Diploma in relational counselling (2025/27 course)

This diploma in relational counselling equips counsellors with the theory, understanding, and skills to work relationally on a wide range of issues.

This customised award has been credit-rated by SQA at Level 11 on the Scottish credit and qualifications framework (SCQF) with 120 credit points and has full validation from Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA).

Course description

This two-year diploma in counselling provides overarching training for counsellors seeking to counsel relationally, combining multiple modalities. The relational counselling diploma encourages students to deepen their understanding of theoretical perspectives and examine their beliefs and attitudes to develop professional skills appropriate to the safe and ethical application of counselling support.

Psychoanalytic adult attachment theories (particularly Jeremy Holmes) are a major focus, looking at how our attachment history affects all aspects of life. The course employs Gerard Egan’s skilled helper model as a guiding framework. The course covers issues that impact relationships from cradle to grave.

The diploma has a focus on evidence-based practice, and therefore, students will be encouraged to inform their counselling practice with current and relevant counselling research. As such, students will be required to submit a research proposal during year two.

Upon successful completion of the course and supervised practice elements, trainees may be eligible for professional registration, however, this will be at the discretion of the professional body of their choosing.

Course components

The diploma course includes:

• 29 days of in-person training each year
• summative assignments
• formative assessments as a means of ongoing progress evaluation
• a mandatory supervised counselling placement of 100 hours

The diploma consists of eight integrated modules:

• Module one: Introduction to relational counselling processes
• Module two: Introduction to counselling theory and skills reflection process
• Module three: Fundamentals of counselling practice
• Module four: Relational counselling processes
• Module five: Counselling theory
• Module six: Self-awareness and reflective practice
• Module B1: Working relationally
• Module B2: Working relationally

Course and other fees

The total cost for the course is £7,600 (£3,800 per year). Payable in 20 monthly instalments of £350 plus a £600 non-refundable deposit.

How to apply

To apply to join this course, please complete the application form on our website at: www.thespark.org.uk by the closing date of 19 Aug 2025.