28/11/2025
⚠️ An important reminder for therapists and services.
🌟In recent months, I’ve noticed a rise in CPD programmes being advertised in ways that can understandably mis-lead many well intentioned adult therapists to believe they are qualified to work with adolescents after completing a short course.
💛This is not about blame.
This is about clarity, ethics, and the protection of young people.
🌟Adolescence is a distinct and complex developmental stage.
It involves unique neurological, emotional, relational, and identity processes that require specialist training, supervision, and governance.
⚠️CPD is valuable.
But CPD does NOT qualify a therapist to work with under-18s.
Only a recognised child and adolescent training pathway does.
🌟If you are unsure, please check:
• your governing body’s standards
• your training remit
• your insurance cover
• the details of any CPD you attend
• and that your supervisor is trained to supervise child/adolescent work
💛Adolescent psychotherapy is specialist work.
Please ensure your training reflects that.
💛Young people deserve developmentally informed, safe, and appropriate care.
Nothing less.💛
“Young people depend on us getting it right, please read the small print!” 💛
