Handbook and Information Download Page

This course is designed for therapists who want to better serve clients by understanding and addressing trauma effectively. It offers practical skills and knowledge to enhance your practice.

Download your free course handbook and get all the essential information.

Get the Course Handbook – CLICK HERE

‘Prior to the course, when working with clients with trauma, I had a growing awareness of my limits of proficiency and I knew I needed to take on training to support myself and my clients.

‘This course is jam-packed with comprehensive, accessible knowledge, taught by an inspiring, compassionate and fun tutor. It trains best practices for clients whilst also turning the lens onto ourselves as practitioners. I have been so inspired by all the learning I’ve experienced and I feel so much more confident and empowered as a therapist.’

– Ros, London MBACP Counsellor, working in private practice

Elevate your client care through a deep understanding and adept handling of trauma. Gain invaluable practical skills and knowledge tailored to enrich your practice, allowing you to better serve your clients and achieve results that truly make a difference.

We believe that trauma training should be more than just a series of videos to work through, and that is why we have developed specialist training that combines a live-taught element with self-directed learning that fits around you and your busy schedule.

COURSE DELIVERY

This trauma-informed counsellor training is designed so that you can undertake all of your learning online. Everything is delivered within the purpose-built Counselling Tutor virtual learning environment. Enjoy the self-directed aspects of this training at a time and pace that suits you.

This flexibility means the training can fit around a busy work and home life, helping you to achieve balance.

No matter what your base modality, the Counselling Tutor Trauma-Informed Practice Training will give you the structure, skills and competencies to identify and work with trauma in your sessions.

Nine modules and 32 lessons underpin the live tutor-led sessions!

Here is what you can expect:

• Live tutor-led training: You will participate in three full days of live training held online, where trauma theory and practice are brought to life through real-world examples.
• Flexibility around your lifestyle: All your training is housed in the easy-to-use Counselling Tutor learning portal. Log in from anywhere and access your training any time. You retain access to the training after completing the course, and any updates to the course are free of charge. 
• Interactive learning: You won’t be training alone: you can engage with your peers and tutor in a community customised to your cohort, offering opportunities to discuss the topic, gain feedback and deepen your understanding collectively. We are proud to host this purpose-built community; it is not on Facebook so your data and discussions remain private. 
• Blended-learning approach: Recognising the diverse learning preferences of participants, the course employs a blended-learning strategy. This approach combines various educational materials and methods, including downloadable slide packs, audio files, transcripts of each lecture, reflective tasks and suggested readings, catering to different learning styles and enhancing the overall learning experience. 
• Flexible self-directed learning: Complement your live training with 30 hours of self-directed learning, allowing you to study at your own pace. 
• Professional recognition: Upon completion, receive a certificate to evidence your learning and contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).

Counselling Tutor’s learning materials are based on professional counselling and psychotherapy practice in the UK. We welcome practitioners from other countries, and encourage and embrace the exchange of knowledge and experience. It is your responsibility to adapt the content of our materials to where you practise. Before starting a course, you may wish to contact your professional body to check that it fits their requirements for practitioner development. We are here to support you within the bounds of our UK remit.

‘This training is excellent. I have already started using the skills and knowledge gained on the course, in my work with clients.’ – Kathryn, Staffordshire MBACP (Accred), AFBPsS, CPsychol. University lecturer, psychotherapist and supervisor of 20 years’ experience, working in private practice

Blended Learning

• Video lectures presented by Rory Lees-Oakes
• Downloadable slide packs, transcripts and sound files
• Practical case discussion applying the material to practice and looking at real-world applications
• Resources and downloads
• Tasks to reflect on, additional learning and access to related specialist lectures
• Suggested reading and viewing
• Live teaching, including opportunities to work with peers and ask questions

HANDBOOK & DETAILS – CLICK HERE

ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLMENT CRITERIA

This training is suitable for practitioners who:

• Hold a formal, recognised qualification in counselling or psychotherapy at diploma level or above
• Belong to a professional body and work within an ethical framework
• Attend regular supervision according to the requirements of their professional body
• Undertake regular CPD in line with their professional body’s requirements.

While we welcome participants whose first language is not English, fluency in English (both spoken and written) is essential in order to participate fully in all elements of the course and to achieve its learning outcomes. Please contact us if you are unsure whether your proficiency in English is sufficient. We reserve the right to remove from the course anyone who proves unable to meet this standard.

Counselling Tutor’s learning materials are based on professional counselling and psychotherapy practice in the UK. We welcome practitioners from other countries, and encourage and embrace the exchange of knowledge and experience. It is your responsibility to adapt the content of our materials to where you practise. Before starting a course, you may wish to contact your professional body to check that it fits their requirements for practitioner development. We are here to support you within the bounds of our UK remit.

‘This training has been brilliant. I have gained so much knowledge, theory and practical skills to help my clients. The connections and discussions with others on the course have been so deep and rich. I now have much more confidence in bringing trauma models into the counselling space.’ – Lee, Cornwall MBACP (Accred) Counsellor

Further requirements

You will need a laptop or computer that connects to the internet and that has a camera and microphone, so that you can attend the live training sessions.

You will need an internet connection that is strong enough to stream live video.

You will need the time and capacity to attend (online, using your computer) three live full-day training sessions that run from 10am to 4pm (Training dates will be sent by email when available).

You will need the time and capacity (around two to three hours per week) to undertake the self-directed learning elements in the learning portal and the required reading.

NOTE: You can do the self-directed learning at a time that suits you.

TRAINING COURSE DETAILS

• Three live tutor-led sessions: Experience theory in action through real-life examples and practical applications.
• 30 hours of self-directed learning: Enjoy the flexibility to learn at your own pace and revisit the materials any time for a refresher.
• Blended learning approach: Benefit from our inclusive approach, welcoming neurodiverse individuals and accommodating different learning styles.
• Comprehensive resources: Gain access to a wealth of resources, supporting ongoing learning.
• Peer community: Engage with a community of like-minded professionals.
• Professional accreditation: Receive a completion certificate for CPD.

The training aims:

To equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge to engage confidently and ethically with clients who have experienced trauma

To provide an understanding of trauma, its different forms and the impact it has on individuals

To enable the recognition and validation of clients who have experienced trauma

To enhance the ability to identify clients who have trauma-related issues

To encourage and promote safe counselling environments that empower clients

To introduce the knowledge of trauma models

To encourage self-care and vicarious-trauma awareness, along with strategies to manage this

To advocate a commitment to ongoing learning and self-development, with encouragement to stay updated with research and best practice

To raise awareness and understanding of the dual burden experienced by minority groups.

Get the Handbook and Other Course Details ‘I am TRiM [Trauma Risk Management] trained. This course has enriched my knowledge and filled in the gaps. I now work with competence and renewed confidence.’ – Terry, Mid Wales MNCPS Acc. Therapist and supervisor, working closely with clients in crisis who struggle with trauma, suicidal ideation and intent

COURSE TEAM

Becoming a great trauma-informed counsellor requires a robust understanding of the theoretical principles, underpinned with support and confidence-building through real-world experiential practice. You will undertake this journey under the expert guidance of our kind and patient team of tutors, who serve with a passion to make a difference in the world.

Our tutors are counsellors, as well as highly experienced supervisors, and each holds a formal teaching qualification as well as formal training and experience in trauma-informed counselling. This means you get expert guidance, feedback and support as you build your competencies, theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Our team is neurodiverse-friendly. If you have any challenges such as dyslexia, ADD or ADHD, then please do let a tutor know and you will be supported.

‘This training has left me feeling more confident in my ability to support my clients, my supervisees and their clients. The documentation to support the learning is clear and thorough. I love the transcripts of lessons and the continued access to the course after graduation.’ – Michelle, Wirral MBACP Counsellor and supervisor, working in private practice

The balance of self-directed learning, tutor-led sessions and experiential training with your course peers gives a rich and varied learning journey that is supportive, engaging and enjoyable.

You will be joining a counselling family of like-minded peers where you can both give and receive support.

Rory Lees-Oakes

Rory Lees-Oakes is Co-Director at Counselling Tutor and author of Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide.

He spent over a decade lecturing in counselling. Rory is a qualified counsellor, clinical supervisor and lecturer.

In 2015, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Plato award for outstanding use of technology in education. He is also a Fellow of the Pearson Teaching Awards.

An avid drinker of tea, he’s more likely to be found in a tea room than a bar.

Nora Allali-Carling

Nora is an experienced counsellor, teacher, trainer and clinical supervisor.

Nora has spent more than twenty years teaching and training in Education and currently teaches in Further Education in London.

Nora has a private practice in Surrey where she offers faith-based and culturally sensitive counselling.

In addition to her private practice, Nora has worked for an NHS GP practice, St Christopher’s Hospice and family counselling services.

Nora has published articles on grief, loss and bereavement and is currently completing her MSc in Neuroscience of Mental Health.

Ed Escolano

Ed produces the live sessions to ensure a smooth online learning experience, leaving the tutor to do what they do best – teach.

As your host, Ed ensures that the day runs according to the schedule to make sure that everyone gets their well-deserved tea breaks on time!

COURSE MODULES AND TOPICS

Module 1: Understanding Trauma

Gain a foundational understanding of trauma, including its various types and the comprehensive impact it has on the mind and body.

This knowledge will enable you to identify and better support your clients’ healing processes.

Module 2: Trauma Responses and Coping Mechanisms

Learn to recognise and understand common trauma responses such as fight, flight and freeze, and the coping strategies that clients may adopt.

This insight will help you tailor your therapeutic approach to meet individual client needs more effectively.

Module 3: Trauma-Informed Care Principles

Discover the key principles of trauma-informed care to create a supportive therapeutic environment.

You’ll learn strategies for building trust and ensuring a safe space, which is crucial for effective therapy with trauma-affected clients.

Module 4: Techniques for Trauma Therapy

Equip yourself with a range of effective trauma therapy techniques and understand how to apply these in practice.

This module focuses on customising your approach to fit each client’s unique situation, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

Module 5: Self-Care for Therapists

Understand the importance of recognising secondary traumatic stress and learn effective self-care strategies to maintain your professional wellbeing.

This module emphasises the necessity of therapist self-care to prevent burnout and ensure sustained support for your clients.

Module 6: Cultural Considerations in Trauma Care

Explore the intersection of trauma and cultural dynamics in this module.

By understanding how cultural backgrounds influence trauma experiences and responses, you can provide more culturally sensitive and effective support to their clients.

Module 7: Managing Dissociation in Therapy

Understand dissociation and how to work with it in therapy.

You will learn about the window of tolerance and strategies for helping clients stay within it. You will also explore the phenomenon of dissociation, and gain practical skills for working with dissociative clients.

Module 8: Harnessing the Power of Breath

Learn the therapeutic potential of breathwork in trauma recovery.

By understanding the physiology of breath and various breathwork techniques, such as alternate nostril breathing and polyvagal breathing, you can help clients regulate their nervous systems and manage trauma-related symptoms.

Module 9: Continuous Growth and Professional Support

Focus on your ongoing growth and development as a trauma-informed practitioner.

Explore the value of ongoing research in enhancing your understanding and practice of trauma therapy. Additionally, you will learn about the importance of supervision in supporting your professional development and ensuring ethical practice. 

‘I would wholly recommend this course! The style, pace and delivery covered a lot of information without overwhelm. The peer-to-peer discussions were priceless in stretching my thinking and building my knowledge. The increased knowledge and understanding gained from this course will benefit my private-practice clients and bring a further dimension to my work with young people.’ – Caroline, Cambridgeshire MBACP and MNCPS Acc. Counsellor and supervisor, working in private practice and as an associate therapist for a charity supporting child victims and witnesses of crime

LIVE SESSIONS OVERVIEW

Live Session 1

• Course navigation – Getting around the online learning platform and accessing the course content
• Exploring hopes and fears for the training
• Putting safety first – Overview of why it is important
• Defining trauma – What trauma-informed practice is, and definitions of trauma
• Avoiding re-traumatisation

Live Session 2

• Why stabilisation and building your own stabilisation tool kit
• Childhood experiences – case study
• Application of theory to practice
• Compare and contrast Trauma Model Therapy and the Trauma Resilience Model
• Pre-therapy and fragile process

Live Session 3

• Trauma recovery models – Theory to practice
• Working with Diversity
• Helping clients feel confident to contact you
• The importance of research – An opportunity to specialise
• Endings and new beginnings