At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide creative therapies to children facing emotional challenges and support their families.
- Company: The Windmill Trust, a compassionate charity dedicated to helping young people.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, opportunity for job share, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Enjoy coastal living near the Lake District while making an impact.
- Why this job: Join a specialist team and use your skills to create lasting emotional change.
- Qualifications: Master’s level qualification in relevant therapy and experience with children.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Windmill Trust is seeking a thoughtful, skilled and compassionate therapist to join our small, specialist team, working with children and young people experiencing complex emotional needs. We provide long-term, trauma-informed creative therapies for children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences, attachment disruption, loss, neglect or overwhelming life events. Many of the children we support struggle to access mainstream services. Our role is to offer a safe, consistent therapeutic space centred on the child’s voice, pace and developmental needs.
This is a rare opportunity to practise in a relational model that prioritises depth of work over high-volume, time-limited interventions. Therapists work systemically with families, carers and professional networks to support lasting emotional change.
- Master’s level qualification in Play Therapy, Arts Therapy or Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy (or equivalent)
- Registration with BAPT (Full Member preferred), HCPC, UKCP or equivalent professional body
- Experience of therapeutic work with children and young people
- Knowledge of attachment-informed and trauma-sensitive practice
- Ability to work collaboratively with families and multi-agency networks
- Experience of complex developmental trauma
- Group therapy experience
The role involves delivering individual and group therapy to children aged 4-18 (up to 25 if care experienced), undertaking assessments and reports, supporting parents and carers, and contributing to reflective team practice and service development. We welcome applications from Play Therapists, Art Therapists, Dramatherapists, Music Therapists, Dance and Movement Therapists or Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists working in an attachment-based, creative and non-directive way. Newly qualified therapists with strong relevant placements are also encouraged to apply.
Based in West Cumbria, the role offers coastal living alongside easy access to the Lake District National Park and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in an area of genuine unmet need.
Role: Creative Arts/Play Therapist or Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist in Workington employer: British Association of Play Therapists
The Windmill Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for therapists passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people. With a focus on long-term, trauma-informed care, our team enjoys the unique opportunity to engage deeply with clients while benefiting from the stunning coastal living and proximity to the Lake District National Park. We prioritise professional growth and offer a nurturing space for newly qualified therapists to develop their skills alongside experienced practitioners.
Contact Details:
British Association of Play Therapists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Role: Creative Arts/Play Therapist or Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist in Workington
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Role: Creative Arts/Play Therapist or Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist at British Association of Play Therapists, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Role: Creative Arts/Play Therapist or Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist in Workington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at British Association of Play Therapists connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Association of Play Therapists
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with British Association of Play Therapists, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and British Association of Play Therapists will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows British Association of Play Therapists that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
