Wellbeing Education - Professional Training in Therapeutic Wellbeing Practice for Children and Young People
Professional Training in Therapeutic Counselling Across the Life Course
Therapeutic Counselling Across the Life Course
Making a Difference to the Lives of Adults, Children, Young people, Families, Organisations and Communities
Welcome to Our Training
This therapeutic counselling training was initially inspired and commissioned by Camila Batmanghelidjh, who asked us to develop a high-quality academic training based in compassionate presence.
This was to be accessible to everyone and applicable to the real world. Sixteen years later the training has continued to grow and flourish, and in keeping with her legacy, is available to anyone who wants to make a difference to the mental health and emotional wellbeing of individuals, organisations and communities
Throughout this period, the course team have worked in partnerships with two Universities, including the London Metropolitan University and the University of East London. It is now ready to be delivered independently and more widely, working with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
This is a part-time, four-year course which has developed out of three decades of practice-based learning and research in a wide variety of settings. The approach is humanistic and integrative, sharing influence from classical thinkers in the fields of counselling and psychotherapy, as well as contemporary innovations, bringing a wellspring of inspiration for therapeutic application.
The theory and philosophy are pluralistic, so that each student can bring their own unique world view, presence, and personality, acquiring knowledge, skills and experience through their practice-based learning.
The teaching team are committed to working with diverse perspectives in a holistic, systemic, relational and developmental culture, which enables creativity, growth and learning.
Ten Reasons Why You Might Be Interested In This Unique Training
“This is Preparation for Real-World Therapeutic Impact.”
1. Train to Work with All Ages and Stages of Life
This Training equips you to work with children, adolescents, young people, and adults, giving you a unique and comprehensive skillset which reflects real-world practice that makes a difference.
2. A Legacy of Innovation from Diverse Communities
Co-produced in schools, youth and community services in London, this training was born out of necessity in frontline experience, learning with and from those in need, not just in theory, but what truly works.
3. Blend of Classical and Contemporary Approaches
Designed for today’s fast-moving, multicultural society, this has the best of both worlds with traditional therapeutic theories alongside modern, research informed, creative practice.
4. Develop Contextual Thinking and Understanding
Learn to understand clients in their own cultural context, rather than in isolation, understanding the relational, social and environmental factors that have shaped adults’ mental health and children's emotional wellbeing.
5. Creative and Flexible Practice Skills
Go beyond traditional talking therapies to engage with creative and symbolic media, applying practical ‘whole solutions’ and ‘whole intelligence’ to working with a wide range of complex presenting issues.
6. Strong Focus on Assessment and Client Needs
Build confidence in assessment and collaborative formulation, tailoring creative and relational approaches to the needs of each individual and community, ensuring work is culturally attuned, safe, ethical, and effective.
7. Integrated Child, Teenager and Adult Perspectives
This course recognises you cannot separate out the ‘inner child’ or ‘inner adolescent’ from adult experiences. This works developmentally with all ages and stages through insight into long term impacts of family systems on wellbeing.
8. Hands-On Experience in Placements
Combining theory with meaningful, real-world placements across the age range, allows you to develop the vital practical knowledge, skills and competencies required to build professional confidence and expertise.
9. Designed for both Newcomers and Working Professionals
With just twelve weekends each year, the course is structured to fit around full-time work, making high-quality experiential, creative and academic training accessible and available, without putting your life on hold.
10. Join a Purpose-Driven Learning Community
Being part of a highly motivated, supportive, multicultural teaching and learning community is inspiring, working with and alongside people who are committed to improving mental health outcomes and creating lasting social impact.
Criteria for Entry to Year One Introductory Foundation Certificate Course
Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
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A genuine interest in and capacity for therapeutic work
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Emotional stability, resilience, and self-awareness
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Willingness to engage in personal development and therapy.
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Ability to reflect with self and others in relationships.
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Good communication, interpersonal skills and ability to play
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Academic readiness for the level of study (or equivalent professional experience).
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Commitment to ethical conduct and professional standards.
If you are interested in our training, you can attend a interview and induction day (10am to 4.30pm) including presentations, creative group work and interviews.
To access this you will be required to book by completing an online application form
Join the Next Interview and Induction Day
The Benefits of Applied Therapeutic Thinking, Fostering Human Potential
We all want our children to be happy and it is hard to know what to do when they are not. Our child therapeutic counsellor has helped our son to recognise and manage his feelings of anxiety and isolation. Her support and insight has helped us as a family to communicate more effectively and so understand and support each other better. Our Child Therapeutic Counsellor is an important part of our lives.
From the mother of a child aged ten
Therapeutic Counselling and Creative Health Pathways
Inspiration through therapeutic mentoring, key-working, creative group work and counselling
Therapeutic Counselling is usually delivered within a therapeutic frame on a regular basis over time where clients are referred for specific reasons. Some people may be reluctant to access therapeutic support in this way.
To widen access Therapeutic Counselling skills can be applied in the context of creative health and social prescribing including any relational activity: sports, arts, leisure, communications technology and complementary health.
Examples of graduates who have qualified as Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioners on the way to becoming Therapeutic Counsellors have included: theatre-making, film, painting, cycling, music, poetry, drumming, cooking, dance, gardening, yoga, football, drama games, martial arts, carpentry, sculpture, boxing, singing, jewellery making, water play, cricket, puppetry, computer games, walking, adventure play, sailing, sewing, nature activities, creative writing, story-making, journalism, sand play, tennis, origami, basketball, weaving, massage and many more meaningful activities.
How we've changed the lives of our students
Wellbeing Education
"I’m extremely privileged and grateful to share that the course has profoundly transformed both how I see myself and how I come alongside children and young people"