Trauma-informed training for professionals
Training led by experienced therapists grounded in real practice.
our services
How we can support
your organisation?
With over forty years of combined experience in social care,
we recognise the challenges encountered while supporting
vulnerable children, young people, and adults.
Our goal is to empower organisations and frontline workers
by providing quality training and customised support to improve
their effectiveness, boost confidence, and enhance outcomes
for professionals and the children and young people they support.
Training Sessions
We offer a range of training courses designed to inform, engage and support professionals.
Consultations
We offer consultations to individuals and groups to offer insights on specific cases and give appropriate support.
Reflect and Restore
We offer a space for teams to explore the impact of working with children and young people in a safe and creative way.
Our Ethos
As therapy-trained practitioners, we know that effective support goes far beyond understanding theory, it’s about knowing how to put that understanding into practice. That’s why our training doesn’t just explain concepts; we focus on how to apply them safely and compassionately in real-world settings. Our goal is to help professionals provide the best possible care for their clients’ mental health while also protecting their own.
We’re passionate about helping others become trauma-informed, therapy-aware, and client-centered — always keeping the young person’s journey at the heart of every interaction.
What makes Therapeutically Speaking stand out is our blend of professional depth and practical empathy. We don’t just teach, we equip professionals to speak and think therapy first, empowering them to create meaningful change and sustain their wellbeing in the process.
meet the team
Our founding directors
Lucy and Neil together bring over forty years of combined experience working with children and families in crisis. Their roots in social care and multi-agency practice means that they have spent their careers supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals, their families and working alongside the professionals who stand beside them. These experiences have inspired them to create Therapeutically Speaking to offer a system of support and training for front line services.
Lucy Johnson
BA Hons in Physical Theatre
MA Drama Therapy
Level 4 Lifespan Integration
Certificate in ADHD coaching
With more than a decade of specialist experience in child protection — including child abuse and child exploitation teams across Derby and Leicestershire — my work has always centred on safeguarding, trauma, and the complexities of early relational harm. My international work in Brazil, India, and Botswana further deepened my commitment to culturally responsive, trauma‑informed practice.
For the past eight years, I have led a private therapy practice dedicated to supporting individuals affected by childhood trauma, attachment disruption, and developmental adversity. As a qualified dramatherapist, I integrate creative, embodied, and narrative techniques into my clinical work, enabling clients to process trauma in ways that feel safe, contained, and accessible.
My lifespan‑focused model weaves together therapeutic attunement, expressive methods, and a gentle, structure.
Neil Martin
BA Hons Social Work
MA Psychosynthesis Psychology
Diploma Psychosynthesis Counselling
Diploma Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy
As a Social Worker, I have experience working in frontline children’s services, supporting vulnerable children and families. I was also a social worker in a therapeutic childrens team that included support to foster carers, adopters and Special Guardians. I then went on to become the manager of the team, acting as a consultant to other children’s services.
I’m now a psychotherapist of adults supporting with issues such as depression and anxiety. I also have experience in this role providing specilaist support to frontline staff including school staff.
Testimonials
I feel so much more confident working meaningfully with children in a way that will positively impact their lives.
Social worker
Really helpful and engaging. Clear explanations of communication and how it links to trauma. Good balance of activities, breaks and sharing information.
Social Worker
The trainers were very knowledgable and gave great examples from their experiences to demonstrate and discuss scenarios. It was very valuable training.
Head Teacher
our training
Our training courses are designed to inform, engage and support professionals working with children and young people.
01.
Neurodiversity in the classroom/workplace
This half-day session provides a practical understanding of neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism, exploring how neurodivergent individuals experience learning and work. Grounded in lived experience and neuroscience, it equips participants with inclusive language, insight, and practical strategies—such as reasonable adjustments—to create supportive, strengths-based classrooms and workplaces.
02.
Child exploitation and county lines
This full-day course strengthens professionals’ understanding of child exploitation and county lines activity. Through research, case studies, and expert insight, participants explore grooming, recruitment, indicators, and current tactics. The training builds professional curiosity, early identification skills, and confident, compassionate responses to safeguard children and address lasting impacts on families and communities.
03.
Technology and social media’s impact on mental health
This interactive half-day session examines technology’s impact on brain development, mental health, and behaviour. Balancing benefits with risks, it explores addiction, social comparison, cyberbullying, harmful content, and AI influence. Participants gain practical strategies to promote digital wellbeing, critical thinking, and safe, balanced technology use for children, young people, and adults.
04.
Communicating with children
This training deepens professionals’ understanding of how trauma and disrupted attachment affect brain development and behaviour, including adolescent development. Participants strengthen skills in recognising communication cues, building relational practice, and applying trauma-informed approaches. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, emotional safety, and reflective practice to support effective, resilient direct work.
05.
Harmful sexual behaviour
This training increases professionals’ understanding of sexualised behaviours in children and young people, distinguishing typical development from problematic or abusive behaviours. Participants explore contributing factors, emotional impact, and appropriate responses, including safety planning and multi-agency collaboration. The course also strengthens confidence in speaking with children and maintaining professional wellbeing.
06.
Trauma and attachment
This training equips professionals with essential knowledge of attachment and trauma, exploring how disrupted relationships affect emotional, behavioural, and cognitive development. Participants gain insight into internal working models, apply trauma-informed strategies across settings, and strengthen reflective practice and resilience to safeguard their own wellbeing when supporting vulnerable children and young people.