Training Mental Health Counsellors for the Future at UHI Orkney
Maintaining good mental health is essential for everyone and at UHI Orkney, we are training mental health counsellors and practitioners for the future through the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF Level 8) course.
Renate Andrews is the Course Leader COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF Level 8) course and is an Accredited Play and Creative Arts Counsellor and Senior Supervisor, PTUK, a BACP registered Counsellor, and chair of the BACP Universities and Colleges Special Interest Group for Further Education and Associate member of COSCA.
The course is ideal for those seeking personal and professional development, or as a first step towards becoming a qualified, registered counsellor with The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy; the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK.
This course is offered on Wednesday evenings with occasional weekend sessions at UHI Orkney. It provides excellent opportunities for Continuing Professional Development for individuals in the workplace who wish to enhance their core communication and listening skills or seek an introduction to a career in counselling.
Renate adds, “Students describe this course as life-changing. They arrive thinking they will be given a manual with instructions on how to be a good listener and leave feeling amazed at their new sense of awareness and growth in confidence. The course is skills based and practical whilst offering real insights into counselling theory and ethical practice. It comes highly recommended by our external examiners as the first step in a career path to become a counsellor.’
The COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF Level 8) CPD Award begins in September each year. Bursaries may be available to help cover the fees. If you need any further information, please feel free to contact us at info.orkney@uhi.ac.uk.
Renate plays a dual role at UHI Orkney. She not only provides counselling to students but also teaches our counselling courses.
Lecturers and assessors often have regular contact with students, allowing them to notice any changes in behaviour that may indicate mental health issues. If these changes are observed over time, the inclusive practice team is brought in to assist. They can implement strategies to help students develop their own methods for coping with their situations.
Many lecturers and assessors have completed training in mental health first aid. However, at times, counselling may assist in advancing the student's progress, and that is when the UHI Orkney student counsellor, Renate Andrews, becomes involved.