DIPLOMA
Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
(COSCA Validated, credit rated by SQA at SCQF level 11 with 88 SCQF credit points).
SMILE
Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
Welcome to the Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, working with Children, Young People and Adults.
S.M.I.L.E. Counselling & Training have set this Diploma with the aim to provide a solid foundation in the integrative approach to counselling practice. There are many counselling modalities available, however some people attending therapy are unaware of the differing modalities, and as such may not receive what is best suited to their personality, or indeed to the uniqueness of their presenting issues. At S.M.I.L.E. we train our diploma students to be proficient in the practice of several modalities with the ultimate aim being that our students on placement, or graduates, can adapt their counselling/psychotherapy practice to meet with the needs of their clients.
Course Details
This course is theoretically informed by Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural theories. There is an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, self-awareness, empowerment of clients, and awareness of social and cultural contexts as being at the core of therapeutic change. The final module focuses on the competences of therapeutic practice, working with children and young people. The course is COSCA Validated and has been credit rated by SQA at SCQF level 11 with 88 SCQF credit points.
2-year, part-time professional Diploma which qualifies you to work with children, young people & adults
Private Study Hours
Clinical Supervision Hours
Course Hours
Placement Hours
Course Information
The Diploma is a part-time programme, delivered over 2 years. The academic year for the course runs over a 10-month period from September to June, with breaks in line with the West Lothian Academic calendar.
The course hours are made up of:
• Taught hours – 498 hours.
• Supervised counselling practice (placement) – 100 hours.
[Your placement may require you to commit to certain timeframe (i.e. a year) in which you may exceed the 100hrs stated. At least 80hours must be with clients aged 16+ and 20hrs with clients aged 11-15]
• 121 clinical supervision at a ratio of 1:6 – 22 hours.
[You will be required to engage in 1hr individual supervision for every six hours of client work you complete, as a counsellor in training as per COSCA guidelines]
• Private study, reflection, and assignment preparation – 293 hours.
It’s important to note that we can only offer an approximate estimate for private study and assignment preparation, as each learner’s approach may vary.
A minimum of 16 hours personal therapy is suggested (this is recommended but not compulsory)
View the further information below. If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Diploma. For more indepth answers please see the Information Booklet here >
The level of the qualification shows how demanding it is. There are 12 SCQF levels, with level 1 being the least demanding (the introductory level of qualification) and level 12 the most demanding (for example, PhDs).
Our custom award has undergone SCQF levelling by SQA and has been awarded Level 11, and we maintain sole ownership of it. This equates to an MSc and qualifies for Band B in SCopEd.
Accreditation is an additional membership level. Accredited membership is the next step for registered members who have been in practice for at least three years. You need to meet COSCA or BACP eligibility requirements and complete a detailed application and assessment process to become accredited.
Your fitness to practice is to determine wether you are in a good place to begin your placement. This will be based on:
• Completion of COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
• Attended a supervision session
• Completed initial observed skills practice session
• Suitable for PVG check
• Have student membership of COSCA in place
• Have indemnity insurance in place
Successful completion of Fitness to Practice will mean that you have achieved one of the requirements to begin working with clients aged 16 plus within an approved placement setting. Fitness to Practice with Children and Young People will be assessed on the completion of 80 hours counselling practice with adults.
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