New training to help therapists understand the adoptee experience
Good news! Training for counsellors on ‘Working with Adopted Adults’ went live in November 2025, with the next courses running in March 2026.
PAC-UK with HTBA’s Gilli Bruce ran two-day training events in London and Leeds to offer CPD for counsellors who want to work with adult adoptees.
The PAC-UK charity work with the adoption triad and carry out research in the adoption field.
Gilli Bruce is an adoptee, a qualified Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor and a C.I.P.D. qualified training consultant with 30 years’ experience in training design and delivery.
The training for counsellors will be running annually and offered at cost to ensure that this course is affordable for as many counsellors as possible.
The course covers 4 modules to provide a comprehensive understanding of:
The historic picture and the background of the current adoption field
The effects and impacts of adoption on the developing adoptee
The life-long impacts of adoption
Ways of working with adoption issues and approaches that can help adoptees to thrive
The groups in Leeds and London enjoyed interactive sessions using a variety of training methods: presentation, short readings, group discussions and film recordings to provide learner-focused training that equips counsellors to understand all key aspects of adoption.
The next training dates are in March 2026 and bookings are open now.
Innovative CPD Training from PAC-UK – Delivered by Professional Adoption Counsellors with Lived Experience
Gain the confidence and skills to provide meaningful therapeutic support to adopted adults through this new two-day in-person training.
Dates: March 24 & 25
Times: 9.30am to 5.00pm
Location: Family Action Head Office, London, N1 7GR
Price: £250 plus VAT (£300 incl. VAT)
Gilli Bruce and Mike Hancock, PAC-UK
“The training delivered by Gilli Bruce was fabulous. Gilli has an aura about her that allows you to learn in a informal, factual and fun way - which is an important skill to hold when discussing very real and often difficult experiences which adopted people may bring to the counselling room - a natural trainer!”