Specialised Training for Therapists
Certificate in Working Therapeutically with
Sexual Abuse and Complex Trauma
At One in Four, Ireland we work together to end child sexual abuse (CSA) by providing expert-led support to survivors, innovating prevention strategies, and empowering societal responsibility. Due to our professional and dedicated services, we are nationally and internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in the field of CSA.
In our work we see daily that there is a growing demand for therapists who feel confident and clinically equipped to work with the complex and long-lasting impacts of CSA and relational trauma. We developed this course to close that gap.
Each module is delivered by members of our expert clinical and advocacy teams and combines in-depth theory with experiential learning, case-based discussion, and reflective integration sessions. As a participant you will deepen your understanding of complex trauma, strengthen your relational skills, and enhance your therapeutic capacity to work safely and effectively in this challenging but essential area.
- Critically evaluate the developmental impact of complex trauma, including the psychological, emotional, and physiological sequelae of child sexual abuse, to inform nuanced clinical formulation.
- Integrate and adapt therapeutic modalities responsively and in-the-moment, demonstrating clinical flexibility in alignment with clients’ trauma presentations and emergent needs.
- Analyse and manage transference and countertransference dynamics within the therapeutic relationship, particularly in the context of trauma and abuse, to maintain attunement and clinical boundaries.
- Reflect on and evaluate the impact of personal values, cultural frameworks, and implicit biases on clinical decision-making to ensure ethical, culturally responsive practice.
- Demonstrate advanced competence in identifying, conceptualizing, and containing trauma-related dynamics within diverse clinical settings.
- Design and implement individualized, sustainable self-care strategies grounded in best practices for trauma-informed clinicians to mitigate vicarious trauma and prevent burnout.
Course Modules include:
- Working with Child Sexual Abuse: Complex Trauma, Shame, Resourcing and Psychoeducation.
- Therapeutic Modalities and their Approach to Trauma: Body Work, Integrative Psychotherapy, Using Creativity, and Sexual Intimacy after Abuse.
- Systemic Context: Family Support, Group Work, Prevention/dynamics of offending behaviour, working with male survivors, and the role of Advocacy and the legal system.
- Practitioner Focus: Self-Care, and Effective use of Supervision
Two complimentary sessions of group supervision will be offered to participants after the course.
Starting January 2026 – one Saturday a month
Time: 10am – 4pm
31st January, 28th February, 28th March, 25th April, 23rd May, 27th June, 25th July, 29th August, 26th September, 31st October
35-36 Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 E221
Registration Deadline:
Must apply by Monday, 8 December 2025.
Cost:
€2,800 (Fee payable in two instalments January and May 2026).
We require a non-refundable 10% deposit upon registration to secure placement.
Early bird price:
€2,700 if you book before 1st October 2025.
All proceeds from this course will be used to help fund the services that we provide.
You must be a qualified psychotherapist or counselling psychologist to be eligible to take this course
This course is CPD approved for 55h by the IACP and can be claimed as CPD category A for the IAHIP.
To register, complete the Application form.
Application Deadline is December 31st, 2025.
For any questions, reach out to Training@oneinfour.ie
Testimonials from our graduates
“What I found particularly useful was the relational approach of the lecturers. They were highly attuned to the group and created a safe, supportive environment where participants felt genuinely able to explore and engage. Their ability to connect on a human level made the training feel both grounded and meaningful, and encouraged open reflection and shared learning.”
“The trainers brought their first hand, extensive experience which cannot be replicated by books.”
“Throughout the training, I was continually impressed by the quality of teaching and the integrity of the facilitators at One In Four Ireland. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment to survivor-centred work is truly exceptional.
I would highly recommend this training to any therapist who works, or plans to work, with survivors of sexual abuse or complex trauma. One In Four Ireland’s contribution to this field in Ireland cannot be overstated , their work changes lives, and their training reflects that same depth of care and professionalism.”
“I participated in the pilot of this certificate course and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any therapist who wants to work with survivors of childhood sexual abuse with greater confidence and skill. The facilitators brought decades of direct, specialist experience. Their attuned, relational approach created space for genuine exploration and reflection. The programme was thoughtfully structured, weaving together theory, experiential learning, and case discussions in a way that felt cohesive and practical.
What further enriched the course was the group itself—participants brought deep insight from their own specialised work, and their contributions added real depth to our learning together. My time with One in Four has left me with profound respect for this organisation—not just for the essential work they do, but for the way they do it: with commitment, respect, and genuine care for each other and for the people they serve.”
