earn less than £25,000 per year and can provide evidence of this to SAAS
You can apply directly to SAAS for funding via their new Online application service
All applicants are considered based on suitability for the programme, irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
Entry requirements will be that applicants will:
- Successfully complete the application form, providing accurate and relevant information that demonstrates their suitability for the course.
- Have the capacity to work independently to ensure that they can achieve the standards necessary to complete the course satisfactorily.
- Have a willingness to engage actively in all aspects of the course.
- Be able to allocate sufficient time to meet the demands of the course, including independent study.
- Be open to working collaboratively with diverse groups and contributing to a positive team environment.
We do recommend an age limit of 19 for the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills. We put this in place to ensure participants have the maturity, life experience, and emotional resilience needed for the course. Counselling training involves self-reflection, sensitive topics, and group discussions, which require a certain level of emotional readiness and professional boundaries. Additionally, as this course is a stepping stone to further counselling qualifications, many of which have age requirements, this ensures alignment with career progression pathways.
Full attendance where at all possible is important. You will be provided with the full course schedule prior to beginning the course. COSCA requires a minimum of 85% attendance per module, meaning you need to attend at least 8.5 out of the 10 weekly sessions.
Committing to full attendance before signing up is essential for successful learning and accreditation.
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