In-person

This course is designed for students who wish to gain specialist training and a Middlesex University Masters qualification in counselling and psychotherapy for children, teenagers and young people under the age of 25. 
Exploring creative media such as art, sand-play, therapeutic storytelling, drama, music and other approaches, this course places significant emphasis on experiential learning and the acquisition of key skills for work with young clients. It draws on established and current theory in counselling and psychotherapy, up-to-date approaches in child and adolescent mental health, lifespan development, family systems and trauma.

The MSc. Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills is a comprehensive professional training course, focused on working therapeutically with young people. The course is validated by Middlesex University and designed to supplement trainees’ existing qualifications and is not a stand-alone counselling qualification. Applicants include counsellors and psychotherapists who are accredited or are eligible for accreditation, with the IACP/IAHIP/BACP or equivalent, all of whom seek to deepen or extend their current skills to facilitate therapeutic work with young people up to the age of 25 years.

You will develop a sound understanding of the nature of child and adolescent issues, which will in turn guide and direct the application of appropriate interventions. Completion of the MSc. Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills will leave you with a high level of competence and confidence in your therapeutic work with children. You will also cultivate an enhanced sensitivity to the experience of childhood, and the many developmental strengths and difficulties with which young people are constantly engaging.

The course is suitable for counsellors/psychotherapists, social workers, guidance counsellors, psychologists, youth workers, teachers and other related disciplines that work therapeutically with those under 18.  

Year One: Students entering the MA course must hold a relevant honours degree (Level 8 or equivalent; Final grade 2.2 or above). Students who do not meet this criteria may be eligible to enter the course on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area. 

Year Two: Students who hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy (PCI College or equivalent) may apply for entry to Year 2 of the course. Students entering the course at Year 2 must hold a relevant honours degree (Level 8 or equivalent; Final grade 2.2 or above).  Students who do not meet this criteria may be eligible to enter the course on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area.

For further course information visit https://www.pcicollege.ie/counselling-courses/child-adolescent-counselling-psychotherapy/belfast

This course has been run for a number of years.