Introducing Our Level 4 Online Course: Supporting Children Through Therapeutic Care
A flexible, accredited Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Child Care (Online) for professionals who want to make a deeper impact in the lives of vulnerable children.
Children and young people who have experienced trauma, neglect or disrupted attachments need more than routine care—they need informed, therapeutic relationships that help them feel safe, seen and supported. That's why we've developed the Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Child Care (Online): a flexible, accredited course designed for professionals who want to make a deeper impact in the lives of vulnerable children.
Whether you work in social care, education, youth justice, or health, this course will provide you with the knowledge and practical tools to offer relational, trauma-informed care that truly makes a difference.
What is the Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Child Care (Online)?
This is a nationally recognised qualification, accredited by Crossfields Institute and supported by APPCIOS (The Association for Psychodynamic Practice and Counselling in Organisational Settings). It is delivered by expert practitioners from The Mulberry Bush, a leading therapeutic community with over 75 years of experience supporting children with complex needs.
The course is delivered entirely online (with one optional residential component), making it accessible for working professionals across the UK.
What the Course Covers
Across 15 sessions, you'll explore a carefully designed curriculum that reflects real-life challenges and opportunities in working with children and young people, including:
- Principles of Therapeutic Child Care – the core values behind therapeutic work, and how everyday interactions can become healing opportunities.
- Psychodynamic Theory in Practice – containment, projection, transference and defence mechanisms, and how to use supervision and reflection to manage your own emotional responses.
- The Impact of Trauma on Child Development – how early trauma shapes the developing brain and nervous system, and what children need to rebuild trust and feel safe again.
- Relational and Reflective Practice – forming safe, respectful, trust-based relationships, and reflecting on your own feelings and reactions without judgment.
- Understanding and Responding to Behaviour – interpreting behaviour through a therapeutic lens and responding effectively, without shame or punishment.
- Multi-Agency Working in Child Care Settings – communicating and collaborating across education, health, social care and justice professionals.
Why You Should Sign Up
This course is ideal for residential childcare workers, teaching assistants and pastoral school staff, youth justice and probation professionals, CAMHS and children's health staff, and anyone working with children in trauma-affected settings.
By enrolling, you're investing in a course that is flexible, accredited, offers real-world skills you can use from day one, connects you to a national network of trauma-informed professionals, and builds your confidence, reflection and emotional insight.
How can you sign up?
Places are limited and early booking is encouraged. Click here to book or learn more
If you want to better understand the children you support, respond to their needs with confidence, and grow in your professional role—this course is for you.
