Growing Beyond Imagination

Nestled in Edinburgh’s elegant West End, Physis Scotland is far more than a psychotherapy training organization—it’s a place of transformation, support, and genuine human connection. At the heart of it all are Fiona Cook and Fiona Firman, co-founders and Directors of Training, who recently sat down with us during the UKATA Conference to share the story of Physis, its values, and their plans for the future.

Susan: First things first—what is Physis Scotland, and what do you do there?

FiFi:  We’re based in Edinburgh, and we specialize in delivering all four years of psychotherapy training. Most students start with our Diploma in Counselling, then progress toward becoming accredited psychotherapists through the UKCP route. What really sets us apart is the relationship we build with every single student. From the very beginning, it’s personal.

Susan:  So, why should someone choose Physis over another training provider?

Fi:  It’s a fabulous question, and yes, I’m biased—but it’s because we go beyond education. We teach from the heart. Our strapline is “Grow Beyond Imagination”—cheesy, I know! But one of our students recently told me, “I thought it was cheesy at first, but now I see it’s true.” She’d transformed so much that it actually made sense to her. That’s what we do: we see potential, and we nurture it.

Susan:  How do you support students who might struggle academically?

FiFi:  We don’t give up on people. We go above and beyond because we believe in them. That’s what makes us different—it’s not just a course; it’s a community that’s fully invested in your success. We provide academic support for all and learning support for those students who identify as neurodivergent and need additional support.

Susan:  That really is above and beyond. What else is important to Physis?

Fi:  Inclusivity. Accessibility. Many of us at Physis have faced our own learning challenges, and we’re passionate about creating an environment where anyone can succeed. Fifi’s already mentioned the academic support, and our neurodiversity advisor, but we also have a placement advisor to help students secure placements—you name it. We don’t do one-size-fits-all.

Susan:  That philosophy must shape the entire organization.

Fifi:  It really does. Even our admin team are trained in counselling. When someone calls, they’re talking to someone who understands. It’s so important that the first voice they hear gets it, right from the start.

Susan:  And how about your future—what’s next?

FiFi:  I’m retiring as Director of Training in June next year. We’ll recruit one more Foundation Year, and after that, we may close by 2029 if no one takes over the business. But we’re doing this in a way that’s open, transparent, and full of integrity. Current students will still get the same experience. That’s non-negotiable.

Susan:  You’ve been such a part of the UKATA community. What does it mean to you?

Fi:  It’s been a big year—I chaired my first CTA exam, ran a workshop, even got a medal! The conference was smaller this year, but so meaningful. And being able to meet other RTE owners at the conference and beyond. Invaluable. That network, the sharing, the support—it’s something you don’t get just anywhere.

Susan:  Any thoughts on the structure of UKATA itself?

FiFi:  I think as an RTE, we get real value. But our students don’t always see it. It’s hard to explain what they’re paying for. That’s something UKATA could maybe look at—showing members, especially students, what they get for their membership.

Susan:  Physis also offers CPD courses, right?

Fi:  Yes! Our Diploma in Counselling Supervision is one of the most rigorous in Scotland—COSCA, our professional body and quality assurance agency in Scotland told us that themselves and created a new advanced category for us in recognition of this. We also run a brilliant Couples’ course taught by a trainer in the U.S. who studied with the pioneers of couples therapy Bader and Pearson. There are also others, too many to mention, so please check our website www.physisscotland.co.uk. And everything we do reflects our ethos: thoughtful, reflective, human.

Susan:  With so much success, is retirement really happening?

FiFi: (laughing) I know! It’s hard to let go. But I’ve worked since I was 12. I’ve got degrees, diplomas, a teaching qualification—I’ve done it all. Now it’s time for grandkids, Netflix, and a bit of breathing space. Still, I’ll stay on a little in the background—can’t completely walk away from something I love this much.

Fi:  Retirement is a bit of a long way off for me at this moment, but I am looking forward to spending more time in green and blue spaces which I love and having the time to prioritise self care and doing more of the things I love. However we are both committed to finishing well.

Conclusion

As Physis Scotland looks toward its next chapter, one thing is clear: Fi and FiFi and their team have built something extraordinary. A place where education meets care, where every student matters, and where potential is always worth investing in. 

Whether or not a new generation takes up the mantle, the legacy of Physis is already written—in the lives it has changed.