A CPCAB-accredited, Ofqual-regulated qualification for practising counsellors who want to specialise in therapeutic work with children and young people. Delivered by Circle Therapy.
We would love to hear from you. Get in touch to register your interest and we will be in touch within two working days to discuss your application. An interview is required before a place is confirmed.
✉ Apply Nowteam@circletherapy.co.uk · We aim to respond within two working days.
A CPCAB-accredited, Ofqual-regulated qualification delivered by Circle Therapy — an active practice working with children every day.
Founded by Gayle Hammill, Circle Therapy supports children, adults, couples and families. As a leading provider of child therapy in Herts, Beds and Bucks, Circle is commissioned by schools, social services and local councils. Post-qualification, graduates may have the opportunity to join the Circle team.
As an active practice we are on the ground every day supporting children in schools. Our tutors bring lived, current experience to this qualification. We don't just teach it. We do it. CPCAB qualifications are tried, tested and regulated by Ofqual in England.
Graduates of the Diploma will be equipped to work therapeutically with children aged 4–11 in schools, private practice and commissioned settings. Post-qualification, there may be an opportunity to join the Circle Therapy team.
Registered psychotherapeutic counsellor for 12 years, working therapeutically with children since 2015. Clinical lead at Circle Therapy since 2013, commissioned by schools, social services and local councils. Clinical supervisor for the charity Strongmen. Regular BBC Radio resident expert.
✉ gayle@circletherapy.co.ukRegistered Integrative counsellor since 2016 and part of the Circle team since 2018. Holds a Level 5 qualification in children and young people counselling. Specialisms include counselling for loss and bereavement and children with neurodivergent presentations. Group supervisor for Circle Therapy, supporting Diploma students on placement.
136 guided learning hours across 7 mandatory units. An integrative approach underpinned by attachment theory, child development and a biopsychosocial model — drawing on Bowlby, Erikson, Winnicott and developmental trauma.
For full details of unit content and assessment criteria, please email the team with any questions.
Minimum Level 4 Diploma in Counselling. Interview required. Current DBS check. Two professional references.
85% attendance required. Monthly weekend format: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00–17:00.
Approximately 5 hours per week alongside teaching weekends.
Minimum 1.5 hours per month with a supervisor experienced in child counselling.
70 hours face-to-face, one-to-one counselling in a junior school or appropriate setting.
Email us at team@circletherapy.co.uk and we'll be happy to answer any questions about course requirements before you apply.
The course runs across 9 teaching weekends from October 2026 to June 2027, hosted at Langley Therapy & Training, 2 Liscombe Business Park, Soulbury, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0JL.
Exact dates confirmed on enrolment. Please email us with any questions.
All work submitted with a Criteria Assessment Sheet. 38 total criteria, each evidenced twice — 76 pieces of evidence across 7 units. Keep electronic backups of everything.
For full assessment details, please email the team with any questions.
We're here for you — no question is ever a silly question. Get in touch before applying if you'd like a conversation first.
Includes your CPCAB certification
£500 deposit secures your place
Monthly instalments available from August 2026
Applications close 30 June 2026. Places are strictly limited. We recommend applying early.