PDA in Counselling: Children and Young People (SCQF Level 11)
This PDA in Counselling: Children and Young People (10–18) provides advanced knowledge and specialist skills for qualified counsellors and experienced practitioners who work therapeutically with young people. Delivered through a blend of theory, skills development, reflective practice, and application to real-world settings, this course examines child and adolescent development, trauma, safeguarding, ethical practice, and specialist counselling approaches designed specifically for 10–18-year-olds.
As one of the few specialist counselling qualifications in Scotland focused exclusively on the therapeutic needs of children and young people, this PDA bridges research-informed practice with hands-on skills, enabling practitioners to confidently adapt counselling methods for younger clients.
Special Features:
- Develop a strong understanding of child and adolescent development, neuroscience, and the impact of trauma.
- Gain specialist skills in counselling children and young people, including creative and age-appropriate methods.
- Gain knowledge of legal, ethical, and safeguarding requirements specific to work with minors.
- Develop enhanced competence in assessment, risk management, and therapeutic planning. Build greater confidence in supporting complex emotional, behavioural, and relational issues.
Entry Requirements
- Must have successfully completed or be working towards a professional counselling qualification at SCQF level 8 or above
- A minimum of 100 hours supervised counselling/psychotherapy practice in line with recognised practitioner training.
- Registered member of BACP or an equivalent professional body who adheres to an ethical framework
- Hold an enhanced PVG disclosure for working with children and young people
Content
Content
Course Content Includes:
- Counselling Children and Young People (10 to 18): Ethics and Professional Standards 2
- Counselling Children and Young People (10 to 18): Safe and Competent Practice
By exploring these areas, you will develop your ability to embed and consolidate critical understanding of theories, principles and concepts into safe and competent therapeutic practice with Children and Young People (CYP).
This course also aims to develop your knowledge and skills in:
- Development of knowledge of the professional standards essential for working safely with children and young people in different counselling settings
- Development of skills in communicating and engaging appropriately and effectively when supporting young people of different ages and developmental stages
- Development of skills in recognising how mental health issues can emerge and present in children and young people
- Critical evaluation of own Readiness to Practice with Children and Young People assessment and support the mental health of young people
- Development of a comprehensive understanding of underpinning theory prior to working therapeutically with children and young people
Study Mode
Study Mode
How will I study my course?
- Part time
You will study through a combination of face-to-face classes on campus once a month and remote learning, where some lectures and sessions are timetabled remotely via video conferencing and our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with support from your lecturers.
How long will my course last?
- Part-Time: 14 Months
How will this course be assessed?
This course is assessed through a range of methods, including practical and written assessments. This fits with a holistic approach and allows you to demonstrate practically across the award and through reflective practice.
Career
Career
One of the Scottish Governments’ key principles is that only fully trained and registered counsellors can work in schools. These commitments have been designed to align to and support the work of the Children and Young People's Mental Health Taskforce.
This qualification was designed to meet a specific purpose and what follows are details on how that purpose has been met through mapping of the units to the aims of the qualification. Through meeting the aims, additional value has been achieved by linking the unit standards with those defined in national occupational standards and/or trade/professional body requirements.
This advanced level Professional Development Award in Counselling Children and Young People (10 to 18) at SCQF level 11 is suitable for registered counsellors already practicing in the adult counselling context who wish work towards a qualification that will also enable them to work with children and young people.
Fees and Funding
Fees and Funding
To be confirmed.
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.