Description
Professional Certificate in Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy – 20 CPD
Trauma-related difficulties do not always present as PTSD alone. Clients may experience intrusive memories, avoidance, shame, anxiety, low mood, difficulties in relationships and a continuing sense of threat. Effective treatment requires careful assessment, an individualised formulation and a clear pathway towards active trauma-focused intervention.
This three-day professional certificate provides qualified counsellors and psychotherapists with an evidence-informed framework for assessing trauma-related difficulties and planning focused therapeutic work.
Trauma-focused cognitive and behavioural principles provide the main structure. Compassion-informed interventions are integrated to address shame, guilt, self-blame and harsh self-criticism.
An important focus of the course is deciding when preparatory or stabilisation work is genuinely needed and when it may unnecessarily delay effective treatment. Safety, risk and unmet basic needs must always be addressed, but complexity or other mental health difficulties do not automatically mean that trauma-focused work should be postponed.
Learning Outcomes
The course takes participants through the clinical process from assessment and formulation to active trauma-focused intervention, progress review and ending.
Key areas include:
- Recognising PTSD and the wider ways trauma-related distress may present
- Assessing symptoms, risk, dissociation, current functioning and co-occurring difficulties
- Identifying strengths, resources and sources of support
- Developing an individualised trauma-focused formulation
- Understanding the roles of intrusive memories, personal meanings, avoidance and ongoing threat
- Deciding whether preparation or stabilisation is needed before memory work begins
- Providing clear and collaborative psychoeducation
- Processing trauma memories and addressing the meanings attached to them
- Working with beliefs about danger, responsibility, trust and permanent change
- Addressing shame, guilt, self-blame and self-criticism
- Planning in-vivo and approach-based work
- Supporting clients to reconnect with relationships and everyday life
- Monitoring progress, adapting treatment and recognising when specialist referral is needed
Dates & Cost
Dates & Fee
- Saturday 6 March 2027
- Saturday 13 March 2027
- Saturday 20 March 2027
Time: 10.00 am–4.30 pm
Delivery: Live online via Zoom
Course Fee: €490
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.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
-
- Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists and allied professionals who encounter trauma-related difficulties in their clinical work
- Practitioners who want a clearer, evidence-informed framework for trauma-focused therapy
- Therapists seeking greater confidence in assessment, formulation and intervention planning
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.
