Diploma in Counselling using TA: Advanced Year 2
The third year of training (Advanced Year 2) is the 'in-depth year', where you will deepen and consolidate the work done in the second year of your training, whilst developing your clinical 'toolbox' and range of interventions in clinical work.
Advanced Year 2 students 2023-2024
Exam Criteria
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Successful completion of Foundation Year and two Advanced clinical years
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100 hours in clinical placement
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A minimum of 17 hours clinical supervision
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A minimum of 90 hours personal therapy
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Current supervisors endorsement
Recognition
On successful completion of Advanced Year 2 you will be awarded a Physis Scotland Completion Certificate and will have the option to progress into Advanced Year 3 and complete your final year of core training to become an accredited Certified Transactional Analyst and/or UKCP registered Psychotherapist.
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Many trainees complete their Diploma and continue into their final year of training at Physis Scotland (Advanced Year 3), developing their private practice at the same time as completing the taught component of the CTA Psychotherapy and/or UKCP registration.
There are 20 days of training comprising:
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9 weekends of training
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1 day at a regional conference
The Saturdays of each weekend will focus on developing theoretical understanding through a variety of methods including taught elements, experiential exercises, working in pairs and small groups, group discussion and group process. The focus on Sunday is developing clinical skills, which includes client presentation, supervision, and skills training.
Following the successful completion of all training requirements, the endorsement of your current Supervisor and having completed 100 hours in a clinical placement setting, you will have the option to apply to sit your Diploma Exam and qualify with a Physis Scotland Diploma in Counselling using TA. This qualification is fully validated by COSCA.
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Course Content
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The Therapeutic Relationship - The Real Tool for Change
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Sadness, Loss and Grief
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Assessment and Diagnosis for Depression and Anxiety
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Treatment Planning - The Story of Therapy
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Working with Clients in Extreme and Distressed States
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Trauma, Shock and Spiritual Crisis
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Working with Shame and Defensive Processes
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Difference and Diversity
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Working with Couples
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Endings in Therapy, Ethics, Transcripts, Self and Peer Assessment
Each of these Advanced Year 2 training weekends will invite reflection on systemic, political, social, environmental, ecological, cultural and intersectional contexts (as relevant).
Assessment
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One 3000 word case study
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Two pieces of transcript analysis (maximum 500 words each)
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Evidence of reflective learning journal
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Minimum of 85% attendance
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Supervisor's Report
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Ongoing participation in group discussion and process
Personal Therapy
A minimum of 40 hours of personal therapy per year is a requirement for Advanced clinical training.
Applications for 2025
Please note all training days will take place in-person.
Course dates 2025/2026
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13th/14th September 2025
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11th/12th October 2025
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8th/9th and 15th November 2025
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13th/14th December 2025
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10th/11th January 2026
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7th/8th February 2026
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7th/8th March 2026
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18th April 2026
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9th/10th May 2026
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13th/14th June 2026
Course tutor
Norma McKinnon Fathi, PTSTA plus visiting trainers
Andy Williams, TSTA and
Fiona Firman, PTSTA
Course Fees
The annual course fee for the Advanced Year 2 programme for 2025/2026 is £3360 (inc. VAT).
Physis Scotland is committed to making training accessible and inclusive, therefore a 3-month payment plan or a 10-monthly payment plan is available – please do talk to us if this is of interest to you.
Full details of course costs and associated training costs (eg for therapy, student memberships etc) can be found on our fees page.