iST Training & Development
Accredited clinical training with Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST)
At Childhood First, we offer you a vocation with purpose, growth, and transformation. As a Therapeutic Care Worker, you’ll play a vital role in healing the lives of severely traumatised children and young people. But what makes this opportunity truly unique is that we also invest in your development through funded, nationally accredited clinical training in Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST) – our pioneering therapeutic model.
What is iST?
iST is a UKCP-accredited psychotherapeutic training model developed by Childhood First. Rooted in systemic, psychoanalytic, and group-based approaches, iST is designed specifically to support the emotional and psychological recovery of children who have experienced profound early trauma. It’s not only evidence-based – it’s human-centred, immersive, and transformative.
As part of your employment with us, you’ll receive:
• Free access to our Foundation and Certificate Programmes in iST.
• Regular clinical supervision, both group and individual as well as membership to reflective practice groups.
• Opportunities to train as a Child Psychotherapeutic Counsellor or Child Psychotherapist, accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and validated by Middlesex University.
• Experiential learning that integrates theory and practice – learning by doing, with real therapeutic outcomes.
A training culture like no other…
You’ll work in therapeutic communities with 24/7 wraparound care where every moment is part of the therapeutic process – from shared mealtimes to bedtime routines. You won’t just apply theory – you’ll live it. Every child’s story becomes part of a shared journey towards healing, and your training equips you to play a key role in that journey.
As you support young people to process and recover from trauma, you’ll gain:
• Deep insight into your own emotional processes.
• Clinical language and tools to understand trauma, attachment, and development.
• Experience of working with unconscious processes and transference.
• Meaningful connection to a network of committed, therapeutic professionals.
Why this matters?
This isn’t fast-track training. It’s rigorous, relational, and restorative – and it’s fully funded for our Therapeutic Care Workers. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your practice, iST training is a pathway to genuine professional and personal growth.
You’ll be supported by a dedicated clinical team, regular supervision, and group reflective spaces – because our healing model starts with how we treat each other.
Join us – be part of the change
Childhood First is more than a workplace. It’s a learning organisation, a community of care, and a national leader in trauma-informed treatment. If you’re ready to grow, contribute, and be transformed, we’d love to hear from you.
“It’s not just hard work. It’s heart work.”
For further details of our training courses, please contact the Deepti Bhalla, our Training Administrator by phone or email using the links below: