Trauma changes far more than memory. It shapes the nervous system, influences relationships, affects identity, and impacts the way people experience themselves and the world around them. As our understanding of trauma continues to evolve, so too must the knowledge and skills of the professionals who support those affected by it.
The Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy has been created for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who want to move beyond a foundational understanding of trauma and develop greater clinical confidence, depth and competence. Combining current neuroscience, contemporary trauma theory and practical therapeutic application, this advanced programme will equip you to work safely, ethically and compassionately with a wide range of trauma presentations.
Whether you are looking to deepen your existing practice, broaden your therapeutic approach or build specialist expertise, this programme offers an engaging, reflective and professionally rigorous learning experience designed to strengthen both your clinical practice and your confidence as a practitioner.
Level 5 Diploma in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy - Online
Built for today's practitioners
Working with trauma requires more than an understanding of what happened to a client. It requires an understanding of how trauma is held within the body, the nervous system, relationships and the therapeutic process itself.
This advanced diploma has been developed for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who want to deepen their clinical thinking, refine their therapeutic skills and work with greater confidence when supporting clients affected by trauma.
Blending contemporary research, neuroscience and psychotherapeutic theory with practical application, the programme encourages critical thinking, reflective practice and clinically informed decision-making. Throughout the course, you'll strengthen your ability to assess, formulate and respond to trauma presentations safely, ethically and compassionately, whilst remaining grounded in your own professional resilience and scope of practice.
What you will learn
Throughout the programme you will develop the knowledge and skills to:
Critically evaluate contemporary trauma theories and emerging research.
Understand the neurobiology of trauma and apply this knowledge to clinical practice.
Conduct comprehensive trauma-informed assessments and develop robust case formulations.
Apply stabilisation techniques and emotional regulation interventions safely and appropriately.
Recognise and work effectively with complex trauma and dissociative presentations.
Develop an informed understanding of parts-based approaches, including Internal Family Systems, Ego State Theory and Structural Dissociation, and consider how these concepts can support trauma-informed formulation and practice.
Develop an EMDR-informed understanding of trauma processing, including the Adaptive Information Processing model, resource development, stabilisation, safe place work and appropriate referral pathways.
Develop therapeutic relationships that embody trauma-informed principles.
Make ethical, professional and clinically sound decisions when working with trauma.
Recognise the limits of your competence and make appropriate referrals where necessary.
Strengthen practitioner resilience through reflective practice, supervision and self-awareness.
Integrate theory, research and clinical practice into coherent trauma-informed formulations.
This course does not qualify you to practise as an IFS or EMDR practitioner. However, it does give you the depth of understanding needed to use relevant concepts and theories safely and appropriately within your existing professional practice.
Please note: the content may adjust slightly as the course is run, it being the first course of its kind.
Who is this course for?
This programme is intended for qualified counsellors, psychotherapists and other helping professionals who wish to extend their clinical competence in trauma-informed practice.
Whether you work in private practice, charities, the NHS, education or organisational settings, this diploma will help you work with greater confidence when supporting clients who have experienced trauma.
Our approach
Learning is interactive, reflective and practice focused. Rather than simply learning about trauma, you will develop the confidence to apply your knowledge within ethical and professional boundaries.
The programme combines:
Contemporary trauma theory
Neuroscience
Attachment-informed practice
Practical clinical skills
Reflective discussion
Case formulation
Ethical decision-making
Supervision-informed learning
Professional Standards
This programme is being developed from the outset with the intention of meeting the standards required for NCPS accreditation/approval. The curriculum is also being mapped against the SCoPEd Framework, with the aim of aligning with the competencies associated with Column B.
Our commitment is to produce a programme that reflects current professional standards while equipping practitioners with practical skills that enhance both client care and professional confidence.
Take your practice further
If you are ready to deepen your understanding of trauma and develop advanced clinical skills that will transform your therapeutic practice, we'd love to hear from you.
Register your interest today and be among the first to hear when applications open.
Your Tutor - Leigh Smith
BA Hons. Senior Accredited NCPS. Registered. IFS. EMDR. Psyc
I'm a Senior Accredited Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor and Trainer with over 20 years' experience in counselling, psychotherapy and professional education.
I founded Heartwood College for Counselling and Psychotherapy, where I spent 17 years designing and delivering accredited counselling and supervision programmes, supporting hundreds of students into professional practice.
I have a particular passion for trauma-informed psychotherapy, integrating EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and relational approaches into both my clinical work and teaching.
Alongside my private practice, I enjoy developing engaging, evidence-informed training that bridges theory and practice and helps students grow into reflective, ethical and confident practitioners.
When I'm not teaching or working with clients, you'll usually find me spending time with my family or enjoying a creative crafting project, both of which help me stay grounded, curious and balanced.
Level 5 Dates and Prices
For every student enrolled, we promise to plant a tree.
We are a proud supporter of One Tree Planted; a non-profit organisation which is passionate about global re-forestation. So, with us, your learning timeline begins with a lifeline to the entire planet.
LEVEL 5 DATES & FEES
Closing date for applications: 12th September 2026
Thursdays from 25th September 2026 except 30th October, 25th December and 1st January
Early Bird Fee: £1,875 incl. VAT
Alumni Fee: £1,875 incl. VAT
STANDARD FEE
Option 1 – Payment in Full
One single payment of £2,250 incl. VAT
PAYMENT PLAN
Option 2 – Instalment Plan – £200 per month
Pay £250 deposit to secure your place followed by 10 monthly payments of £200
Total course fee of £2,250 incl VAT