COURSE CONTENT

This course is designed in alignment with the IACP’s recommendations for working with clients under 18, as outlined in their official guidelines, which can be found on the IACP website. It is specifically aimed at qualified psychotherapists who already hold a degree (or Master’s) in Psychotherapy and are looking to expand their practice to include adolescents. The course focuses on equipping therapists with evidence-based approaches that are developmentally appropriate for working with young people.

Participants will gain comprehensive skills in conducting adolescent intakes, addressing the legal and ethical issues involved in working with minors, and effectively collaborating with parents. The course covers key therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Person-Centered Therapy, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the unique needs and developmental stages of adolescents. By the end of the course, therapists will be prepared to confidently work with clients under 18, integrating best practices and a holistic approach to adolescent mental health.

Adolescent Development:

Understanding the unique developmental phases of adolescence is crucial. This topic explores the psychological, cognitive, and emotional changes during adolescence and examines how these factors influence behaviour, mental health, and therapeutic approaches.

Clinical Skills for Working with Adolescents:

Participants will enhance their clinical skills, focusing on building rapport, managing confidentiality, and establishing strong therapeutic alliances. This section also addresses the complexities of working with multiple stakeholders, such as families and schools, in adolescent therapy.

Creative Approaches in Adolescent Therapy:

This section introduces creative methods, including the use of play, art, and symbolic strategies, to help adolescents express themselves. These approaches offer alternative ways for young clients to explore emotions and engage in therapy more effectively.

Compassion Focused Therapy Approach to Working with Teens:

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) plays a vital role in helping adolescents manage self-criticism, shame, and emotional regulation. This approach fosters self-compassion and emotional resilience, supporting teens as they navigate difficult emotions and anxieties. We are thrilled to have Dr. Malie Coyne, Chartered Clinical Psychologist and bestselling author, join us as a guest lecturer. Dr. Coyne will lead this section, providing expert insights on how CFT can be used to effectively address the emotional challenges adolescents face.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Approaches:

An in-depth exploration of CBT, particularly Beck’s model, tailored for adolescents. Participants will learn to identify and challenge cognitive distortions, address maladaptive behaviours, and integrate CBT with person-centered techniques to create a supportive and adaptable therapeutic process.

Clinical Practice:

This part of the course focuses on applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through reflective practice and experiential learning. Participants will develop practical skills and engage in case-based learning to enhance their therapeutic effectiveness.

Using Assessments and Progress Tracking:

Participants will explore the most effective assessment tools for adolescent clients and learn how to track progress over time. This section emphasizes using data from assessments to inform treatment plans and ensure that therapeutic goals are being met.

Structuring Therapy with Adolescents:

This topic covers how to structure the entire course of therapy, from initial assessments to goal setting and treatment planning. It highlights the importance of creating a flexible, developmentally appropriate framework that can be adapted to the individual needs of adolescent clients.

Parental Considerations in Therapy:

Participants will learn strategies for effectively engaging parents and caregivers in therapy, balancing the adolescent’s need for confidentiality with family involvement. This section focuses on how to collaborate with parents to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Ethical Considerations in Adolescent Psychotherapy:

This section addresses the ethical issues specific to working with adolescents, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and the legal considerations of working with minors. Participants will also examine professional standards and ethical decision-making in adolescent therapy.