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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.
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 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.
Course delivery and application
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.
More details and the application form for this course can be found on The Spark website.



The Spark Counselling is a leading provider of couples counselling, marriage counselling, individual counselling and school-based counselling in Scotland. This is complemented by a wide range of training programmes facilitated by professional counsellors, delivered at our SQA-accredited training centre.