At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver psychodynamically informed therapy and engage in personal therapy and seminars.
- Company: Join Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health care.
- Benefits: Receive a fully supported training programme leading to BPC accreditation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while advancing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Five years of experience in a core mental health profession and prior therapeutic training.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to improving mental health for diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a qualified mental health professional seeking specialist training in psychodynamic psychotherapy? Join our Specialist Psychotherapies Service as a Band 7 Trainee Psychotherapist. This opportunity is ideal for experienced practitioners from core mental health professions—nursing, OT, social work, or arts therapy—who are passionate about psychodynamic approaches and committed to professional growth. The role includes a fully supported training programme leading to British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) accreditation.
Responsibilities
- Deliver psychodynamically informed therapy to individuals facing complex mental health challenges under supervision.
- Participate in weekly personal therapy, seminars, essay writing, and supervision as part of the training programme.
- Contribute to service development, audits, and research activities.
Qualifications
- Post‑registration experience of at least five years in a core mental health profession (e.g., nursing, OT, social work, arts therapy).
- Prior therapeutic training such as counselling, CBT, DBT, or IAPT exposure.
- Strong communication skills, reflective practice, and a commitment to professional development.
- Desirable: experience with psychological interventions and understanding of psychodynamic principles.
Application Process
The vacancy involves two application stages: a recruitment process with BSMHFT and an application for the Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling via the Gloucestershire Counselling Service. Successful completion of both stages is required to be offered the training post.
About the Trust
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4,000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull and offer training and research opportunities. Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which creates an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for ensuring everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care.
Closing Date
Advert closes on Monday 8 Dec 2025.
Band 7 Trainee Psychotherapist | Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust employer: Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 7 Trainee Psychotherapist | Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who work at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on psychodynamic principles. We want you to shine, so practice answering common questions and think about how your experience aligns with the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for professional growth! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've pursued development in your career. This will demonstrate your commitment to the training programme and the values of the Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 7 Trainee Psychotherapist | Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in mental health. We want to see how your background aligns with the psychodynamic approaches we're passionate about!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your strong communication skills and reflective practice. We’re looking for candidates who are committed to professional growth, so let us know how you’ve developed in your career!
Follow the Process: Remember, there are two stages to this application. Make sure you understand both the recruitment process with BSMHFT and the application for the Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling. We want to see that you’re organised and ready to tackle both!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Psychodynamic Stuff
Brush up on psychodynamic principles and theories before the interview. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to your previous experiences and how they can inform your practice as a trainee psychotherapist.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your post-registration experience in mental health. Prepare specific examples of your work in nursing, OT, social work, or arts therapy that demonstrate your skills and commitment to professional growth.
✨Reflective Practice is Key
Be prepared to talk about your reflective practice. Think of instances where you've learned from your experiences, especially in therapeutic settings, and how this has shaped your approach to mental health care.
✨Engage with the Trust's Values
Familiarise yourself with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust's mission and values. Show genuine interest in their commitment to compassionate and inclusive care, and be ready to discuss how you align with these principles.