At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's emotional wellbeing and help them develop coping strategies.
- Company: Specialist school in Chippenham focused on mental health and emotional support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily pay, full-time hours, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Ideal for psychology or counselling students looking to kickstart their careers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience for your future career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and a passion for children's mental health; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 21870 - 26730 £ per year.
Are you interested in understanding children's emotional wellbeing, mental health and psychological development? Are you an aspiring therapist, counsellor, psychologist or mental health professional looking for meaningful experience before progressing into further training? A specialist school in Chippenham is looking for a compassionate and motivated Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist to join their team. You will support children aged 5-16 with a range of needs, including Autism, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties and additional learning needs.
As a Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist, you will provide consistent emotional and pastoral support, helping children understand their feelings, develop healthy coping strategies and build confidence in managing everyday challenges.
The Role
As a Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist, you will play an important role in supporting children's emotional wellbeing within a structured and nurturing school environment. Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing 1:1 and small-group emotional wellbeing support to children.
- Building positive, trusting relationships that help children feel safe, heard and understood.
- Supporting children to recognise, communicate and manage their emotions.
- Helping children develop healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation strategies.
- Providing reassurance to children experiencing anxiety, distress or emotional difficulties.
- Supporting children to develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
- Encouraging positive communication and healthy social interactions.
- Helping children overcome emotional barriers that may affect their learning or engagement.
About You
We are looking for a Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist who is:
- Naturally empathetic, patient and approachable.
- Passionate about children's mental health, emotional wellbeing and development.
- Interested in understanding psychological and therapeutic approaches.
- Calm and supportive when children are experiencing emotional distress.
- Confident developing positive professional relationships with children.
- A strong listener with excellent communication skills.
Previous experience working with children, mental health, SEND or emotional wellbeing is beneficial but not essential. This position could be particularly suitable for graduates or students with backgrounds in Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Social Work, Education, Childhood Studies or related subjects.
Why Become a Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist?
This Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist position provides valuable frontline experience for individuals considering future careers in:
- Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Occupational Therapy
What We Offer
This Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist opportunity provides:
- £85-£110 per day, depending on experience.
- PAYE weekly pay.
- Full-time, Monday-Friday opportunities.
- September 2026 start.
- A supportive specialist school environment in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
- Hands-on experience supporting children with Autism, SEMH, anxiety, trauma and additional needs.
- Excellent experience for aspiring therapists, counsellors, psychologists and mental health professionals.
Begin Your Journey Towards a Career in Therapy
As a Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to children's lives while developing the practical experience needed for future therapeutic training. You could help a child understand and communicate an emotion, support them through a difficult moment, encourage them to develop a new coping strategy or simply provide the consistency and reassurance they need to feel secure.
If you are looking for a Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist role where you can combine your interest in psychology and therapy with meaningful, hands-on experience, this Chippenham opportunity could be the ideal next step. Apply Today!
Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist in Chippenham employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist in Chippenham
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at All The Top Bananas. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like All The Top Bananas.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Therapist in Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for All The Top Bananas:Take some time to research All The Top Bananas and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for All The Top Bananas's values and approach.
