Working with Boarding School Syndrome
A CPD Sussex Event
Introduction
This workshop explores the psychological impact of boarding school experiences on childhood development and how these effects manifest as distress in adulthood.
Boarding School Syndrome refers to the often-overlooked emotional and relational difficulties that can arise from institutional upbringing. Because boarding school is typically associated with privilege and opportunity, the potential for trauma is rarely acknowledged—by society or by clients themselves.
Yet the effects can be significant: difficulties with attachment, challenges in regulating emotions, and recurring patterns in relationships. For therapists, understanding this syndrome is key to recognising dynamics that might otherwise remain hidden in the therapeutic relationship, and to creating a safe space for clients to explore feelings they may have long been taught to suppress.
What does this workshop cover?
This event is a workshop designed for therapists, counsellors, and mental health practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding. In this session, we will explore:
- What Boarding School Syndrome is
- How it develops and how it presents in adults
- How to work therapeutically with clients who attended boarding school
About the Presenter
Amelia White is a BACP-accredited therapist whose work focuses on the long-term effects of boarding school education on emotional development and adult behaviour. She brings experience from the NHS and Hope Crisis, and has taught counselling students at both Brighton University and East Sussex College.
Having completed Nick Duffell's specialist diploma in Psychotherapy with Ex-Boarders, Amelia has a particular interest in the power of group work. This led her to create a global online course for ex-boarders, available in both mixed-gender and women-only formats.
Alongside her individual therapy practice, Amelia writes regularly on the subject and delivers workshops, counsellor training, and group programmes supporting those affected by boarding school experiences.
CPD Sussex
Born from a dynamic partnership between Connexus Institute and New Road Psychotherapy, CPD Sussex offers low-cost Continuous Professional Development events created specifically for counsellors and psychotherapists (in-training and qualified) committed to growth, connection, and excellence in their practice.
We offer affordable bi-monthly workshops running from September through July. Join us on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Connexus Institute training premises, 5 The Drive, Hove, BN3 3JE
A warm and welcoming setting for learning and conversation!
Date: Tuesday 19th May 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Mode: In-person at Connexus Institute
Cost: £10