Course Overview:

The Diploma in Adolescent and Schools Counselling is a specialised, post-qualification programme designed for qualified and experienced counsellors and psychotherapists. This one-year course focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities of working with adolescents within a school setting. It addresses the differences between adult-oriented therapy and counselling young people, particularly in the context of the school environment. The course covers critical topics such as safeguarding, ethics, child and adolescent development, and the complexities of school counselling. Through a combination of seminars, practical exercises, and group supervision, students will enhance their ability to provide effective counselling services to young people. The programme also emphasises the importance of reflexive practice and service development, preparing participants to navigate the complexities of counselling in educational settings.

Outline:

• Unit 1: Complexities of the School Setting: Mediating the Culture of Counselling and School
• Unit 2: Safeguarding, Ethics, Best Practice, and Self Awareness / Reflexive Practice
• Assessment, systems for referral, use of waiting lists, etc.
• Unit 3: Child Development, Adolescent Development, Attachment, Neuroplasticity
• Exploration of participants' experiences of early development, family, and school
• Unit 4: Research and Evaluation, Adolescent Process: 'Tenuous Contact'
• Unit 5: Service Development, Responsiveness to the System, Initiatives Outside the Counselling Room.
• Unit 6: Interest Areas, Student Presentations, Endings

Teaching Methods:

The teaching approach is experiential, with an emphasis on applying learning in practice. Methods include seminars, presentations, and practical exercises. Each unit includes group supervision to support practice development in counselling young people. The programme benefits from the combined experience of all participants, fostering rich discussions and reflexive practice.

Clinical Placements, Personal Therapy and Supervision:

Students are required to complete 60 hours of supervised counselling with young people in a school or youth counselling agency during or following the training year. Placement opportunities may be available through Metanoia Institute's school-based counselling service, Here4You.

Course Summary:

• Field of Study: Adolescent and School Counselling
• Duration: 1 year
• Start Dates: October 2025
• Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute
• Awarding Institution: Metanoia Institute
• Accrediting Professional Body: N/A
• Entry Requirements:
  • Applicants must have completed a first full professional training to a minimum Diploma Level in counselling or psychotherapy. They should also provide evidence of working towards BACP Counsellor/Psychotherapist accreditation or equivalent.

• Special Course Requirements:
  • Applicants must complete 60 hours of counselling with young people, which may be conducted during or after the training year. Placement opportunities may be available within Metanoia Institute’s School-based Counselling Service, Here4You (if based in London).
• English Language Requirements:
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must meet Metanoia Institute’s English language requirements for undergraduate applicants. We accept IELTS or equivalent qualifications as outlined in our admissions criteria. For specific requirements and accepted scores, please refer to the Metanoia Institute website.
• Location: Online
• Annual course fees: £1,100 

Contact for Further Information:

Director of Clinical Training: Peter Pearce

Email: peter.pearce@metanoia.ac.uk

Academic Coordinator contact information: ado-schools-admin@metanoia.ac.uk

More information about the course content and its approach

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ℹ️ Updated 14 Dec 2024