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
Guest lecturers
The course features expert guest lecturers:
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.
Dr. Karen Treisman MBE
Dr Karen Treisman MBE is a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, trainer and author of The Therapeutic Treasure Box for Working with Children and Adolescents with Developmental Trauma. She was awarded an MBE in 2020 for her services to children, and was Psychology Professional of the Year for Excellence in Attachment and Trauma. She trains internationally and is the founder and director of Safe Hands and Thinking Minds.
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 – Child Psychotherapy 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.
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 children, 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 Child Psychotherapy, awarded 30 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 work with children, gaining practical tools and specialist knowledge.
- Student therapists currently in training who want to build confidence and competence in child-specific approaches.
- Mental health practitioners looking to strengthen their ability to support children and their families effectively.
- Professionals in related fields such as school counselling, guidance counselling, psychology, and social work who work with children.
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 and trauma. Each facilitator combines academic knowledge with real-world experience, ensuring the training is practical, evidence-based, and directly applicable to your work.
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.
Dr. Karen Treisman MBE
Dr Karen Treisman MBE is a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, trainer and author of The Therapeutic Treasure Box for Working with Children and Adolescents with Developmental Trauma. She was awarded an MBE in 2020 for her services to children, and was Psychology Professional of the Year for Excellence in Attachment and Trauma. She trains internationally and is the founder and director of Safe Hands and Thinking Minds.
