Diploma Modules

How childhood experiences affect the structure and function of the brain by presenting research that explains how attachment circuitry within a child’s brain, directly relates to experiences with their caregiver.

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In this module we shall:

- identify the key elements of attachment history and development.

- identify the four major styles of attachment in children and young people.

- describe how healthy development occurs within a secure attachment relationship in children and young people consider how early attachment experiences and own adolescent years influenced personal development.

- consider the neuroscience of human attachment and the implication for practice and adolescent brain development.

- demonstrate how to link attachment and developmental theories into own counselling practice

The Impact of an interrupted attachment on children and young people's wellbeing and development. The importance of an attachment history when counselling children and young people.

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In this module we shall:

- consider normal and interrupted development between 0-16 years and the resulting behaviours.

- explore the circumstances in which children may fail to thrive in the absence of a secure environment.

- consider the importance of attachment history when working therapeutically with children and young people.

- reflect upon own adolescent attachment issues from an attachment perspective.

- evaluate and reflect on the impact of your own child and adolescent years on the therapeutic relationship with young clients

Understanding Child Development and Supporting Children and Young People through Crucial Transitions.

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In this module we shall:

- explore child and adolescent development as a sequence of changes physically,

- emotionally socially and cognitively from birth to adulthood.

- identify how children and young people progress from dependency on their parents and carers to increasing independence.

- identify how nature and nurture influence development, as well as environmental and educational factors.

- explain how attachment theory has influenced child and adolescent development.

- explain how cognitive and psychological theories influence child and adolescent development.

- examine the crucial life transitions from nursery to high school and beyond (4- 25yrs).

The Importance of Play in Child and Adolescent Development.

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In this module we shall:

- explain how the role of play is an essential method of communication for childhood and adolescent development.

- explain how the development of play throughout the ages has supported children and young people’s communication development.

- consider and reflect on the Axline's principles of play and how this informs the therapeutic process.

- evaluate the importance of a holistic approach to child and adolescent play in a counselling setting. explore how social media has influenced adolescent development and social interaction.

- explain how play impacted own development as a child and young person.

Learn essential skills in counselling traumatised Children and Young People

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In this module we shall:

- discuss the different experiences that constitute childhood trauma, and how this can impact children and young people psychologically and emotionally. - explore the research into adverse childhood experiences and the health and wellness risks resulting in later life.

- identify the effects of toxic stress on a child’s developing brain and nervous system.

- understand the concepts of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout and secondary trauma in the counselling profession. develop an awareness of the risk factors and vulnerabilities of the counsellor.

- understanding how to proactively prevent secondary trauma and self-care.

- participate in age-appropriate interventions and therapy for counselling children and young people through traumatic events and experiences. 

Understand safe ethical practice and how to formulate a collaborative assessment when working therapeutically with children and young people.

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In this module we shall:

- explain the key elements of collaborative assessments when working ethically with children and young people.

- describe the various methods of therapeutic assessments available to practitioners.

- identify how to implement safe clinical practice when working with children and young people identify risk and protective factors for children and young people.

- recognise the different policies around children’s rights across the UK

Understand Working Safely with Children and Young People within Multi-Agencies and Systems.

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In this module we shall:

- describe the limitations and challenges that may be faced when working within a school setting and how to manage the complexities of confidentiality.

- explain how to work with care experienced children in a counselling setting.

- understand the use of clinical and ethical skills within multi-agencies, in line with BACP Competencies for Working with Children and Young People.

- identify risk and protective factors for children and young people. describe the administration, policies and procedures essential for counselling children and young people.

Empowering children to find their voice, tell their stories and move on from counselling.

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In this module we shall:

- reflect on how stories past and present have been used throughout the ages to pass on traditions.

- explain how storytelling and metaphor, in a therapeutic setting, can help children and young people understand their life experiences and shape their future.

- identify the key legislation for working therapeutically with children and young people.

- describe relevant elements of the National Guidance for Child Protection in UK.

- explain why 'good enough' therapeutic endings are essential in relation to working with children and young people.

- understand the difficulties often experienced by children and young people regarding endings.

We will assess your learning during the course through group participation, group work, group presentation, discussion, reading and feedback. We will also require you to complete a short assessment questionnaire at the end of each module.

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Creative Interventions on the course

We demonstrate a range of creative interventions that can be used when working both face-to-face and online with children and young people. Participation in these interventions also contribute to your knowledge skills as part of ongoing our assessment.