
CPCAB Level 5 Diploma
Integrating Attachment-Based
Psychotherapy into Clinical Practice
APPLICATIONS FOR 2025/ 2026 ARE NOW OPEN
Please register your interest for 2026/2027
Awarded by CPCAB
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This Level 5 Diploma offers an exciting opportunity to dive deep into the world of Attachment Theory, helping you uncover the impact of attachment injuries and defenses on your clients' lives.
As a therapist, you’ll gain a richer, more empathic understanding of your clients' inner worlds, enhancing your ability to connect and support them effectively.
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We’ll explore human development through the lens of attachment, reflecting on how it shapes us throughout life. You’ll also have the chance to reflect on your own attachment experiences, making this course not just educational, but personally transformative.

Diploma Overview
Participants will gain a good knowledge and understanding of:
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Classical attachment theory and research
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Assessment in Private Practice
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How the particular qualities of early relational experiences influence the developing mind and brain
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How this is expressed in relationships with other people and with oneself
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The impact of social, cultural, and historical context on family dynamics
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Attachment needs throughout the life-cycle: the increasing complexity of attachment behaviours throughout life
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How these processes have been expressed in the participant's own life
This Diploma covers 120 guided learning hours.
Attachment Diploma Content
Offers a unique theoretical understanding of attachment theory, throughout the lifespan and how to integrate it into clinical practice to gain a deep empathic comprehension of our client's internal world.
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Historical Perspectives of Theory
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Contemporary Attachment Theory
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Attachment throughout the lifespan
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Using an Attachment-Based Psychotherapeutic model
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Neuroscience - Attachment Body and Brain
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Attachment Loss and Bereavement
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Defences and Affect Regulation
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Mind Mindedness
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Working with Dismissing Attachment
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Working with Preoccupied Attachment
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Working with Attachment in the Consulting Room in respect of:
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Depression and Suicide
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Anxiety
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Eating Disorders
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Addiction
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Trauma
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Working with Unresolved Trauma and Loss
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Assessments and Private Practice
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Attachment and Ethical Practice
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Attachment in the Therapy Room
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Attachment and Dreams


Diploma Dates
- September 26th 2025 - June 26th 2026
(Term time only)
- 33 live online sessions with reading and study week.
- Friday mornings from 09:00 – 13:00
Delegate Commitment
Attending weekly online training sessions.
- Maintaining a reflective journal of progress and self-awareness.
- Attending tutorials.
- Completing three assignments including:- An Attachment and Loss Assignment, a Case Presentation
based on a Case Study and your own Attachment Story.
- Reading from the required reading list.
- Completion of a portfolio of written work.
- Completion of a minimum of 20 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Completion of 20 hours of Attachment-Based personal counselling.
- A commitment of approximately 4 – 6 hours per week for study, reading, research and written work
in addition to the training sessions.
- Membership of a professional counselling body

Progression Onto a Level 6 Clinical Supervision qualification with the required number of supervised client hours. Or a one year top up BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative counselling and psychotherapy.
Course Requirements Prior completion of a recognised Level 4 Counselling Diploma course or higher (with a min 420 guided learning hours (GLH)). Currently in clinical practice. Full completion of the course application form (available on request). Write a pre-course essay on your clinical experience and your motivation for applying for this course. (approx. 1000 words). You will be invited to attend a pre-course interview.