CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Trauma-Informed Counselling for Early Years, Children & Young People

If you want to support children and young people affected by trauma while developing your skills as a specialist practitioner, this programme is for you.

KidsAid’s CPCAB-accredited Level 5 Diploma is the only programme in the UK specifically designed for therapists who wish to specialise in trauma-informed counselling with children and young people aged 3–18.

Places are intentionally limited to protect the quality of experiential learning, teaching, and supervision. Securing a space means joining a small, focused cohort entering the profession with a genuinely distinctive qualification.

Training

Application Deadline

Applications after this date may miss the course intake.

Apply today: TrainingAcademy@KidsAid.org.uk

Purpose and Aim of Training

This advanced qualification equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver trauma-informed therapy that genuinely supports children and young people across all ages. With rising demand for skilled child therapists and increasingly complex presenting needs, this diploma prepares you to work in schools, charities, private practice, and other settings with children experiencing emotional and mental health challenges.

At this level, you’ll be placed at the forefront of child development, using trauma-informed practice to make a meaningful, lasting difference to children’s wellbeing and mental health. The CPCAB Level 5 Diploma demonstrates advanced competence, clinical insight, and readiness to work with complex presentations within the ethical scope of counselling practice. Completing this qualification positions you as a recognised specialist, opening doors to wider referral streams and professional opportunities.

CPCAB Level 5 Diploma

Why KidsAid

KidsAid isn’t just a training provider – we are a growing charity with a strong reputation for supporting children affected by trauma, emotional difficulties, poor mental health, and adverse childhood experiences.

When you train with us, you’ll learn from therapists working on the frontline every day with the children and young people you want to support. The course is grounded in real-world practice and the complexities of trauma, helping you develop the knowledge, skills, and professional judgement to work safely and ethically. As we expand our reach, we are looking for skilled therapists who understand our model and culture. Completing this diploma positions you well for potential future opportunities with KidsAid, with graduates prioritised for suitable contracted positions. For many, the diploma provides a natural bridge into the next stage of their professional career.

Course Structure

Course Structure

  • Dates: 3rd October 2026 – 10th July 2027
  • Duration: 120 taught hours + 60 supervised client hours
  • Delivery: Blended (online and in-person)
  • Teaching pattern: One teaching weekend per month

Optional KidsAid placement: gain hands-on experience aligned with your competence level.

Placement benefits: contribution towards expenses and free clinical supervision for in-house placements (value £1,000+).

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Work safely and ethically with children and young people aged 3–18.
  • Apply trauma-informed understanding within counselling sessions.
  • Understand attachment theory and the impact of relationships on development and wellbeing.
  • Use techniques from a range of therapeutic modalities with children and young people.
  • Understand how trauma affects development, behaviour, and mental health.
  • Establish and maintain safe and effective therapeutic relationships with children and young people.
  • Apply strategies to support the emotional stabilisation of children and young people experiencing trauma.
  • Apply risk assessment and safeguarding principles effectively in therapeutic practice.
  • Work competently and inclusively with identity, difference, diversity, and neurodiversity to support wellbeing.
  • Use reflexivity to support ongoing personal and professional growth.
Assessment

Assessment is internal and designed to evaluate your knowledge, skills, and professional development in trauma-informed counselling. It includes:

  • Practical Work: Observed skills practice, placement hours, supervision, and personal therapy.
  • Written Work: Case assignments and reflective self-reviews.
  • Presentation: Explaining approaches to trauma, diversity, ethics, and the therapeutic relationship.
  • Portfolio: Collation of all evidence, demonstrating competence, ethical practice, and professional growth.
Entry Requirements
  • Minimum age 18.
  • Must have a recognised level 4 counselling qualification.
  • Able to provide two references.
  • Evidence of:
    • 100 hours of placement.
    • 20 hours of personal therapy.
    • Supervision hours.
    • Current/previous supervisor
    • Membership of UK registered counselling or psychotherapy organisation (BACP, UKCP, NCS, etc.).
Course Fees
  • Full price: £2,800 inc. CPCAB fees.
  • Deposit: £500 non-refundable to secure your place.
  • Payment plan: balance can be paid in full or spread across 10 instalments (Oct 2026 – July 2027)
Further Requirements

Applicants must be able to meet the following requirements:

  • Personal therapy: 20 hours completed before the course begins, plus a further 20 hours during the programme (40 hours in total).
  • Enhanced DBS: You must hold a current Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to obtain one at your own cost.
  • IT access: A laptop or computer with a webcam and microphone is required for online sessions.
  • Travel: Ability to attend in-person teaching in Northampton.
Placement & Supervision
  • You are responsible for sourcing your own placement, which must be approved by KidsAid.
  • If you are not undertaking a KidsAid in-house placement, you will need to arrange and fund your own clinical supervision.

Where an external supervisor is used, they must:

  • Hold a recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification at Level 5 or above.
  • Be a registered member of a UK professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP, NCS).
  • Have relevant experience with the client group you will be working with.
Application Deadline
  • Registration closes: 28th August 2026

Applications after this date may miss the course intake.

Admissions Process

Develop advanced trauma-informed skills for working with children and young people aged 3–18, gain meaningful practical experience, and achieve a qualification that supports professional recognition and career progression.

Apply today: TrainingAcademy@kidsaid.org.uk