Diploma in Couple Counselling

Counselling offers couples and individuals an opportunity to explore their intimate personal relationships in a safe and comfortable setting.

The course provides core training in couple counselling and is designed to provide specific knowledge and skills about marital and couple counselling. It aims to equip participants with the specific skills, knowledge and awareness needed to work effectively, not only with those couples who wish to stay together and consolidate their relationship, but with those engaged in the process of divorce and separation and in the complicated network of family relationships which are involved in second and subsequent relationships.

The model of training links theoretical study, counselling skills training and personal development work with regular supervision of continuing client practice. It is based on the use of a psychodynamic, object-relations approach to the understanding of couple relationships, within a systems framework, recognising also that behavioural methods may be appropriate.

Enquiry
If you would like to train to become a couple counsellor sponsored by either one of our local services, or by an agency outside our affiliate network, you should contact your service manager to discuss the scope for couple work within that agency.  Counsellors in training will be expected to counsel two or three couples per week when they begin practice.

Sponsoring
Initial recruitment is the responsibility of the sponsoring service (whether internal or external to CCS).  Application packs are available from CCS.

You will be asked to fill in an application form, giving the names of two referees, and to attend an interview with the sponsoring service to discuss your suitability for training.  If acceptable you can be sponsored for selection by your agency.

Selection
Once sponsorship is agreed, you will be invited to attend a selection day in Edinburgh.  This will consist of an individual interview and participation in group activities and discussions.

Applicants would normally be expected to show evidence of the following:

4 Completion of a minimum of 60 hours counselling skills training or equivalent prior to entry onto the course;

4 Self-awareness, maturity, stability;

4 ability to form a helping relationship;

4 ability to cope with the emotional demands of the work;

4 ability to cope with the intellectual requirements and academic work;

4 appropriate timing in relation to life events;

4 ability to make use of and reflect upon life experiences;

4 ability to commit approximately 15 hours per week during training;

4 acceptance of the core theoretical model of the course;

4 ability to undertake the administrative requirements; and

4 your interest in the training is not based on a primary need for therapy.

Training
We offer a carefully planned and coherent education programme leading to the award of the Diploma in Couple Counselling.  The course is a generic training for counsellors but places particular emphasis on counselling couples.

The course lasts for 20 months and consists of five modules, i.e. four taught modules, each consisting of four weekends, and a counselling practice module of 150 hours.  The training is delivered at our premises in Edinburgh.  Accommodation is provided locally for those who require it.

Two forms of assessment will be used.  The principle of continuous assessment operates throughout training, and students are encouraged to take an active part in their own assessment in dialogue with their tutors, peers and supervisors.  Formal assessment tasks take place at the end of each module.

Successful students will achieve academic credit (from Napier University) for each module and be awarded a Diploma in Couple Counselling by CCS on successful completion of modules one to five.  On successful completion of a sixth, post-diploma, practice module of 150 hours, counsellors will be able to apply for Accredited Couple Counsellor status with CCS.

Counselling Practice
Student counsellors will begin their counselling work with clients after they have successfully completed Module 1 of the Diploma (usually after four months).  They will normally be required to complete 120 hours of counselling per year.  All students are required to work under regular supervision within the policies and practices of Couple Counselling Scotland.

Couple Counselling Scotland abides by the Codes of Ethics and Practice of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) BASRT (British Association of Sexual and Relationship Therapy) and COSCA.

Cost
The training cost is £3,620 for students sponsored by a local couple counselling service, and £5,600 for students sponsored by a service external to CCS.  This does not include the cost of supervision.  Responsibility for payment to Couple Counselling Scotland lies jointly with the sponsoring service and the student.  Some sponsoring services are able to support students with grants towards the cost of training while others expect students to meet the cost and other expenses themselves.

Equal Opportunities
We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities in the work of confidential counselling with people in intimate couple relationships, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion or disability.