Principal Psychological Therapist (Psychotherapy Professional Lead)
Principal Psychological Therapist (Psychotherapy Professional Lead)

Principal Psychological Therapist (Psychotherapy Professional Lead)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Gutsy Gals Inspire Me®

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead psychodynamic psychotherapy across adult mental health services and support clinical staff.
  • Company: Join a dedicated NHS Trust committed to innovative mental health care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support packages, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on reducing inequalities in mental health care.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: BPC/UKCP accredited psychotherapist with experience in complex mental health needs.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced, BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council) and/or UKCP accredited, psychodynamic and/or psychoanalytic psychotherapist to act as professional lead for psychodynamic psychotherapy across adult mental health services (excluding child and adolescent mental health services) in BDCT. We are eager to appoint a professional who is passionate about working and developing analytically informed practice in the NHS, through their own clinical practice and through supervising and training clinicians across the Trust. The post holder will be responsible for the safe and effective practice of psychodynamic/psychoanalytic psychotherapy by clinical staff in the Trust.

Responsibilities

  • Work alongside a strong, multi-professional team of psychologically trained clinicians, providing individual and group work, training, consultation, supervision and reflective practice to staff and patients.
  • Actively engage with a local community mental health team, working with senior clinical staff to provide clinical consultations, formulations and treatment to service users and to support staff in their complex work.
  • Represent analytic work at Trust level by collaborating with other psychological therapies lead professionals and in the Psychological Therapies Council.
  • Take a lead role in developing robust clinical pathways for service users to access psychodynamic psychotherapy, as part of the range of therapies on offer in BDCT.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Experienced psychodynamic and/or psychoanalytic psychotherapist accredited by BPC and/or UKCP.
  • Experience working with adults with complex mental health needs and familiar with trauma‑informed approaches.
  • Willingness to train in or be trained in mentalisation‑based therapy is highly desirable.
  • Committed to reducing barriers and inequalities for diverse and marginalised communities, delivering multi-disciplinary, person‑centred, trauma-informed care.
  • Strong leadership, supervision and training skills.

Benefits

  • Flexible working arrangements to balance work and home life.
  • Increased mileage rates for over 3500 miles.
  • Wide range of health and wellbeing support packages.
  • Internal and external development and learning opportunities.
  • Additional benefits as outlined in the full package.

Key Values

  • We Care – act with respect and empathy, and always value difference.
  • We Listen – understand people’s views and respond to their individual needs.
  • We Deliver – develop and provide excellent services and support our partners.

Further Information

  • Closing Date: Midnight on 24th February 2026
  • Shortlisting Date: 25th February 2026
  • Interview Date: 5th March 2026

Right to work in the UK is required. Please read the attached Job description and person specification for further details about this role.

Principal Psychological Therapist (Psychotherapy Professional Lead) employer: Gutsy Gals Inspire Me®

At BDCT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our Principal Psychological Therapists. With flexible working arrangements, a commitment to professional development, and a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Our dedication to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability further enhances our workplace culture, making BDCT a rewarding place to advance your career in psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Gutsy Gals Inspire Me®

Contact Detail:

Gutsy Gals Inspire Me® Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Psychological Therapist (Psychotherapy Professional Lead)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who work in psychodynamic psychotherapy. They might know about openings or can even refer you directly, which gives you a leg up.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your clinical practice and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to developing robust clinical pathways and supporting staff in their complex work. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your passion for reducing barriers and inequalities in mental health care. Share examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to diverse and marginalised communities during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that values empathy and respect.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Psychological Therapist (Psychotherapy Professional Lead)

BPC Accreditation
UKCP Accreditation
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Clinical Supervision
Training Skills
Trauma-Informed Approaches
Mentalisation-Based Therapy
Leadership Skills
Person-Centred Care
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
Community Engagement
Reflective Practice
Complex Case Formulation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for psychodynamic psychotherapy shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to develop analytically informed practice in the NHS.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications, especially your BPC and/or UKCP accreditation. We’re looking for someone who has worked with adults with complex mental health needs, so don’t hold back on those details!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gutsy Gals Inspire Me®

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic principles. Brush up on your clinical practice experiences, especially with complex mental health needs. Being able to discuss specific cases or approaches will show your depth of knowledge and passion for the field.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a professional lead, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you’ve supervised or trained others in the past. Highlight your experience in developing clinical pathways and how you’ve contributed to team dynamics in previous roles.

Engage with the Trust’s Values

Familiarise yourself with the Trust’s key values: We Care, We Listen, We Deliver. Think of ways you can embody these values in your responses during the interview. Share anecdotes that reflect your commitment to empathy, understanding, and delivering excellent services.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with diverse communities. Practice articulating your approach to trauma-informed care and how you would handle complex situations with service users and staff alike.

Principal Psychological Therapist (Psychotherapy Professional Lead)
Gutsy Gals Inspire Me®
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