Child counselling and psychotherapy is a vital field that helps young individuals navigate the challenges of growing up. Whether it’s emotional struggles, behavioural issues, or trauma, children often need professional guidance to process their feelings and experiences. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Counselling and Psychotherapy equips professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to offer effective therapeutic support to children and young people.
Children and adolescents experience a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, often in response to their social and environmental contexts. Early intervention through counselling and psychotherapy can help children express their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Without proper support, unresolved issues can lead to long-term emotional and psychological problems that impact their overall development and quality of life.
This comprehensive 30-hour course covers a range of topics essential for providing effective counselling and psychotherapy to children. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with the theory, techniques, and practical skills needed to engage with children of different ages and backgrounds.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Counselling and Psychotherapy provides essential training for professionals who wish to support children’s mental health and well-being. With a comprehensive curriculum, practical skills, and a focus on ethical and cultural considerations, this diploma prepares you to make a positive impact on children’s lives. If you’re passionate about helping children navigate the challenges they face, this course offers the knowledge and expertise needed to take your career to the next level.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Counselling and Psychotherapy
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Child Counselling and Psychotherapy (3 hours)
- Understand the role and importance of counselling and psychotherapy in addressing children’s mental health issues
- Learn about various therapeutic models and approaches applicable to child therapy
- Develop a foundational understanding of the key concepts, principles, and practices in child psychotherapy
- Recognise the significance of early intervention and its impact on long-term emotional and psychological well-being
Child Development and Psychological Milestones (3 hours)
- Gain knowledge of the major stages of child development and the psychological milestones associated with each stage
- Learn how developmental stages influence emotional and behavioural challenges in children
- Understand how to assess and support children based on their developmental level
- Recognise common developmental disorders and their impact on a child’s mental health
Building a Therapeutic Relationship with Children (5 hours)
- Develop skills to establish trust and rapport with children of various ages
- Understand the importance of a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment in fostering therapeutic relationships
- Learn effective communication techniques, including verbal and non-verbal cues, tailored for children
- Acquire practical skills for engaging children and encouraging them to express their thoughts and emotions
Psychological Theories and Approaches for Children (4 hours)
- Understand key psychological theories relevant to child therapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Attachment Theory
- Learn how to apply different therapeutic techniques to children based on their psychological needs
- Gain insight into how children process emotions and how to support them using tailored psychological frameworks
- Develop an understanding of how to adapt therapies to suit children of different ages and backgrounds
Managing Behavioural and Emotional Issues (4 hours)
- Recognise and address common behavioural and emotional issues in children, such as anxiety, depression, aggression, and trauma
- Learn how to implement strategies to manage and reduce behavioural problems in children
- Understand the importance of creating a safe therapeutic space where children can express and process their emotions
- Gain practical skills for supporting children with emotional regulation and coping strategies
Working with Families and Caregivers (5 hours)
- Understand the role of family dynamics in a child’s psychological well-being
- Learn strategies for involving parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process
- Develop skills to educate and guide families on how to support their child’s emotional and psychological growth
- Recognise the challenges and benefits of working collaboratively with families in the context of child therapy
Ethical Considerations in Child Therapy (3 hours)
- Understand the ethical responsibilities of therapists when working with children
- Learn about the importance of maintaining confidentiality and informed consent with young clients
- Gain knowledge of the legal and professional standards guiding child therapy practices
- Develop an understanding of boundaries, safeguarding issues, and the importance of maintaining a professional and ethical approach
Assessing and Diagnosing Psychological Issues in Children (3 hours)
- Learn how to assess and diagnose common psychological conditions in children, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression
- Understand the process of creating comprehensive assessments and treatment plans for children
- Develop skills to identify signs of psychological issues early, facilitating timely interventions
- Gain an understanding of when to refer a child for additional support or specialist treatment
Here are the course benefits for the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Counselling and Psychotherapy:
- Comprehensive Knowledge: Acquire a deep understanding of child development, psychological milestones, and therapeutic approaches that are essential for working with children in a therapeutic context.
- Practical Skills: Learn how to build effective, trusting relationships with children, assess their psychological needs, and apply therapeutic techniques such as play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and more.
- Enhanced Career Opportunities: This diploma enhances your qualifications, opening doors to career opportunities in child therapy, educational settings, social work, and mental health services.
- Specialisation in Child Mental Health: Gain expertise in managing a wide range of emotional and behavioural issues in children, from anxiety and depression to trauma and ADHD.
- Family-Centric Approach: Develop the skills to work with families and caregivers, ensuring holistic support for the child’s mental health and creating a collaborative approach to therapy.
- Ethical and Legal Knowledge: Understand the ethical and legal standards necessary for working with children, ensuring you approach therapy in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.
- Up-to-Date Techniques: Stay current with the latest theories and therapeutic approaches in the field of child psychotherapy, ensuring that you’re providing the best support for your young clients.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Learn how to work effectively with children from diverse backgrounds, respecting cultural differences and adjusting therapeutic practices to suit the individual needs of each child.
- Build Confidence: Gain the confidence to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of psychological issues in children, while developing the ability to manage sensitive and challenging situations in therapy.
- Flexible Learning: With a 30-hour structure, this course allows you to learn at your own pace while balancing work or personal commitments, making it an ideal option for professionals seeking to specialise in child counselling.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Counselling and Psychotherapy is designed for a wide range of professionals who are involved in working with children and young people. This course is ideal for those who wish to specialize in the field of child mental health and therapy. The course is suitable for:
- Counsellors and Psychotherapists who want to expand their expertise to work specifically with children and young people
- Teachers and Educational Professionals seeking to better understand the psychological needs of children and provide more effective support in educational settings
- Social Workers who work with children and families and wish to enhance their skills in child therapy
- Healthcare Professionals including paediatric nurses, doctors, and psychologists who want to develop their knowledge of child mental health
- Youth Workers looking to acquire practical skills for managing emotional and behavioural challenges in young individuals
- Parents and Caregivers who want to gain a deeper understanding of child psychology and how to support children facing mental health challenges
- Childcare Workers and professionals in childcare settings who wish to learn therapeutic techniques to help manage emotional or behavioural issues in children
- Those considering a career in Child Therapy who want to gain foundational knowledge and practical skills to work in this field
- Volunteers and Community Workers who support children in various settings and wish to enhance their ability to assist with emotional or psychological challenges
Whether you’re already a professional in a related field or you’re looking to specialize in child therapy, this course provides the essential knowledge and practical tools to offer effective support to children in need of psychological care.
