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Training Courses

Training Courses

As both a SQA and BACP approved training centre students at The Spark can be assured that their education and training is of the highest academic standards.

The Spark is a leading provider of counselling courses and psychotherapy training in Scotland. Our courses are tailored to all levels providing introductory, intermediate and advanced training.

The Spark also offers a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

SQA Approved Centre

Training the next generation of counsellors


We take what we learn in the counselling room and use it to create counselling training that has real-world applications. In addition to our own bespoke training and Diploma courses in counselling, The Spark is proud to deliver the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills.

Learn more about the wide range of counselling courses The Spark offers below or take a look at our advanced, intermediate and entry-level training opportunities.

  • COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills

    COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills

    SCQF 8

    The Certificate in Counselling Skills is an excellent introduction to counselling theory and practice. For those considering a career in counselling, the Counselling Skills certificate is the ideal first step and a widely recognised qualification. The Spark is unique in only using professional counsellors to deliver this course, offering trainees added insight into the profession.

  • Train the Trainer for Counsellors

    Train the Trainer for Counsellors

    SCQF 7 & 8

    Train the Trainer for Counsellors incorporates the SQA devised Group Counselling Skills unit (SCQF Level 7) and Conduct the Assessment Process PDA (SCQF Level 8) and two CPD workshops: Developing the Trainer and The Continuous Training Cycle.

  • Diploma in Relational Counselling

    Diploma in Relational Counselling

    SCQF 11

    The Relational Counselling Diploma is one of the most advanced psychotherapy training courses in Scotland, encouraging students to deepen their theoretical understanding, examine their beliefs and attitudes, and develop skills appropriate to inter-relational counselling. It provides an overarching training for counsellors seeking to counsel relationally, combining multiple modalities.

Continuing Professional Development Courses


The Spark is a CPD accredited training provider and offers a varied Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme open to counsellors and those working in the helping professions.

These courses also form the foundation of The Spark’s commitment to professional development for our own counsellors as we strive to achieve the highest levels of clinical practice.

  • Signs and Solutions: The Mental Health Continuum and Responding to Distress

    Signs and Solutions: The Mental Health Continuum and Responding to Distress

    This accredited programme has been developed to increase awareness around the mental health continuum and how it can be useful when offering support to others.

  • Train the Trainer for Counsellors

    Train the Trainer for Counsellors

    Train the Trainer for Counsellors incorporates the SQA devised Group Counselling Skills unit (SCQF Level 7) and Conduct the Assessment Process PDA (SCQF Level 8) and two CPD workshops: Developing the Trainer and The Continuous Training Cycle.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Approach

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Approach

    This Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Approach CPD course will provide counsellors, therapists and those in the helping professions an understanding of the origins, the principles, and the application of CBT approach.

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