Professional Certificate in Addiction Studies: Psychoanalytic Theory & Clinical Technique

This advanced professional certificate offers an in-depth exploration of addiction through the lens of psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice. Designed for mental health professionals, psychotherapists, counsellors, and allied practitioners, the programme integrates contemporary addiction studies with psychoanalytic insights into human behaviour, unconscious processes, and the formation of compulsive patterns.

Participants will critically examine the intrapsychic, developmental, and relational dimensions of addiction, exploring the role of trauma, repetition compulsion, ego defences, and transference phenomena. Drawing on key thinkers such as Freud, Winnicott, Lacan, Khantzian, and contemporary relational theorists, the course places addiction within a broader framework of psychic structure and symptom formation.

The programme combines theoretical seminars with case-based learning and technical workshops, providing clinicians with practical tools for assessment, formulation, and intervention. Special emphasis is placed on therapeutic technique, including working with resistance, building the therapeutic alliance, and managing countertransference in addiction treatment.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of addiction as both a psychological defence and a symptom of deeper psychic conflict, enabling more nuanced and effective clinical responses in both individual and group settings.

Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies (February 2026 Intake)

Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies (February 2026 Intake)

Course Description

The Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies is a comprehensive, evidence-based programme designed to deepen understanding of addiction and enhance professional competencies in working with individuals affected by substance use and behavioural addictions. Delivered online over 10 weeks, this diploma is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, healthcare workers, educators, social care professionals, and anyone with a professional or personal interest in addiction and recovery.​

Grounded in a trauma-informed and integrative framework, the course explores the psychological, neurobiological, social, and cultural dimensions of addiction. Each weekly module combines theory with practical case examples, group discussions, and reflective practice to ensure applied learning. Participants will gain tools for assessment, intervention planning, and ethical decision-making, while also learning about recovery models, relapse prevention, and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.

Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this diploma offers a valuable and accessible foundation in addiction studies — equipping you to support clients with empathy, clinical insight, and professional integrity. The course also integrates a strong theory and application principles of Psychoanalysis


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Professional Diploma in Traumatology & PTSD (February 2026 Intake)

Professional Diploma in Traumatology & PTSD (February 2026 Intake)

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Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies (October 2025 Intake)

Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies (October 2025 Intake)

Course Description

The Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies is a comprehensive, evidence-based programme designed to deepen understanding of addiction and enhance professional competencies in working with individuals affected by substance use and behavioural addictions. Delivered online over 10 weeks, this diploma is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, healthcare workers, educators, social care professionals, and anyone with a professional or personal interest in addiction and recovery.​

Grounded in a trauma-informed and integrative framework, the course explores the psychological, neurobiological, social, and cultural dimensions of addiction. Each weekly module combines theory with practical case examples, group discussions, and reflective practice to ensure applied learning. Participants will gain tools for assessment, intervention planning, and ethical decision-making, while also learning about recovery models, relapse prevention, and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.

Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this diploma offers a valuable and accessible foundation in addiction studies — equipping you to support clients with empathy, clinical insight, and professional integrity. The course also integrates a strong theory and application principles of Psychoanalysis


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Professional Diploma in Eating Disorders, Body Image & Emotional Health

Professional Diploma in Eating Disorders, Body Image & Emotional Health

The Professional Diploma in Eating Disorders, Body Image & Emotional Health is designed for practitioners who wish to better understand the complex relationship between food, body image, emotions, and identity. The course provides a comprehensive overview of eating disorders and disordered eating, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive intake, and subclinical patterns that may still cause significant distress and impairment.

You will explore how biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors interact in the development and maintenance of eating difficulties. Particular attention is given to perfectionism, shame, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties in emotional regulation. The impact of family dynamics, peer relationships, media influences, and social pressures around appearance and performance is examined throughout, with sensitivity to gender, culture, and diversity.

A core focus of the programme is on developing a compassionate, non-judgemental and collaborative stance. You will learn how to recognise warning signs, ask safe and sensitive questions, and respond in ways that reduce stigma and promote trust. The course introduces key therapeutic approaches and best-practice guidelines in the support of individuals with eating difficulties, while clarifying the limits of your role and the importance of multidisciplinary working, medical monitoring, and specialist referral.

Teaching methods typically include lectures, case examples, reflective exercises, and skills practice. You will be supported to apply learning to your own context, whether that is counselling, psychotherapy, youth work, education, health, fitness and wellbeing, or community and voluntary services.

This diploma is particularly suited to professionals who frequently encounter concerns about food, weight, shape, or appearance in their work. By the end of the course, you will have greater confidence in understanding eating disorders and body image distress, in holding supportive and informed conversations, and in contributing to environments that promote emotional health, body respect, and recovery-oriented care.


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