Advanced Diploma in Educational Psychotherapy
A specialist therapeutic career working with children, young people and schools and a pathway to becoming a UKCP accredited Educational Psychotherapist.
Next cohort starts in September 2026. Applications close on 3rd July 2026!
Why Educational Psychotherapy?
Educational Psychotherapy is a unique profession that combines therapeutic understanding with educational practice to help children and young people overcome emotional barriers to learning.
This UKCP-accredited training enables practitioners to work therapeutically with children and young people experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties, while remaining connected to education and learning.
Unlike many therapeutic professions, Educational Psychotherapists work directly within educational settings, helping children, families and schools understand the relationship between emotions, behaviour and learning.
Whether you are a teacher, SENCO, educational psychologist, social worker or inclusion professional, the course offers a specialist pathway into therapeutic practice.
What will I learn on the course?
The Advanced Diploma in Educational Psychotherapy is a FHEQ Level 7, UKCP accredited clinical training programme grounded in psychoanalytic and Attachment theory. Trainees develop a high level of understanding of children and young people’s emotional, social and mental health needs. Trainees develop their therapeutic skills working with children and young people through this rigorous and unique clinical training.
The programme covers:
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All major psychoanalytic thinkers and their theories
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Educational Psychotherapeutic concepts
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Caspari Therapeutic Teaching Intervention
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Attachment Theory
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Observational studies - infant and nursery
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Systemic and psychoanalytic theories about families and schools
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Mental Health Familiarisation
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Multi-Disciplinary Team seminars
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Work discussion and clinical case seminars
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SEN in schools
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Helping children with reading, writing and maths
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Working with parents
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Clinical placements in schools - 1 day per week from Year 2. Trainees must complete 450 supervised clinical hours to be eligible for Full Clinical Membership of the UKCP
For full details and module breakdowns, download the brochure below.
This programme is particularly suited to:
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Teachers
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SENCOs
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Educational Psychologists
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Social Workers
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Inclusion Leaders
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Nurture Practitioners
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Pastoral Leaders
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Professionals seeking a therapeutic career working with children
Where could this qualification lead?
This course could enable you to change your career with the following opportunities:
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Educational Psychotherapist in schools
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School-based counselling and therapeutic teams
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CAMHS and mental health services
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Adoption support services
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Specialist educational settings
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Independent and private practice
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Consultancy and training
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Clinical supervision and teaching
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Establishing your own therapeutic organisation
Many of our graduates have gone on to work in schools and CAMHS providing one-to-one Educational Psychotherapy to children and young people. Several of our alumni have set up their own organisations and private practices helping children and schools to access Educational Psychotherapy and some have gone on to become published authors.
Course Duration
The Advance Diploma in Educational Psychotherapy is a four year part-time course. The course is delivered on Thursday evenings from 5:45pm - 9:05pm during school term time with some study required on Saturdays. In Year 1, there is 1 Saturday required for the course and in Years 2 - 4 there are 6-8 Saturdays required per year.
Due to UKCP regulations, the course is delivered online in Year 1 and at our training venue at Riley Studios, Archway, London in Years 2 - 4. All Saturday sessions are delivered in person at our training venue.
Not sure if you're ready for a four-year commitment?
Many students begin with the Certificate in Therapeutic Teaching, which forms the first year of the Advanced Diploma. This allows you to explore therapeutic training and decide whether to continue onto the full professional qualification.
Course Qualification
After completion of the four years you will receive an Advanced Diploma in Educational Psychotherapy which is accredited by the UKCP. You will receive 140 Credits at FHEQ Level 7. Following completion, you can apply for full clinical membership of the UKCP as an Educational Psychotherapist (Child Psychotherapist).
"Life-changing training that enlightens and empowers practitioners
with psychoanalytic understanding that is firmly grounded in the reality we face
in mental health and education today."
- Caspari Student
Caspari Trainee
Watch our video to find out more about our courses
Fees and Funding
Investment in Your Professional Training
The Advanced Diploma in Educational Psychotherapy is a four-year, UKCP-accredited professional training leading towards registration as an Educational Psychotherapist.
Course Fees
Year 1 (Certificate in Therapeutic Teaching): £4,500
Years 2–4 (Advanced Diploma): £5,000 per year
Course fees include:
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specialist teaching and clinical training
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personal tutor support
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membership of the Caspari learning community
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academic supervision and guidance
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access to a network of experienced practitioners
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preparation for UKCP registration
Additional Professional Requirements
As with most psychotherapy trainings, students are also required to undertake:
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personal psychotherapy
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clinical supervision
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clinical placement hours
These elements form an important part of professional therapeutic training and are arranged independently by students with guidance from the course team.
Flexible Payment Options
We understand that professional training is a significant investment. Flexible payment plans and instalment options are available, and many students choose to spread the cost over the academic year.
Some students also receive support or sponsorship from their school, organisation or employer as part of professional development funding.
If you would like to discuss fees, payment options or funding arrangements, we would be very happy to talk through the available options with you.
How to apply
The next course starts in September 2026. To apply, download the application form and equal opportunities form below and email them to the Course Director: courses@caspari.org.uk by Friday 3rd July 2026.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an online interview w/c 20th July 2026. References and enhanced DBS checks will be checked upon an offer to study with the Caspari Foundation.
Entry requirements
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A minimum of two years experience working in education, or a minimum of two years experience in a relevant profession (e.g. social work), following appropriate training (a Level 6 / degree qualification or above);
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Personal suitability
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We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please discuss your qualifications with the Course Director.
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If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5.
Further information
For more information, or to watch a recording of our latest open evening, contact the Course Director: courses@caspari.org.uk.