Bridging Course – Working Therapeutically with Children and Young People (CYP)
For qualified counsellors and therapists expanding into CYP practice.
Course Overview
A focused 3-day course designed to build confidence, knowledge, and practical skills for working therapeutically with children and young people. Integrates developmental, behavioural, and relational approaches for safe and effective practice.
Course Dates
The course includes 3 full days training which will take place on the 13th, 14th and 20th April, followed by 100 placement hours in schools.
Course Location:
New Hutte Neighbourhood Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 1TT
Course Outline:
Are you a qualified adult counsellor, looking for experience in counselling children and young people? Train for free within a BACP-accredited service.
What You Will Learn
– Child Development
– Key developmental stages
– Impact of trauma and environment
– Adapting therapy to age and stage
Learning Theory
– How behaviour is learned and maintained
– ABC model and behavioural formulation
– Practical intervention strategies
Attachment Theory
– Attachment styles and relationships
– Emotional regulation and trauma
– Building therapeutic relationships
What You Will Gain
– Practical CYP tools and techniques
– Confidence working with children, young people, and families
– Clear frameworks for assessment and intervention
– CPD Certificate
Delivered by Steve Leach
Psychotherapist, trainer, and clinical supervisor with over 20 years’ experience. Extensive background working with children, young people, and families, including clinical leadership roles.
Eligibility
We’re looking for qualified Adult Counsellors, who have achieved a Diploma in Counselling (Level 4 or above) on an adult counselling focussed course. Applicants must have access to their own transport and be able to travel across Merseyside to complete their 100 hour placement as you will be working in Merseyside schools and our Halewood office.
To complete your 100 hour placement, at least two full days is required within school hours.
We will require the following to confirm eligibility:
Qualified Counselling – Letter/Email from your external clinical supervisor, prior to the course date starting, stating that they support your place on this course.
Safer Recruitment Process: Applicants will be required to provide two references and complete an Enhanced DBS check.
Why Listening Ear?
Supporting people after bereavement is at the heart of our organisation’s history and purpose. Listening Ear was founded in 1993 by a group of volunteers who trained in reflective listening so that they could better support bereaved adults within the local community. Ten years later, a local child was first-on-scene at a family suicide and the group recognised that there was no therapeutic support for bereaved children and young people.
After further training, Listening Ear established Butterflies, a dedicated activity-based therapy service for children and young people who had experienced bereavement and loss. We also offer Critical Incident Response work within schools following sudden death and bereavement.
We’re also known nationally for our work with children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse through our DiAmond service. Both our Adult and CYP counselling services have full service accreditation under the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and operates within its Ethical Framework.
Listening Ear’s Suicide Bereavement Postvention Service, ‘Amparo’ is delivered nationwide and is accessible by 26% of the English population. Amparo provides practical and emotional support for people bereaved and affected by suicide.
Children we have supported following bereavement said:
“I feel more comfortable speaking about how I feel, I now have my activities I can do if I feel down.”
“Family life has been more peaceful and better in general.”
“I am not worried about little things and they don’t become big. I just feel happier.”
“I have been talking about my dad more to the family. Coming here has helped me to talk about him a lot more.”
“I’ve been using my emotions journal. I have some more calm strategies at home. They help me be calmer.”
In 2019, we launched our Professional Training Arm, Mindset. We deliver high-quality mental health training and awareness courses to a wide range of professionals and workplaces, including; private sector staff, local businesses, local authorities, teachers, foster carers, social workers, GPs, NHS Trusts, police departments and more.
In the last 3 years alone, we have supported over 2,000 adults, children and young people affected by bereavement with BACP-accredited counselling and emotional support services. This means we have the practical experience and knowledge required to share best practice and what works with other professionals.
Ready to apply?
Ready to apply?
Please ensure you have read the eligibility requirements as outlined above.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter along with a letter from tutor or external clinical supervisor as outlined above.
Applications should be sent to christine.ankers@listening-ear.co.uk and should be submitted by midnight on Thursday 2nd April 2026.
Interviews for a place on the course will take place on the 7th April 2026.