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S.M.I.L.E. Counselling provides training for both professionals and members of the community. Our courses allow you to gain certification across a range of specialisms. Counselling, Psychotherapy, Suicide First Aid Intervention & Prevention, Mental Health First Aid.

ASIST

(Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) 

A two-day skill building workshop that prepares participants to provide suicide first-aid interventions. 

ASIST trains participants to reduce the immediate risk of suicide and increase the support for a person at risk.  The workshop helps participants recognise what a person at risk may need from others in order to keep safe and get help. 

As an ASIST trained first aid intervention caregiver, you will be better able to: 

  • Identify people who have thoughts of suicide 
  • Seek a shared understanding of the reasons for thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living 
  • Review current risk and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behaviour 
  • Follow up on all safety commitments, accessing further help as needed 
  • Recognise invitations for help 
  • Reach out and offer support 
  • Apply a suicide intervention model 
  • Link people with community resources 

ASIST is for everyone (over the age of 18) and can help both professionals and members of the community such as ;  emergency service workers, counsellors, teachers, ministers, mental health staff, workers in health, welfare and justice, parents/relatives and community volunteers. 

Sign up to one of our upcoming ASIST courses here

Upcoming courses:
DATES

2024

February 28th & 29th, Pennypit, Prestonpans

March 11th & 12th, The Ridge, Dunbar

COSCA Organisational Membership - 4321

Participant Feedback

“The course has been fantastic so far, it has gone beyond my expectations. Really enjoying it.” 

“This has really helped me find a way to support people without losing myself in the process” 

COSCA

(Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) 

CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING SKILLS 

SMILE Counselling is a COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) Validated Training Provider.  

 

This fun and fast paced course suits all those who are interested in developing self awareness and counselling skills. This is an experiential course with delivery including group activities, media, skills practice and written text. It is ideal if you are in, or considering, employment in a helping role. While this course does not lead to a qualification suitable for practicing counselling, it can assist you in your next step in applying for further study in Counselling and Psychotherapy.   

The course provides 120 hours of training towards a level 8 SCQF certificate validated by COSCA (40 SCQF credits). The four modules each contain elements of skills, knowledge, self-awareness and ethics, which includes an element of self-reflection within a confidential environment. There are four themes associated with the modules:   

  • Module One: listening   
  • Module Two: responding   
  • Module Three: self-reflection   
  • Module Four: integration   

 

Our course participants are already benefitting from and appreciating learning about:   

  • Counselling skills and approaches   
  • The application of these skills either within the workplace or for personal development   
  • The difference between Counselling as a professional activity and Counselling Skills that could prove valuable for people in a wide variety of occupations.   

For further information, view the Certificate in Counselling Skills Information Leaflet here.

or email: [email protected]

Next Course:
DATES

Upcoming course

12th September 2024 to 28th August 2025, inclusive

17.30 – 20.45 Thursday evenings

LOCATION

 

Online

PRICE

The cost is £300 per Module (£1200 for the whole course including materials, handbooks and certificate).

Payment is due for each module in advance. 

A £100 deposit will secure successful applicants. 

COSCA Organisational Membership - 4321

Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy

 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2024!

Apply for a space on our waiting list by emailing [email protected]

Welcome to the Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, working with Children, Young People and Adults. 

S.M.I.L.E. Counselling & Training have set this Diploma with the aim to provide a solid foundation in the integrative approach to counselling practice. The course is based upon the Humanistic, Person-Centred modality, recognising the individual strengths and qualities of the therapeutic agreement. 

This course is theoretically informed by Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural theories. There is an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, self-awareness, empowerment of clients, and awareness of social and cultural contexts as being at the core of therapeutic change. The final module focuses on the competences of therapeutic practice, working with children and young people. The course is anticipated to be credit rated at SCQF level 10/11.

  • 2 year, part-time professional Diploma which qualifies you to work with children, young people & adults
  • Graduates are fully qualified to work within the Integrative Counselling approach
  • Graduates recognised as qualified counsellors and are able to register with COSCA or BACP
  •  Our Diploma also includes online learning in Safeguarding Level 2 and;
  • Our Trauma Informed SQA Mental Wellbeing & Health qualification Level 5

The course hours are made up of: 

• Taught hours  

• Supervised counselling practice (placement) 
[Your placement may require you to commit to certain timeframe (ie a year) in which you may exceed the 100hrs stated. At least 80hours must be with clients aged 16+ and 20hrs with clients aged 11-15] 

• 121 clinical supervision at a ratio of 1:6 
[You will be required to engage in 1hr individual supervision for every six hours of client work you complete, as a counsellor in training as per COSCA guidelines] 

• Private study and assignment preparation 

Hours

450+

100

 


20




400+

It’s important to note that we can only offer an approximate estimate for private study and assignment preparation, as each learner’s approach may vary.
  • A minimum of 16 hours personal therapy is suggested (this is recommended but not compulsory)

The Diploma is a part-time programme, delivered over 2 years. The academic year for the course runs over a 10-month period from September to June, with breaks in line with the West Lothian Academic calendar.

View the further information below. If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]

Next Course:
DATES

1 weekend per month,

Fridays – 5:00 – 8:30pm

Saturdays & Sundays – 9:00 – 6:00pm

Beginning – 28/09/24 & 29/09/24

LOCATION

Face to face in SMILE office in Livingston

PRICE

The total cost is £8,250.

A £500 deposit will secure successful applicants.

View the Course Fees file for more details. 

SQA Approved Centre - 3026949

M.W.A.H

(Mental Wellbeing and Health) 

S.M.I.L.E. Counselling has developed this course with our whole community in mind.  Our aim is to be able to deliver this not only within communities but to professionals and young people in schools.    

This will be a 9-module course covering the following topics:  

Pre-Course learning – Safeguarding Level 2 (required to be completed online 7 days prior to beginning the taught element of the course).  

Module 1 – Wellbeing and Recovery    

Module 2 – Attachment and Relationships  

Module 3 – Depression and Mood 

Module 4 – Stress & Anxiety  

Module 5 – Understanding Young People & Self -harm  

Module 6 – Child Sexual Exploitation & Online Safety  

Module 7 – Suicide Awareness

Module 8 – Bereavement & Loss      

 

You do not need any formal or previous qualifications to attend.  

You can purchase the full course for your company. If you would like to join us on the course,  please email us requesting an application form at [email protected] 

Next Course:
DATES

TBC

LOCATION

Online via Zoom

PRICE

The cost of the full course including the pre-online module, taught modules, materials, handbooks and certificates is £495.  You will be invoiced ahead of the course starting.