CPCAB Accredited (T.M.Q):
L5 Diploma in Advanced Professional Practice in Domestic Abuse (IDVA- aligned)
Tutor & Author
![Stephan Dais ID Photo 27-01-26[66].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8c91f7_84d9a83128234f31a33db7043bae759c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_112,h_166,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Stephan%20Dais%20ID%20Photo%2027-01-26%5B66%5D.png)
Stephan Dais is a counsellor, author, and educator with over 20 years’ experience working with individuals affected by domestic abuse and complex trauma. Since 2012, he has specialised in supporting male victims of domestic abuse and family violence through Uomini, a counselling and advocacy service he founded to address experiences that are often silenced, misunderstood, or minimised. This includes supporting victims navigating family court and child-contact proceedings, where the emotional and psychological impact of abuse is frequently intensified. His work is IDVA aligned, integrating safe advocacy with therapeutic care and clear professional boundaries.
Stephan’s work is grounded in trauma-informed, ethical, and biopsychosocial practice. His book, When Women Abuse Men, explores the emotional, relational, and systemic impacts of abuse on men, while remaining attentive to the wider effects on women and children. Qualifying as a counsellor in 2005, he has worked across addiction services, mental health, prisons, and frontline support settings.
A BACP member since 2003, Stephan is currently a lecturer in counselling psychology in London and continues to work clinically with clients experiencing complex emotional and behavioural difficulties. His teaching supports practitioners to work with clarity, compassion, and confidence in high-risk, emotionally demanding, and safeguarding-focused environments.
The first of its kind!
Working with domestic abuse demands clarity, ethical confidence, and a deep understanding of trauma and systems. This course supports professional: therapists, students, and frontline workers to respond safely and compassionately to complex presentations, including cases involving family court and safeguarding processes. Grounded in frontline practice and reflective learning, it offers practical insight for work in high-risk, emotionally demanding settings.
Book Publication & Research Papers
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An Intercultural Approach to Working with Men Who Have Sex with Men Gender Dysmorphia
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The Origins and Intercultural Elements of 12 Step Addiction Treatment Muscle Dysmorphia and The Adonis Complex
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Gay and Lesbian Parenting- The Cultural and Counselling Issue Mental Health and Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
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MA Group and Transcultural Therapy
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Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Counselling
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Diploma in Counselling Supervision
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Certificate in Counselling Supervision
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Certificate in Sexual Minority Therapy
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Pink Therapy
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Certificate in Counselling Studies and Counselling Skills
Course overview
CPCAB Accredited Tailormade Qualification(T.M.Q)
L5 Diploma in Advanced Professional Practice in Domestic Abuse (I.D.V.A - aligned)
Where, Starting Date, & Delivery
Centre: Surrey’s Learning and Counselling Centre (SLCC)
Start Date: Saturday June 26th 026 | End Date: Saturday 22nd Aug 2026
Delivery: Hybrid – face-to-face and online
Qualification Details & Course Overview
This is a CPCAB Accredited Tailormade Qualification (T.M.Q:)
L5 Diploma in Advanced Professional Practice in Domestic Abuse (I.D.V.A – aligned). The course is designed to help practitioners develop advanced skills to support individuals affected by domestic abuse. Participants will learn to provide specialist psychological, therapeutic, and emotional support that promotes recovery and well-being. The qualification also builds practical knowledge in safety planning and risk management, enabling practitioners to offer informed options and guidance to individuals who have experienced intimate partner, ex-partner, or family violence, helping them to keep themselves, their children, and their families safe.
Please amend to state; ‘This is a CPCAB Accredited Tailor Made qualification….’
Course Overview
This course provides students with a clear understanding of domestic abuse and its different forms. Students will explore how factors like gender, sexuality, social context, and intersectionality shape abusive relationships.
The course also covers key therapeutic approaches, theories, and treatment methods for supporting victims of domestic abuse in a counselling setting. Additionally, students will learn about the role of the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and gain practical strategies for intervention and support.
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By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand the different forms of domestic abuse.
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Explore how gender, sexuality, social context, and intersectionality influence abusive relationships.
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Examine key therapeutic approaches, theories, and treatment methods for supporting victims.
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Understand the role of the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA).
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Apply practical strategies for intervention and support for those affected by domestic abuse.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be aged 25 or over.
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Hold at least a Level 4 Diploma in counselling or psychology.
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Experience working professionally with domestic abuse
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Have a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in counselling or a related mental-health field. This will be discussed at the interview stage.
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Hold their own professional supervision arrangement.
Course Structure
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Duration: 12 weeks
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Total Qualification Time (TQT): 370 hours
– Guided Learning Hours (GLH): approximately 168
– Independent study and research: approximately 202 -
Sessions: Minimum of 12 taught sessions (9:30-5:30pm: 7 hours: 1 hour for lunch), (timings can be flexible).
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Tutorials: 30-minute individual tutorials every 3 weeks (Weeks 3, 6, 9, 10)
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Delivery Options:
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Intensive course: weekly sessions for 12 weeks
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Standard group course: every two weeks
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Bespoke 1-to-1 route: flexible by arrangement with tutor.
No residential weekend training days are required.
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Assessment
You will be assessed through a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your learning and competence. This includes:
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Written essays and reflective journals
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Case studies
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Tutor-observed participation and application of theory
Selected case studies and essays will be sent to CPCAB for independent verification.
Students must complete the course portfolio and the written assignments to complete the course. Minimum meet criteria requirement is once.
There is an attendance requirement for the course of 90%.
Course Charter
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The Centre is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students and staff. Everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a community where all members feel valued, included, and secure.
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Any behaviour that intentionally harms, intimidates, or disrupts others—whether mentally, physically, or verbally—will not be tolerated. All members of the Centre are expected to treat one another with professionalism, kindness, and respect at all times.
Learning Resources & Progress Opportunties
Learners will have access to a wide range of open-source materials, including:
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Office for National Statistics (ONS)
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World Health Organisation (WHO)
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Home Office and government reports
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National and international news publications (BBC, PBS, etc.)
Additional reading lists and case materials will be provided by the tutor.
Progression Opportunities
Successful completion may support progression toward:
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Advanced specialist counselling practice in trauma and domestic abuse.
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Work in domestic abuse services or as an I.D.V.A.
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Teaching, supervision or further postgraduate study in counselling or psychology.
Tutor Expertise
All teaching staff are qualified counsellors or psychologists with a minimum of ten years’ post-qualification experience. The lead tutor is an author and recognised specialist in the field of domestic abuse counselling.