Training and Courses

Persona

Persona

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Persona

About Persona Development & Training

Persona was founded in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation with the specific purpose of providing personal and professional development opportunities focused on inter-personal relationships and counselling founded on the principles of the Person-Centred approach.

Professional Development

The Persona Diploma Programme has been professionally accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy since 2000 and academically validated at post graduate level since 2007. Firstly, with the University of Stirling and subsequently with the University of Aberdeen. Our programme validation with the University of Aberdeen expires in 2023 when our current programmes are completed, and we will not be renewing this. As an alternative, Persona has confirmed the independent Academic Credit Rating for its programme with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) at post-graduate level 11 using the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF 120 credit points).

Persona currently offers:

  • Certificate in Group Facilitation & Training Skills
  • Certificate in Couples Counselling & Relationship Work
  • Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (accredited by BACP)
  • Certificate in Clinical Supervision
  • Diploma in Counselling for Children and Young People
  • Encounter Groups

Personal Development

Persona offers a range of residential and non-residential programmes designed and facilitated to support the development of personal awareness and insight, clear communication and the development of healthy relationships in our personal lives and in the workplace. The programmes are applicable to our personal and working lives, although some have a particular focus which are more relevant to one sphere.

Organisational Development

Persona offers a range of programmes designed specifically for the workplace. Our approach integrates the insights and expertise gained from an in-depth understanding of the psychology of individual and organisational development with current business development practices in the development of these bespoke programmes. Over the years, we have provided a range of different programmes; long-term training programme in applied counselling skills, intensive workshops, one-to-one coaching, team-development events, and mediation/mentoring programmes.

Persona Staff Team

The Persona team comprise a senior management team, a training team, and an administration team. The senior management team all have a business background and are experienced therapists, trainers, facilitators and clinical supervisors. The training team are all experienced counsellors, psychotherapists and supervisors as well as trainers and facilitators.

Persona is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by the professional quality and ethical standards of the organisation.

Persona’s mission is to

  • Offer high quality personal and professional development programmes which provide a learning environment founded on person-centred principles
  • Offer professional training and development programmes which affirm individuals  as learners and provide them with a sound theoretical and clinical framework on which to base a professional and ethical practice.
  • Promote excellence in clinical competence through the provision of managed placement opportunities for students, interns and practitioners
  • Support the ongoing development of the counselling profession by providing counselling, training, facilitation and research opportunities for students and practitioners.

  • Testimonials

    “The Persona Supervision course was ideal for me. Clearly set out over several weekends over several months meant I had plenty time to complete any course work whilst also having sufficient time to learn and practice the material. The tutors are knowledgeable, approachable and really engaged in the course too which gave me a real feeling of equality rather than traditional tutor/ student dynamic.”

    Laura – Certificate in Clinical Supervision 2020

  • Testimonials

    “I’ve really appreciated training with Persona – such a great experience.  It was a very considered and supportive course and learning experience.”

    Shereen  – Certificate in Clinical Supervision 2024

     

  • Testimonials

    “The persona diploma was a challenging and dynamic learning experience. I learned as much about myself as I did about working with others and this has been essential in giving me a lasting and strong foundation as a therapist. I now run my own successful private practice and have worked with multiple agencies since graduating”

    Ellis – PG Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy 2009-2011

  • Testimonials

    “Being on the programme opened up new insights into who I was – an awareness to change certain things and an acceptance of those things in me that I could truly cherish. This wouldn’t have been possible without my peers and tutors. A great learning experience indeed!”

    Sarah – PG Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy 2014-2016

  • Testimonials

    “My time through the diploma was a wonderful journey of discovery. Discovery of hidden pain but also beautiful gems within myself and others. I felt safe and supported by my fellow students, and the trainers and visiting professionals from the course. It has changed me in ways I could never have imagined and I count myself blessed to have been privileged to travel that journey.”

    Lesley- PG Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy 2009-2011

  • Testimonials

    “Training to become a supervisor with Persona was absolutely the right decision for me. The theory was broken down into easy digestible chunks, interwoven with strands of creative experiential learning and peer supervision. The level of knowledge, skills and experience the trainers have was evident in their style and approach. For me, this was a very held, nurtured and safe experience and a first-hand example of the Core Conditions live in Action. Having such a positive experience has been fundamental in helping me discover the type of supervisor I am striving to become”

    Michelle – Certificate in Clinical Supervision 2022

  • Testimonials

    “I am forever grateful for the experience I encountered at Persona. It has changed my life in immeasurable ways. I’m still letting the effects of the course sink in slowly and letting the process unfold as it wishes … and it feels good.”

    Anon – PG Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy 2016-2018

  • Testimonials

    “I really enjoyed my training with Persona – not only did the course equipped me to do a job I love, but learning to apply the person-centred principles to myself has helped me to grow more into who I really am and become more open to myself and to others.”

    Sonia – Professional Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy 2020-2022