Trauma-Informed Therapy with Children and Adolescents

A child’s or adolescent’s experience of trauma can shape how they approach therapy and relate to the psychotherapist. Learners will gain an appreciation of the relevance and application of trauma‑informed therapy across youth mental health, adolescent substance use and other sectors where there is a high incidence of trauma. Definitions of trauma will be introduced, and learners will engage with teaching and learning relevant to trauma‑informed philosophy and principles, the impact of trauma and the implications for therapeutic practice.



Who Should Apply

This course will be of interest to those working in a supportive capacity with children and adolescents, including counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers, social care workers, key workers, mental health nurses, guidance counsellors, special needs assistants (SNAs) and teachers.



This 10-credit course allows graduates to integrate trauma-informed principles into their professional context. It is a validated certificate; however, it does not have sufficient credit volume to meet the threshold for professional body recognition. It is ideal for those working in the helping professions who want to bring fresh knowledge and skills about trauma-informed practice with children and adolescents to their current work. If you are seeking professional training in counselling and psychotherapy, please contact us.



This certificate offers a focused, evidence-informed foundation in trauma-informed therapeutic practice with children and adolescents. Through blended learning, you will develop practical skills grounded in contemporary theory, supported by expert guidance and reflective application. You will gain confidence and capability to work safely and effectively with children and adolescents affected by trauma.



Validation and Accreditation

This certificate is awarded as a minor award at Level 9 on the NFQ and is validated by QQI.

The indicative content for this certificate includes:



Defining trauma

Diagnostic frameworks, including DSM-5-TR and ICD-11

The Power-Threat- Meaning (PTM) psychosocial framework

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Prevalence and incidence of trauma



Trauma-informed philosophy and principles

Fallot and Harris (2001)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) four Rs framework

Social and cultural factors



Impact of trauma

Neurobiology, including Polyvagal theory and survival states

Dissociation

Physical, psychological, relational and world views

Vicarious trauma and its impact on systems



Implications for therapeutic work

Ethics and decision-making

Applying a trauma lens to procedures and power dynamics

The therapeutic relationship

Intersectionality

Strengths-based approaches

Phases, approaches and mediums

Supervision

Applicants must:



Be in a work setting or role that will provide them with opportunities to implement their learning from this course, such as paid or voluntary work with children in the helping professions, counselling support services, psychological settings, social care settings and/or project, youth or community work

Demonstrate relevant experience working with people in a responsible and caring role

Hold a minimum Level 8 qualification in counselling and/or psychotherapy or a minimum of a Level 8 degree in a cognate discipline or equivalent

Minimum Technological Requirements

You will need:



Adequate broadband for uploading and downloading

A desktop computer or laptop capable of using Zoom

A webcam and microphone

A web browser

Word processing package

This certificate is delivered using a blended learning model. This includes a rotational format in which learners attend both onsite and online classes. Hybrid delivery is not used; therefore, onsite classes are an integral component of the programme.

Next Intake: TBC