Each specialist programme is structured around three modules which represent an integration of Theory, Clinical Competence and Reflective Practice.

Counselling Children and Young People; working in educational settings

This option will focus on an in-depth study of key theoretical frameworks for working therapeutically with children and young people and will provide an advanced investigation of evidenced based interventions with this client group. The core model which informs the programme is person-centred, integrating theory and principles underpinning other therapeutic models to deliver an enhanced relational approach to working with this client group. The course will focus on developing the understanding, competence and confidence of practitioners to work effectively in an educational setting.

The programme will provide an in-depth focus on: theories of child and adolescent development, power and empowerment for children and adolescents and its implications for clinical practice, a resilience approach to promoting and developing psychological wellbeing, enhanced therapeutic skills using expressive-creative approaches for individuals and groups and Mindfulness for children and young people. The programme will also consider: the impact of working in an educational setting, families and the young person’s social network and the support the development of advanced professional, ethical and safeguarding competence. The programme provides access to a Clinical Placements working in a School Based Counselling Service.

Students are required to have a clinical placement working with the client group from the specialism they are studying. Group supervision is integrated into the programme, but students are expected to engage an individual supervisor to support the development of clinical competence in the chosen specialist area

The programme integrates reflective practice groups into the programme which provide a context for discussing the challenges experienced by students from their client work. The reflective practice group discussions will provide a framework for the therapist to develop a reliable self-critiquing ability together with robust self-analysis which can be tested in reflective exchanges with others.

• Attendance: at least 80% of course contact hours
• Clinical Practice: 50 hours of counselling with children in a practice placement
• Individual Supervision: a minimum of 12 hours of supervision at a frequency of 1½ hours per month provided by a suitable qualified supervisor who has experience of working with children and young people.
• Group Supervision: participating in group supervision provided by the programme.

Each module is formally assessed, and students are required to demonstrate their learning through written assignments, a clinical placement portfolio which includes an audio recording of client work, maintaining a reflective journal and providing a self-assessment statement which has been verified through peer and tutor review.

Applicants require to have an academically validated PG Diploma in counselling and/or psychotherapy at SCQF level 11 and at least 200 hours of supervised client work.

Applicants will be invited to submit a current CV and completed application form which is required to be supported by two references, one of whom should be your current supervisor.

Closing date of applications is January 10^th 2020. Individual interviews with one of the staff team will take place shortly thereafter.

The overall cost of the programme involves course fees and university registration costs, course fees are also subject to inflationary costs. Current fees for the programme are £3,000.

Payment of a non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on the programme. Fees are required to be paid in advance at the beginning of the academic year. Payment Plans are available.

Additional costs: the cost of individual supervision is not included in the course fees. Although it is not a mandatory requirement of the course the majority of students choose to engage in personal therapy during the programme. The cost of personal therapy is also met by the individual student.

Please note there will be a minimum number of students required for the programme to commence.

If you have an enquiry: either complete the form on the ‘Contact Us’ page, or email admin@personacounselling.com or call us on 0330 202 0283

Alternatively you can complete the application form and email to admin@personacounselling.com