Professional Certificate in Adolescent Psychotherapy

Presenter Bio

Susi Lodola (MIACP) is a Psychotherapist in private practice, clinical supervisor, and experience in lecturing at third level. She holds a Master of Science in CBT and Motivational Interviewing, a Higher Diploma in Psychology (UCD), and a BA (Hons) in Linguistics from UCD, as well as a BA (First Class Hons) in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Clinical Supervision.

This course also features expert guest lecturers:

· Dr. Malie Coyne — Chartered Clinical Psychologist and bestselling author, delivering specialist training on using Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to help adolescents manage self-criticism, shame, and emotional regulation.

· Orlaigh Byrne — Psychotherapist, presenting on neurodiversity in therapy, including Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, the Double Empathy Theory, masking/unmasking, and the SPACE framework to support neurodivergent adolescents.

· Clodagh Ní Ghallachóir, MSc — Counsellor, psychotherapist, and organisational psychologist with a Post Graduate Diploma in Family Law from the Law Society of Ireland, guiding participants through the legal and ethical aspects of working with adolescents.

Course Outline

Build the confidence and skills to work effectively with young people through the Professional Certificate in Adolescent Psychotherapy. Designed in alignment with the IACP’s recommendations for working with clients under 18, this course combines developmental theory, practical skills, and evidence-based interventions to help practitioners support adolescents in a therapeutic setting.

Participants will learn to conduct adolescent-specific intakes, navigate complex legal and ethical considerations, and work collaboratively with parents and schools to achieve positive outcomes. The programme integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Person-Centred Therapy, and creative approaches that make therapy engaging and effective for young clients.

Key topics include:

· Adolescent development and the adolescent brain

· Building therapeutic alliances with young people

· Working in trauma-informed ways

· Neurodiversity in adolescents

· CFT, CBT, PCT approaches

· Integrating creative and symbolic techniques

· Using assessments to track progress

· Safeguarding: consent, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and best practice in child protection

Learning Outcomes

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

· Understand adolescent development and its impact on mental health and behaviour.

· Carry out adolescent-specific intake assessments and case formulations.

· Apply CBT, CFT, and Person-Centred approaches to address a range of adolescent presentations including anxiety, low mood, and self-esteem difficulties.

· Integrate creative, symbolic, and experiential techniques to engage adolescents in therapy.

· Recognise and respond to the unique needs of neurodivergent adolescents, including those with Autism and ADHD.

· Navigate legal and ethical responsibilities, including safeguarding, consent, confidentiality, and mandatory reporting.

· Collaborate effectively with parents, carers, and schools to support therapeutic progress.

Dates & Fees

· 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep

Fee: €650

· Deposit: €150 (due at booking)

· 2 further payments of €250 each

Booking link: https://susilodolacounselling.com/product/professional-certificate-in-adolescent-psychotherapy-aug-2026-30-cpd/ 

Contact Details: info@susilodolacounselling.com 

Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on the IACP website event calendar, the IACP cannot accept any responsibility or liability for information provided by outside organisation. The views expressed in presentations made at this event are those of the event organiser / speaker and not, necessarily, of the IACP. Presentations at this event do not constitute an endorsement  of the IACP regarding organiser’s or speaker’s views, products or services.

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