Diploma in Adolescent and Schools Counselling

Programme Level: Post Qualification Professional Diploma

Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution: Metanoia Institute

Taught Hours: 50 hours

Accrediting Body: –

Duration: –

Start Date: –

Location: Online

Course Overview:
The Diploma in Adolescent and Schools Counselling is a one-year, post-qualification programme equipping counsellors and psychotherapists to work effectively with young people in school settings. Covering safeguarding, ethics, development, and supervision, the course blends seminars, practical exercises, and group work to enhance competence and confidence.

Course Philosophy:
Rooted in reflexive practice, the programme values sensitivity, responsiveness, and inclusivity. It fosters thoughtful, ethical counsellors prepared to navigate the complexities of adolescence and contribute positively to school communities.

Modules (Unit by Unit):

• Unit 1: Complexities of the School Setting – Mediating the Culture of Counselling and School

• Unit 2: Safeguarding, Ethics, Best Practice, and Self-Awareness / Reflexive Practice; Assessment, Systems for Referral, Use of Waiting Lists, etc.

• Unit 3: Child Development, Adolescent Development, Attachment, Neuroplasticity; Exploration of Participants’ Experiences of Early Development, Family, and School

• Unit 4: Intersectional Identity in Adolescent Counselling

• Unit 5: Research and Evaluation, Adolescent Process – ‘Tenuous Contact’

• Unit 6: Service Development, Responsiveness to the System, Initiatives Outside the Counselling Room

• Unit 7: Interest Areas, Student Presentations, Endings

Teaching Methods:
The teaching approach is experiential, with an emphasis on applying learning in practice. Methods include seminars, presentations, and practical exercises. Each unit includes group supervision to support practice development in counselling young people. The programme benefits from the combined experience of all participants, fostering rich discussions and reflexive practice.

Assessment Methods:
Assessed through engagement in seminars, group supervision, and written reflections aligned with each module’s learning outcomes.

Clinical/Placement Information:
Students are required to complete 60 hours of supervised counselling with young people in a school or youth counselling agency during or following the training year. Placement opportunities may be available through Metanoia Institute’s school-based counselling service, Here4You.

Training Options:
This one-year, part-time diploma is delivered through live online teaching, designed to fit around the commitments of practising counsellors and psychotherapists. The course runs from October to April and is structured across seven modules, combining seminars, experiential exercises, and group supervision. Students must complete 60 hours of supervised counselling with young people during or after the training year. Placement opportunities may be available through Metanoia’s Here4You school-based counselling service in London. Intakes occur annually in October, with interactive online delivery supporting accessibility for students across the UK.

Head of Programme Contact Info: Peter Pearce – peter.pearce@metanoia.ac.uk

Academic Coordinator Contact Info: ado-schools-admin@metanoia.ac.uk

Additional Notes:
Designed as CPD for experienced practitioners working in educational settings. Requires existing clinical qualification and experience.