The faculty includes Hattie Berger (Course Director), Joanne Collins, Errol Dinnall, Abigail Iquo Isuo Peters and Thomas Spiers: highly experienced specialists representing clinical expertise in psychoanalytical approaches, neuroscience, bodywork, transpersonal approached and CBT.

4 weekends (Saturdays and Sundays, 10.00 – 17.00) plus 7 Saturdays (10.00 – 17.00), total 15 days, 105 hours. Starting March 2025, ending January 2026.

TBC
Day 1 + 2: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March, 2025
Day 3: Saturday 5 April, 2025
Day 4: Saturday 10 May, 2025
Day 5 + 6: Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June, 2025
Day 7: Saturday 21 June, 2025
Day 8 + 9: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, 2025
Day 10 + 11: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, 2025
Day 12: Saturday 11 October, 2025
Day 13: Saturday 8 November, 2025
Day 14: Saturday 7 December, 2025
Day 15: Saturday 18 January, 2026

£2,950 (incl VAT) The fees may be paid in 10 equal instalments of £275 and a deposit of £200 to secure your place. A limited number of bursaries is available.

NAOS premises, 74 Castlebar Road, Ealing – London W5 2DD
University of West London, St Mary’s Road, Ealing W5 5RF

Course content
The course consists of theoretical, experiential and live clinical components.
The theoretical input encourages critical engagement with the theory and practice of a variety of trauma models.
Teaching and supervisory methods emphasize the multi-layered, multi-faceted processes of this impactful work, including the intentional use of self.
As already mentioned the course philosophy is Integrative and draws on the various theoretical approaches present within the student body. Differences and similarities are equally valued on the course – it is recognized that students may be required to work alongside a variety of theoretical approaches.

The following is an indication of themes covered, however other themes may surface as part of the ongoing dialogue

· Philosophy of traumatic models of working
· Integrative frameworks
· Gestalt, CBT, psychoanalytic, transpersonal and systemic models of trauma theory and practice
· Trauma Focused CBT
· Psychoanalytic approach to trauma
· Trauma & eating disorders
· Mindfulness
· Pseudo-competence
· Trauma in adolescence
· Monitoring good practice in clinical work
· Attacks on the body
· Developmental trauma
· Domestic Violence
· Over- and under-nurturing
· Sexuality and gender
· Systemic issues
· Parallel process
· Ethical and legal considerations
· Self-care
· Cross cultural issues with refugees and asylum seekers
· Self-harm
· Dissociative disorders
· OCD

Methodology
The programme combines didactic theory seminars, work discussion groups and experiential learning, skills training in triads and small groups, guided reading and large group process. Each course member will be required to bring case material for presentation and discussion once each term.
All NAOS programmes are taught at postgraduate level and course participants are expected to work academically on this basis. Discussion within the student body is as important as the tutor-taught components. Participants are encouraged to integrate the ideas from the course into a personally coherent clinical model; this will be demonstrated in the written assignment for this course.

Entry requirements
No less than 1 year experience post-qualification and ability to work at post-graduate level as counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist or mental health professional.

Faculty
The course is taught by a highly experienced faculty, representing a wide range of theoretical approaches and disciplines. All have been selected for their ability to work relationally.
The faculty includes Hattie Berger (Course Director), Tom Spiers, Joanne Collins, Errol Dinnall and Abigail Iquo Isuo Peters: highly experienced specialists representing clinical expertise in psychoanalytical approaches, neuroscience, bodywork, transpersonal approached and CBT. For biographies see: About Us.

Handbook
All course participants will be provided with an extensive course handbook, including handouts, code of ethics, assessment forms, essay title, a reading list and more.

Course Format and Dates 2025 – 2026
The course is offered as a 7 Saturdays (10.00 – 17.00) plus 4 two-day blocks Sat-Sun module (each day 10.00 – 17.00). The two-day blocks are jointly taught and offer opportunities to practice clinical skills.
Saturday mornings are given over to theory and practice while saturday afternoons will include a work discussion group and experiential group. Students will have an opportunity to present clinical material in the work discussion group each term. Saturdays will be theory and practice full days.

4 weekends (Saturdays and Sundays, 10.00 – 17.00) plus 7 Saturdays (10.00 – 17.00), total 15 days, 105 hours. Starting March 2025, ending January 2026.

TBC
Day 1 + 2: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March, 2025
Day 3: Saturday 5 April, 2025
Day 4: Saturday 10 May, 2025
Day 5 + 6: Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June, 2025
Day 7: Saturday 21 June, 2025
Day 8 + 9: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, 2025
Day 10 + 11: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, 2025
Day 12: Saturday 11 October, 2025
Day 13: Saturday 8 November, 2025
Day 14: Saturday 7 December, 2025
Day 15: Saturday 18 January, 2026

Assessment

To qualify for the Diploma students are required to complete one critical reflection of a case study (3.500 words), one critical integration essay (2.500 words), have fully paid all course fees and attend a minimum of 85% of the course.

Fees
£2,950 (incl VAT) The fees may be paid in 10 equal instalments of £275 and a deposit of £200 to secure your place. If you pay the full fee in one lump sum 2 months before the start of the training at the latest, we offer £100 discount (£2,850 total). We have a limited number of bursary places which are allocated on a first come basis.

Application process
Applicants are required to complete the application form (click here).
This will be followed by a telephone interview. If offered a place, a course contract will have to be completed and an initial deposit of £200 paid to secure a place. The remainder may be paid in one lump sum or in 10 equal instalments.

Testimonials 2023
“If you want to learn more about trauma in an enjoyable and thoughtful way then this course is for you. The teaching has been some of the best that I have experienced and I would highly recommend this course to anyone.”

“A deeply transformative experience that has not only given me confidence in my client work, but also helped me to be more compassionate to myself. Trauma is a heavy subject, but the tutors were hugely knowledgeable and supportive. There were more moment of lightness and humour than I’d expected. And as someone who can be anxious in groups, I felt able to show up as my authentic self and for that to be valued and welcomed.”

“My experience with NAOS is the one I’ll look back to as one of the most significant chapters of my growth as a practitioner and healing as a human. Highly recommended to anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of trauma!”

Testimonials 2022
“The NAOS trauma Diploma provides a wide reaching, multi layered approach to healing and recovering from trauma. Encompassing a truly authentic space that allows you, the therapist to step into a knowledgeable, trusting and competent space as a Trauma Informed therapist.”

“The tutors on this course are amazing; their energy and inspirational qualities have to be experienced to be appreciated. Working with trauma clients is intense and demanding, and this course appreciates and upholds that.  It will give you the personal capacity, the tools, knowledge, and the self-awareness to support you in your work.”

“This course has given me the in-depth understanding of trauma I was missing and searching for. I now feel equipped with the knowledge, tools and confidence to work with clients at a deeper, safer level.”

“This course has deeply grounded my work with trauma and greatly enhanced my overall confidence as a practitioner. The tutors on the course are excellent and I took something from each weekend that I have integrated into my practice. I feel I have both more skills as well as a greater tolerance for sitting in my own vulnerability and not knowing.”

“I feel blessed to have experienced the trauma course at NAOS. It has been transformational both in terms of my counselling practise and for my personal journey. The tutors were excellent and each brought a wealth of experience that was delivered in a way that was accessible and engaging. From the first weekend, I was able to start utilising my new-found knowledge and skills in my client work.”

Testimonials 2021
“A truly inspirational and engaging learning experience. Every tutor has added value to my practice with their teachings and I am so glad that I took this course.”

“Highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about supporting clients with complex trauma. The course will challenge you and open your mind and curiosity. Course delivers theory as well as many practical techniques with a lot of heart.”

“The Diploma in Trauma Therapy course has been both enjoyable and challenging.  Despite the challenges of having to combine in-person and on-line teaching, the course is one of best I have attended.  I would highly recommend to anyone looking to enrich their knowledge on working with Trauma.”

“I enjoyed the whole experience of this course; the tutors are very professional and knowledgeable in their field. I can see a difference between when I started the course and when I finished it. I feel more confident and skilful when working with trauma.”

“The Diploma in Trauma therapy is an excellent psychotherapeutic-relational approach for working with trauma drawing upon a broad range of very relevant theoretical models to create an efficacious approach to trauma work. I learned so much during my year on this course which not only changed my practice for the better but was personally transformative to me. The staff are excellent at explaining the models and theories, and helpful in providing group work opportunities to develop skills and embed knowledge. The course was made very safe in dealing with such a sensitive area. I would highly recommend this training to any social worker, counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist, or any helping professional engaged in working with trauma. ”

Testimonials 2020
“Thank you NAOS, this course was amazing I will recommend it highly to peers.”

“I would highly recommend this course. I personally loved the experiential aspect of the course. The range of tutors means that you get a fully rounded wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from.”

“The opportunity to do this training with NAOS Institute has been personally and professionally fulfilling. It has been life changing and has enabled me to truly believe in myself and has given me the skills to work in an emotionally congruent and a relational therapeutic way.”

“The course has been transformative, it has changed how I think about and work with clients who have experienced trauma.”

“I really enjoyed the diploma, the tutors were supportive and I learned from their experiences.”

Testimonials 2019
“Captivating, enriching, empowering, insightful and should be mandatory training for every therapist!  Excellent course, excellent tutors, a wondrous experience that has been truly life altering. I know I now have so much more to offer my clients and I now feel more able to do so. I am deeply grateful to NAOS for all their support and for providing such a profound opportunity for personal and professional growth and transformation.” Student 2019

“By far the most comprehensive, valuable training I have experienced. Hugely beneficial to my practice.
NAOS is professional, the tutors are exceptional, the venue is delightful.” Student 2019

“The training delivered what I needed and more I feel a richer person in terms of my personal and professional growth. Thank you to all the tutors I was truly inspired by their contagious enthusiasm and passion in each topic taught.” Student 2019

“I am absolutely delighted to recommend this course to any practitioner that is interested in working with trauma clients. The course was enriching and extremely beneficial to myself, even though I have been qualified for over 20 years, the learning and experience I gained was superb.” Student 2019

“There are some experiences that you just can’t put into words and this is one of those. But if I were to give it a go I would say that it touched my spirit and fostered my sense of freedom to be.” Student 2019

“A very inspiring and transformational course, it has made me more passionate about my counselling practice.” Student 2019

“An all encompassing and brilliant course on trauma and the complete person. Fantastically knowledgeable tutors who really know their stuff. All you ever wanted to know about trauma but were afraid to ask!” Student 2019

Testimonials 2017/2018
“I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend this course to anyone interested in working at a deep level with the trauma their clients bring. I wish I had found this course a long time ago for the depth and understanding. I have gained and for the way it has helped me integrate learning about trauma into my way of working rather than focusing on techniques that can feel alien to my style of therapy. It seems odd to say that working with such painful, dark material has been enjoyable and uplifting but it has! “ Annie Rimmer, 2017/2018

“I am very grateful that I signed up for this course – it has surpassed my expectations and I have really enjoyed it. I have learned so much – both from the tutors who were excellent and the other course participants who have been amazing colleagues to meet and learn with. I would thoroughly recommend this course.” Student 2017/2018

“This course has helped me step into a more generous life. It has given new language to my own trauma and has empowered me to work with trauma in a very different way. I now work from a place of peace and rest. If I could I would do it all again as I loved it so much!” M.E. 2017/2018

“The course content has been informative and insightful at the same time.  I found each of the training weekends enriching in terms of the their structure and beautifully crafted presentation by each tutor. This helped me to expand on, not only the theory but also some very invaluable ways of working with trauma experientially.” Student 2017/2018

“The Diploma in Trauma training has allowed me to become more confident in my working with trauma and has empowered me to become more courageous in my work. The tutors different styles, throughout the course, have supported me to develop personally and professionally, which has seen a positive change in my working with trauma.” N.B. 2017/2018

“Excellent course, excellent tutors. Be careful though, this course may change how you view your work with clients forever, but in a good way.” Student 2017/2018

Carl Jung said “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child”. Student 2017/2018

“Be prepared to be challenged in yourself and to learn and experience a new way of approaching how you not just view trauma, but yourself and the world around you.” S.B. 2017/2018

“I’d like to thank NAOS for the inspiring experience whilst attending the Trauma diploma. This has been life changing for me, both personally and professionally. The words thank you don’t really express the depth of my gratitude and profundity of the moving experience.” P.R. 2017/2018

Testimonials 2015/2017
“I really enjoyed the trauma training at NAOS. The range of quality and highly knowledgeable lecturers and scope of topics covered, means that I left the training with much more confidence in my understanding and ability to work with trauma.
What I loved most about this training was it’s relational focus, which was an enriching and valued experience. There was a delicate balance between theory and process, which I really appreciated. I felt incredibly supported and the training has really deepened my work with clients, as well as gaining another layer of understanding of my self.” Mariam Bhunnoo, 2016

“The Diploma in Trauma Therapy brings together outstanding speakers and themes that are directly relevant to anyone working with clients in distress.  The approach to the work is consistently modelled by speakers and course staff, showing that the theory is lived as well as taught.  As a result of taking part, my practice has broadened and deepened, increasing my confidence in my work.  I highly recommend it.” Val Allen, 2016

“I have been practising for over twenty years. This course is helping me to rethink and reshape my ideas and assumptions about trauma and where that experience sits within us internally and within our culture. That the course straddles many modalities both within the trainers and my peers  is really helpful. I find it such an enriching experience.” Alex, Summer 2015

“It has been fascinating program and it has helped my own personal trauma recovery in profound ways. Well-balanced program with strong academic and personally reflective components.” Anonymous, March 2015

“Happy to share that the course has given me a fresh perspective on my work with clients and highlighted how much all therapists need to be aware of the impact of trauma.” Kwame, April 2015

“In 2013/2014 I attended a course, the Diploma in Trauma Treatment, with NAOS. I received my Diploma recently. This brought home to me what a great experience it was, and how much completing it meant to me. Each session introduced us to a different method or perspective for working with trauma. The quality of the presenters was fantastic. I learnt so much in the year. I feel very resilient when working with trauma cases and enjoy the challenges this work brings. What I particularly love about NAOS is that they have great values, they care and in a very adult way are around to help. This year I am doing the Advanced Diploma in Couples Therapy and this too is a fabulous experience. I feel very confident to recommend NAOS.” (Testimonial provided by J Eden Riley)