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Language and Mind

Understanding Language Development and Complex Trauma

Master's level CPD course validated by Plymouth Marjon University

Four-day online course

2, 3, 9, 10 February 2026 

16, 17, 23, 24 November 2026

Three-day on-campus course

11, 12, 13 May 2026

This innovative course will provide advanced post-graduate training on the relationship between language development and social cognition. A range of neurodevelopmental conditions and social, emotional and mental health needs will be covered in the course. However, the primary focus will be on children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and complex trauma. The course suits professionals from various backgrounds including speech and language therapy, the Youth Justice Service, social care, education, youth work, and mental health settings.

Delivered by Dr Val Brooks, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist: SEMH Needs.

To find out more and book a place, please email Leah Sant (opens in new window).

Course content

  • What it means to view language and communication through a ‘trauma lens’.
  • The development of mind in the context of parent-child communication; the role of language and the impact of complex trauma. Implications for attachment relationships.
  • The development of social cognition including mentalization.
  • The relationship between narrative development and Autobiographical Memory. The importance for social thinking and mental well-being. The impact of complex trauma and Developmental Language Disorder.
  • The impact of toxic communication environments on the developing brain. Implications for neurodevelopmental conditions such as Developmental Language Disorder, FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), Aphantasia.
  • Developing effective interventions for children and adolescents with complex trauma and Developmental Language Disorder.

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Start Date:

The next available online course will run on 2, 3, 9, 10 February 2026 

Fees:

£500 Attendance only or £550 Accredited route

Contact:

Leah Sant lsant@marjon.ac.uk

Fees

£500 Attendance only: Delegates must attend all four days and will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Plymouth Marjon University.

£550 accredited route: Delegates with undergraduate degrees can submit an additional piece of written work for 30 Masters level credits.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate:

Comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of the interaction of child attachment and language development.

A systematic understanding of, and critical evaluation of the relationship between complex trauma, Developmental Language Disorder and the social and emotional development and mental well-being of children and adolescents.

The ability to integrate and critically evaluate cross-disciplinary approaches to working with children and adolescents with complex trauma and Developmental Language Disorder.

Critical reflection on the integration of course content with their own professional practice.

Course Routes

Four-day online course

16, 17, 23, 24 November 2026

Three-day on-campus course

11, 12, 13 May 2026

Numbers are strictly limited and early booking is advised. Delegates with undergraduate degrees have the option of submitting an additional piece of written work leading to 30 Masters level credits.

 

Contact us

Contact Leah

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