BACP Approved PDA in Counselling Supervision

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Counselling Supervision is designed to equip experienced counselling practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to take on a clinical supervisory role. Jointly awarded with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), this SCQF Level 11 qualification sets a consistent and nationally recognised standard for counselling supervision training. The course qualifies you to practice as a clinical supervisor in the UK.

The Spark is currently seeking SQA approval to offer this qualification and will notify applicants of confirmation of approval prior to the commencement of this course.

Supervision is an ethical requirement for counselling practice and essential for ensuring safe, effective, and reflective client work. This course provides a deep understanding of the theories, models, and practical approaches to supervision, tailored for those working with adult supervisees in a variety of counselling contexts, including face-to-face and online modalities.

Why Choose This Qualification?

• Gain a qualification jointly awarded by BACP and the SQA.
• Build advanced supervisory skills to support supervisees ethically and effectively.
• Enhance your career prospects within counselling supervision.
• Fulfil the increasing demand for qualified supervisors in counselling practice.

What you will learn

Through this comprehensive course, you will:

• Understand the facilitative role and responsibilities of a counselling supervisor.
• Explore the theoretical models and approaches that underpin professional supervision.
• Gain practical experience in establishing and maintaining effective supervisory relationships.
• Learn to support supervisees sensitively and ethically, enabling them to work effectively with their clients.
• Develop leadership and management skills specific to group supervision settings.
• Build competence in remote supervision using audio, text, email, and blended approaches.

Course structure

This qualification comprises three mandatory units:

1. Counselling Supervision: Introduction
   Gain foundational knowledge about the role of the supervisor, including ethical practice and the supervisory relationship.
2. Counselling: Theoretical Models and Approaches in Professional Clinical Supervision
   Explore key theories and principles that inform supervision and learn how to apply them in practice.
3. Counselling Supervision: Practice
   Engage in supervised practice, logging a minimum of 20 hours of supervision with at least two supervisees and one hour of consultative supervision per month.

Course entry requirements

To apply, candidates must:

• Have a minimum of 450 client hours in counselling/psychotherapy practice.
• Possess two years‘ post-qualifying experience.
• Be a registered member of a professional body adhering to an ethical framework (e.g., BACP).
• Have appropriate supervision arrangements in place with access to at least two supervisees.
• Demonstrate knowledge of remote supervision tools and practices.

Assessment

Assessments include a combination of:

• Written portfolios and reflective journals.
• Peer group work and practical demonstrations.
• Logged supervision practice hours with consultative supervision.

Attendance is critical, with a minimum 80% attendance requirement (90% for some funding bodies).

Course dates and delivery

This course is delivered entirely online via Zoom, offering flexibility and accessibility for learners. Sessions are interactive, with a blend of live lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises.

This 12-day online course takes place fortnightly on Fridays.