QLS L7 Post-Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Next running:
September 2026 to July 2027
Applications open - all enquiries welcome
This course offers in-depth CPD training in the additional knowledge, skills and competences identified by the BACP and UKCP for safe and effective counselling with children and young people 4-18.
Designed for:
Qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists wishing to deepen their CYP knowledge and practice as well as for adult practitioners wishing to extend into working with under-18s
Venue:
Face-to-face at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC) Trim Bridge, Bath, BA1 1HD. However, pandemic upskilling has enabled us to offer hybrid learning where necessary or useful. For more information on how remote access to this training would work, please get in touch (details below).
Course length:
Introductory day + 9 weekends over 10 months (19 training days / 114 hours)
Cost:
£2100 (paid in full) /£2200 by Direct Debit instalments over 9 months.
£200 deposit to secure place offer.
Sept 2026 - July 2027 training dates:
Weekend dates to be confirmed.
Training overview:
This training is delivered under the respected umbrella of the Quality Licence Training Scheme. For more information, see: https://qualitylicencescheme.co.uk/
The course comprises an introductory day plus 9 training weekends, three per (old) school term. Teaching and learning take place through interactive seminars, experiential activities, group discussions, skills practice and private study. As a post-qualifying course, self-guided reading, reflection and writing on training themes are essential to getting the most from the training and the assessment processes.
As a competences training, in addition to successful completion of the written assessments, 50+ supervised under-16s placement hours and a case-study presentation are required to achieve the QLS L7 Diploma.
Who and what is this training for?
This training is designed for Counselling and Psychotherapy Diploma graduates with past, current or desired experience of working therapeutically with Children and Young People. Its purpose is to enhance both professional competence and confidence in working with under-18s. In the UK today, ever-increasing levels of emotional distress and risk among children and young people alongside reduced centralised services, have heightened the need for skilled practitioners. Specialist additional CYP training is more urgently needed now than ever.
Who will be leading the training?
Lisa Nel
BA(Comb) Hons, PGCE, A.Dip. Int. Couns., QLS L7 Dip. Couns. Children & Adolescents,
EMDR (UK & Ireland); (MBACP (Accred); NCPS (Snr Accred)
Lisa has 30+ years’ experience of teaching, counselling, supervising and training. She founded I’m OK, You’re OK Counselling and Training Ltd to develop robust professional emotional and mental health support for children, young people, families and staff through counselling, reflective supervision and CPD training.
Lisa also helped colleague, Mark Stancombe, to develop Vicarious Traumatisation (VT) training, to support all those who provide support others to look after themselves better and stay well. This is run in charity, public and corporate settings, in the UK and abroad. See: www.vicarious-traumatisation.com
Content outline for weekends 1-9:
Throughout the training: students will be encouraged to reflect, draw upon and share their own personal and professional experience. A variety of non-verbal and creative therapeutic interventions relevant to working with children and young people will be shared and experienced.
Assessment
To achieve the QLS L7 Diploma you will need to:
Due to the vulnerable nature of the client group, participants will also need to provide a current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate linked to C&YP client work before the qualification can be awarded.
For all enquiries, further information and application process, see:
Website: www.imokyoureok.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Or call: 07810 441 896
Application and Reference forms can be downloaded below:
- 1-year course ~ 9.5 Weekends ~ 19 Days CPD ~ 114 hours training
- In-person training at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC) 1 Trim Bridge, BA1 1HD
Next running:
September 2026 to July 2027
Applications open - all enquiries welcome
This course offers in-depth CPD training in the additional knowledge, skills and competences identified by the BACP and UKCP for safe and effective counselling with children and young people 4-18.
Designed for:
Qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists wishing to deepen their CYP knowledge and practice as well as for adult practitioners wishing to extend into working with under-18s
Venue:
Face-to-face at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC) Trim Bridge, Bath, BA1 1HD. However, pandemic upskilling has enabled us to offer hybrid learning where necessary or useful. For more information on how remote access to this training would work, please get in touch (details below).
Course length:
Introductory day + 9 weekends over 10 months (19 training days / 114 hours)
Cost:
£2100 (paid in full) /£2200 by Direct Debit instalments over 9 months.
£200 deposit to secure place offer.
Sept 2026 - July 2027 training dates:
Weekend dates to be confirmed.
Training overview:
This training is delivered under the respected umbrella of the Quality Licence Training Scheme. For more information, see: https://qualitylicencescheme.co.uk/
The course comprises an introductory day plus 9 training weekends, three per (old) school term. Teaching and learning take place through interactive seminars, experiential activities, group discussions, skills practice and private study. As a post-qualifying course, self-guided reading, reflection and writing on training themes are essential to getting the most from the training and the assessment processes.
As a competences training, in addition to successful completion of the written assessments, 50+ supervised under-16s placement hours and a case-study presentation are required to achieve the QLS L7 Diploma.
Who and what is this training for?
This training is designed for Counselling and Psychotherapy Diploma graduates with past, current or desired experience of working therapeutically with Children and Young People. Its purpose is to enhance both professional competence and confidence in working with under-18s. In the UK today, ever-increasing levels of emotional distress and risk among children and young people alongside reduced centralised services, have heightened the need for skilled practitioners. Specialist additional CYP training is more urgently needed now than ever.
Who will be leading the training?
Lisa Nel
BA(Comb) Hons, PGCE, A.Dip. Int. Couns., QLS L7 Dip. Couns. Children & Adolescents,
EMDR (UK & Ireland); (MBACP (Accred); NCPS (Snr Accred)
Lisa has 30+ years’ experience of teaching, counselling, supervising and training. She founded I’m OK, You’re OK Counselling and Training Ltd to develop robust professional emotional and mental health support for children, young people, families and staff through counselling, reflective supervision and CPD training.
Lisa also helped colleague, Mark Stancombe, to develop Vicarious Traumatisation (VT) training, to support all those who provide support others to look after themselves better and stay well. This is run in charity, public and corporate settings, in the UK and abroad. See: www.vicarious-traumatisation.com
Content outline for weekends 1-9:
- Contexts relevant to counselling C&YP: Group formation & contracting; Why additional CYP competences are needed. Understanding the children and young people’s mental health in historical and current, legal, human rights, cultural, digital and medical contexts - locally, nationally and globally.
- Child development & what impacts it: Brain development; primary attachments and language; Child developmental theories; transitions; Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Epigenetics; Neurodiversity; strength-based protective factors and what helps to build Resilience.
- The Law, children’s rights & ethical best practice: Using relevant aspects of the Law and Children’s Rights - to explore consent, capacity, contracts, confidentiality, safeguarding & child protection, as well as ethical dilemmas arising around what is actually in children’s best interests.
- Therapeutic settings and processes with C&YP: Impact of different counselling settings; access, referral, assessment, a child’s voice, power, language & communication; beginnings and endings; the systems (family, school, care system, youth culture etc.) which may impact the child and the therapeutic relationship & outcomes.
- Common presenting issues in C&YP: Supporting loss, anger, anxiety, shame, ASD and trauma, including developmental trauma from abuse and neglect.
- Therapeutic approaches and interventions: A broad-based Humanistic approach; adapting adult models like Person-Centred, CBT, Existentialist, TA etc.; Importance of PLAY and creative interventions etc; OPT skills for working remotely
- Working with risk: Supporting CYP presenting with self-harm, suicidality, eating disorders; harmful sexual behaviours, substance misuse; exploring risk assessment, working with others around a child, ethical dilemmas; use of supervision.
- Systemic practice and related issues: With families, schools and other professionals, understanding multi-agency roles, CAMHS, mental health labels, medication, record-keeping, data protection, outcomes measures and professional accountability; supporting CYP in the care system.
- Equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI); VT & Self-care: Reflective practice when working with difference including cultural, racial, economic, physical, neurological, gender, sexual and other factors; Understanding Vicarious Trauma and effective therapist self-care; course ending and celebration.
Throughout the training: students will be encouraged to reflect, draw upon and share their own personal and professional experience. A variety of non-verbal and creative therapeutic interventions relevant to working with children and young people will be shared and experienced.
Assessment
To achieve the QLS L7 Diploma you will need to:
- Complete a Reflective Learning Journal of 500+ words on each course day.
- Pass TWO x 3000–4000-word essays on course themes, externally assessed at academic L7.
- Complete a minimum of 50 hours of appropriately supervised under-16 client work and present a C/YP case-study to the course tutor and external assessor in a final Viva (live online assessment).
- 9.5 x CPD weekends + Reflective Learning Journal of 500+ words on each course day plus ONE x L5 essay leads to a QLS L5 Certificate in Counselling CYP
- 9.5 x CPD weekends leads to a 114-hr CPD Certificate
Due to the vulnerable nature of the client group, participants will also need to provide a current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate linked to C&YP client work before the qualification can be awarded.
For all enquiries, further information and application process, see:
Website: www.imokyoureok.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Or call: 07810 441 896
Application and Reference forms can be downloaded below:
| application_form_qls_l7_post-qual_diploma_ccyp.docx |
| reference_form_qls_l7_post-qual_dip_ccyp.docx |
Participant comments
"It was inspirational. Fantastic atmosphere and facilities. The trainer is able to hold the group with compassion and gentle leadership. The expertise and teaching is developing confidence to work with a younger age group. Brilliant. Thank you."
Helen Gordon
"Lisa is supportive, knowledgeable and engages all of in the course. Its holistic approach is invaluable Angela Johnson.
Very relaxed way to learn and develop my skills as a children’s therapist. I would recommend this course very much." Carol Allen
"I appreciate Lisa’s flexibility and how she continually checks in about our experience and makes herself available for questions and support." Barbara Gonzalez
"Lisa gives wholeheartedly, offering experience, support, knowledge and resources. Very generous". Julie Mines
"Each weekend brings so much in terms of professional empowerment and personal affirmation. It is hard work but worth every second of it." Maura Brivio
"Very rich training – One Drive resources so excellent." Helen Luckins
"I would highly recommend this course for anyone working with or wishing to work with Children and Young People. Lisa is a first-class trainer." Rhianwen Gilson
"Excellent essay feedback, very thorough and applicable to future essays. This is the most comprehensive tutorial support I have ever experienced in training." Neil Keenan
"Superb training! Lisa holds an immense amount of professional and practical knowledge and experience which she enthusiastically shares in a way that has enabled me to develop, on many levels, my work as a counsellor with young people." Alison Rowe
Weekend evaluation comments
This course has completely transformed the way I work. I am able to add creativity and depth to my interventions with each young person. I have really had the opportunity to explore my own childhood and teenage years which has been amazing and revealing, adding to my understanding of issues facing children and young people today. It has been invaluable through the shared learning, supportive colleagues and self-reflection! Hard work but so very, very worth it!!" Helen Biggs
"This training is a must for anyone looking to provide counselling for children and young people. Being able to tap into Lisa’s vast experience and joy of working with young people is priceless! My awareness of the challenges of life for children today has expanded exponentially, and I feel well equipped with a wide range of tools and creative interventions to step with confidence into my new role as a college counsellor." Janet Williams
“I wanted a course that would be challenging; to make me learn more in depth about difficult areas of working with young people, like self-harm, suicidal feelings, substance abuse and other high-risk areas. I’ve learned a lot and take away with me not only notes and links to a wealth of websites and resources but gained a trusted support network of colleagues.” Claire Taylor
"This has been such an amazing experience for me. The course has stretched me further than I could have dreamed, supported by Lisa with her patience, her knowledge and her passion for counselling children and young people which is infectious. It is challenging, but so rewarding and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.” Fi Jolley
"I have thoroughly enjoyed this course! Whether as a qualification or as CPD, it is worth every penny. Each weekend has added greater understanding, knowledge and insight into working with CYP. It has challenged and stretched me to become a better counsellor, teacher and advocate for all the young people I work with. I have also met some amazing people and made some great new friends and colleagues." Nadine Watson
Article on the rationale for additional focussed CYP training, published in the BACP Children & Young People's Journal (Nel, 2017)
"It was inspirational. Fantastic atmosphere and facilities. The trainer is able to hold the group with compassion and gentle leadership. The expertise and teaching is developing confidence to work with a younger age group. Brilliant. Thank you."
Helen Gordon
"Lisa is supportive, knowledgeable and engages all of in the course. Its holistic approach is invaluable Angela Johnson.
Very relaxed way to learn and develop my skills as a children’s therapist. I would recommend this course very much." Carol Allen
"I appreciate Lisa’s flexibility and how she continually checks in about our experience and makes herself available for questions and support." Barbara Gonzalez
"Lisa gives wholeheartedly, offering experience, support, knowledge and resources. Very generous". Julie Mines
"Each weekend brings so much in terms of professional empowerment and personal affirmation. It is hard work but worth every second of it." Maura Brivio
"Very rich training – One Drive resources so excellent." Helen Luckins
"I would highly recommend this course for anyone working with or wishing to work with Children and Young People. Lisa is a first-class trainer." Rhianwen Gilson
"Excellent essay feedback, very thorough and applicable to future essays. This is the most comprehensive tutorial support I have ever experienced in training." Neil Keenan
"Superb training! Lisa holds an immense amount of professional and practical knowledge and experience which she enthusiastically shares in a way that has enabled me to develop, on many levels, my work as a counsellor with young people." Alison Rowe
Weekend evaluation comments
- Laws, safeguarding and confidentiality – sounded like it would be dry – but it was really interesting.
- Process of stepping into Level 7 a challenge but we have been given all the support we need to do so.
- I feel well supported with the written work and appreciate the opportunity to submit a draft and gain feedback.
- The material taught has been interesting, informative and the right balance with activities and creative interventions.
- Beautiful building – feel very comfortable here.
- Everybody on the course this weekend felt very energised and excited to go out and do this work – we all feel passionate about it and want to keep learning. The course has promoted our feeling like this!
- Great and impressive venue, perfect for the training with flexible spaces.
- I loved learning about TA!
- Trainer/Tutor always willing to support and provide more resources.
- Lisa is so experienced and the group felt really alive and together!
- Sharing of experiences is always helpful for my own practice. Learning is also always useful and enjoyable.
- I feel very supported by both Lisa and the group. This is and has been a wonderful experience.
This course has completely transformed the way I work. I am able to add creativity and depth to my interventions with each young person. I have really had the opportunity to explore my own childhood and teenage years which has been amazing and revealing, adding to my understanding of issues facing children and young people today. It has been invaluable through the shared learning, supportive colleagues and self-reflection! Hard work but so very, very worth it!!" Helen Biggs
"This training is a must for anyone looking to provide counselling for children and young people. Being able to tap into Lisa’s vast experience and joy of working with young people is priceless! My awareness of the challenges of life for children today has expanded exponentially, and I feel well equipped with a wide range of tools and creative interventions to step with confidence into my new role as a college counsellor." Janet Williams
“I wanted a course that would be challenging; to make me learn more in depth about difficult areas of working with young people, like self-harm, suicidal feelings, substance abuse and other high-risk areas. I’ve learned a lot and take away with me not only notes and links to a wealth of websites and resources but gained a trusted support network of colleagues.” Claire Taylor
"This has been such an amazing experience for me. The course has stretched me further than I could have dreamed, supported by Lisa with her patience, her knowledge and her passion for counselling children and young people which is infectious. It is challenging, but so rewarding and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.” Fi Jolley
"I have thoroughly enjoyed this course! Whether as a qualification or as CPD, it is worth every penny. Each weekend has added greater understanding, knowledge and insight into working with CYP. It has challenged and stretched me to become a better counsellor, teacher and advocate for all the young people I work with. I have also met some amazing people and made some great new friends and colleagues." Nadine Watson
Article on the rationale for additional focussed CYP training, published in the BACP Children & Young People's Journal (Nel, 2017)
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