Description
Build the confidence and skills to work effectively with young people through the Professional Certificate in Adolescent Psychotherapy. Designed in alignment with the IACP’s recommendations for working with clients under 18, this course combines developmental theory, practical skills, and evidence-based interventions to help you support adolescents in a therapeutic setting.
You will learn to conduct adolescent-specific intakes, navigate complex legal and ethical considerations, and work collaboratively with parents and schools to achieve positive outcomes. The programme explores Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Person-Centred Therapy, and creative approaches that make therapy engaging and effective for young clients.
The course features expert guest lecturers:
- Dr. Malie Coyne — Chartered Clinical Psychologist and bestselling author, delivering specialist training on using CFT to help adolescents manage self-criticism, shame, and emotional regulation.
- Orlaigh Byrne — Psychotherapist, presenting on neurodiversity in therapy, including Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, the Double Empathy Theory, masking/unmasking, and the SPACE framework to support neurodivergent adolescents.
- Clodagh Ní Ghallachóir MSc — Counsellor, psychotherapist, and organisational psychologist with a Post Graduate Diploma in Family Law from the Law Society of Ireland, guiding you through the legal and ethical aspects of working with adolescents, ensuring you protect both yourself and the young people you support.
Key topics include adolescent development, the adolescent brain, building strong therapeutic alliances, integrating creative and symbolic techniques, working in trauma-informed ways, and using assessments to track progress. You will also explore consent, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and other critical safeguarding practices.
By the end of this course, you will have a robust toolkit and a clear, adaptable framework to confidently support clients under 18.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Understand adolescent development — recognise the psychological, cognitive, and emotional changes in adolescence and their implications for therapy.
- Conduct comprehensive intakes — gather relevant information while balancing confidentiality and parental involvement.
- Formulate and plan interventions — integrate developmental, family, cognitive, behavioural, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity considerations into treatment plans.
- Apply evidence-based approaches — use CBT, CFT, Mindfulness, creative and Person-Centred methods tailored for adolescents.
- Incorporate creative methods — apply play, art, and symbolic strategies to encourage expression and engagement.
- Work effectively with neurodivergent adolescents — understand Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, address barriers to therapy, and apply the SPACE framework.
- Address trauma — understand the impact of trauma on young clients and apply sensitive, developmentally appropriate interventions.
- Collaborate with parents and schools — foster effective communication and shared strategies to support progress.
- Navigate ethical and legal frameworks — manage consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, note keeping, and reporting responsibilities.
- Use assessment tools and track progress — evaluate outcomes and adapt interventions to meet changing needs.
- Structure adolescent therapy — plan flexible, collaborative, and goal-oriented sessions.
Dates & Cost
Dates:
19th Oct, 2 Nov, 9 Nov, 16 Nov – 2026
- Fee: € 650
- 3 instalments
- Deposit: €150 (due at booking)
- 2 further payments of €250 each
Approved for 30 CPD hours by IACP
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation & Transfer Policy
I understand that circumstances can change, and I aim to be as fair and transparent as possible.
- Up to 14 days before the course start date: Paid fees will be refunded in full, less a €50 administration fee. Alternatively, if the course is running again, you may transfer your booking to a later date at no extra cost.
- Less than 14 days before the course start date: A cancellation fee of 50% of the course fee will apply. Alternatively, if the course is running again, you may transfer your booking to a later date, subject to availability.
- Less than 48 hours before the course start date / non-attendance: Unfortunately, no refund can be issued. Alternatively, if the course is running again, you may transfer your booking to a later date, subject to availability.
All cancellations or transfer requests must be made in writing by email.
If a course is cancelled by the organiser, participants will receive a full refund of fees paid or may choose to transfer to another date where available.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions – Adolescent Course
Does this course qualify me to work with adolescents?
As CORU regulations are still being developed, there is currently no specific regulatory body or authority that grants accreditation to work with adolescents in a therapeutic capacity. The ability to work with minors largely depends on your insurance cover and your personal competence to provide therapy to this age group.
This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective adolescent therapy. It is aligned with the guidelines set by the IACP (Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), which requires therapists working with adolescents to have appropriate training, supervision, and insurance.
The course meets the IACP’s expectations for professional development in this area and supports you in building the competence and confidence needed to work with adolescent clients. Additionally, it is approved by IACP for CPD hours, helping you maintain the necessary professional standards.
How is the course delivered?
The training is delivered live online via Zoom, with interactive presentations, discussions, role-plays, case work, and practical exercises.
Are the sessions recorded?
No, the course will not be recorded. The sessions are highly interactive and often involve participants sharing experiences from their own work or from their private lives. To maintain confidentiality and create a safe and open space for discussion, we keep the training live only.
Can I record the sessions for my own use?
No, participants are not permitted to record the sessions. This is to respect the confidentiality of all participants and to encourage everyone to contribute freely.
What happens if I miss a session?
Detailed lecture notes , readings and other materials are provided. If anything feels unclear, you are welcome to check in with me directly.
Do I need prior experience working with adolescents?
No. The course is suitable for both beginners (including student therapists) and experienced practitioners who wish to refine their skills.
Do I need to prepare anything before the course starts?
No preparation is required. Some participants find it helpful to reflect on examples from their own work with adolescents, but this is optional.
What is the time commitment?
The course runs over four full training days, with additional time between sessions to review materials and practise skills.
What materials are provided?
You will receive comprehensive lecture notes, handouts, worksheets, and tools that you can use straight away in practice.
Will I receive CPD hours and a certificate?
Yes. Successful completion awards the Professional Certificate in Adolescent Psychotherapy, approved for 30 CPD hours.
Is there an assessment?
There is no formal written assessment. Certification is based on full participation in the live training.
What if I have questions during the course?
You’re encouraged to ask questions at any point during the live sessions, and you can also follow up with Susi afterwards if you need clarification on anything.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Qualified psychotherapists and counsellors seeking to expand into adolescent work, gaining practical tools and specialist knowledge.
- Student therapists currently in training who want to build confidence and competence in adolescent-specific approaches.
- Mental health practitioners looking to strengthen their ability to support young people effectively.
- Professionals in related fields such as school counselling, guidance counselling, psychology, and social work who work with adolescents.
Teaching Team
About Your Course Facilitators
Our CPD programmes are delivered by a team of experienced professionals who bring together expertise in psychotherapy, psychology, education, trauma, neurodiversity, and legal and ethical practice. Each facilitator combines academic knowledge with real-world experience, ensuring the training is practical, evidence-based, and directly applicable to your work. Together, they provide a well-rounded learning experience that supports your professional growth and confidence in practice.
Susi Lodola
Susi Lodola is a psychotherapist, third-level lecturer, and IACP-accredited clinical supervisor with extensive experience in psychotherapy, working with adults and adolescents. She holds an MSc in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, a Higher Diploma in Psychology, a BA (Hons) in Linguistics from UCD, and a BA (First Class Honours) in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy. She has also completed professional certificates in CBT, Child & Adolescent Counselling, and Mindfulness, along with a Diploma in Clinical Supervision.
Susi lectures at third level, where she has developed modules for psychotherapy training programmes, and is known for her engaging and practical teaching style. She has delivered workshops for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), provided workplace wellbeing programmes, and volunteered with AWARE supporting people with depression and anxiety. Susi is also a regular contributor to the Irish media on mental health topics.
Dr. Malie Coyne
Dr Malie Coyne is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, bestselling author, and lecturer at the University of Galway. Her award-winning book Love In, Love Out: A Compassionate Approach to Parenting Your Anxious Child has become a key resource for parents and professionals alike. She is the Psychological Lead and Co-Author of the A Lust for Life Schools Programme, reaching a third of Irish primary schools, and is now expanding into secondary schools.
Malie has a special interest in neurodiversity, carrying out autism assessments with Solas Psychology. Through her clinical work, advocacy, and frequent media contributions, she is recognised as a leading voice on compassionate mental health support for children, adolescents, and families.
Orlaigh Byrne
Orlaigh Byrne is a psychotherapist with extensive experience in education, holding an MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy, a BA in Humanities, a Higher Diploma in Education, and postgraduate diplomas in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and SEN (Autism).
She worked in post-primary education for nearly two decades as SENCO and Co-ordinator of Autism Classes, providing training for teachers and SNAs in supporting neurodivergent students. Orlaigh now combines her educational expertise with private practice, specialising in supporting neurodivergent clients and their families.
Clodagh Ní Ghallachóir
Clodagh Ní Ghallachóir is a counsellor, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and organisational psychologist with a strong focus on trauma, ethics, and family law. She trained as a nurse in St James’s Hospital during the AIDS epidemic and has since built extensive expertise in supporting individuals and families through complex challenges.
She holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in the Psychotherapy of Rape and Sexual Violence, a Post Graduate Diploma in Family Law from the Law Society of Ireland, and is completing a Diploma in Law. Alongside her therapeutic work, she teaches in higher education and has a long history of advocacy in areas such as HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, domestic violence, and access to justice. Within this programme, she focuses on the legal and ethical aspects of working with adolescents, helping practitioners protect both themselves and their clients.
