Description
A 4.5-day CPD course for qualified psychotherapists and allied professionals who want to develop confidence and competence in therapeutic work with children.
The course takes a pluralistic approach, drawing from different therapeutic models and helping practitioners choose methods based on the child’s developmental needs, presentation, family context, preferences, and the available evidence.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Create an environment that is trauma informed and takes the child’s developmental stage into account
- Counselling and communication skills aimed at children
- Assess and formulate children’s difficulties creating a treatment plan hypothesis
- Use play, creative, verbal, behavioural, and relational methods
- Consider and manage parental involvement in the child’s therapeutic journey
- Apply child-specific confidentiality and safeguarding principles
- Select interventions from different modalities
- Help children build skills understanding their emotions, understanding the thinking feeling connection.
- Adapt therapy to the child, family, and wider system
- Review progress and plan endings
- Practise in a pluralistic, evidence-informed way
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Understand child development — recognise the psychological, cognitive, and emotional changes in children 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 to working with children
- Incorporate creative methods — apply play, art, and symbolic strategies to encourage expression and engagement.
- 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.
Dates & Cost
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 children?
As CORU regulations are still being developed, there is currently no specific regulatory body or authority that grants accreditation to work with children 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 in order to work ethically and within your personal competancy.
This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effectively working therapeutically with children. It is aligned with the guidelines set by the IACP (Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), which requires therapists working with under 18s 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.
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 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 34 CPD hours.
Is there an assessment?
There is no formal written assessment. Certification is based on full participation in the live training.
Do I have to do a placement? No, there is no placement required as part of this course.
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.
