Information for trained couple counsellors who wish to return to counselling

Introduction
There are many trained and experienced couple counsellors who have taken a break from counselling for a variety of reasons but who now wish to return to working as volunteer counsellors.  Couple Counselling Scotland would like to support such counsellors in returning to work with us.  If you previously trained with Couple Counselling Scotland, Relate or another organisation whose training we recognise please contact us to discuss how we can facilitate your return to counselling.

Factors we will consider:

Locality
When ever possible, we expect counsellors to be sponsored and supported by one of our 13 local services.  We can put you in contact with your local service so that an initial interview can be arranged.

Length of time since you counselled
If you have counselled couples within the previous 12 months CCS will seek information from the agency you counselled with, asking for confirmation of your competence as a counsellor and details of your training.  We will normally also ask for a reference from your most recent supervisor.  Provided these are satisfactory you will be able to begin counselling immediately.

If it is more than 12 months since you counselled couples, then in addition to the above, you will be asked to attend a meeting at CCS to discuss additional requirements we might have before you can begin counselling again.  Each person’s circumstances will be considered individually. In some cases it may be appropriate for counsellors to receive additional support and training through a mentoring process.  Counsellors may also be asked to attend some training modules on our Diploma in Couple Counselling.  The main factors we will consider will be your previous experience and training as a couple counsellor and the length of time since you last counselled couples or individuals.

Other Criteria
We also require an acceptance of psychodynamic theory and a willingness to learn about its application to couple counselling, although previous knowledge of this is not required.  An acceptance of an integrative approach to practice is also required.

Counsellors will be required to give their permission for CCS to request an Enhanced Disclosure under the terms of the Police Act 1997 (part v).

Costs
Where additional training or mentoring is required CCS will make appropriate charges.  Responsibility for payment to CCS lies jointly with the sponsoring service and the counsellor. Some sponsoring services are able to support trainees with grants towards the cost of training while others expect students to meet the cost and other expenses themselves