At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable women through counselling and attend group supervision sessions.
- Company: Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid, a leading domestic abuse service.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a nurturing environment while making a real difference.
- Other info: Unpaid role requiring commitment of one day a week for at least 12 months.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to combating violence against women.
- Qualifications: Must be on a level 4 counselling course with previous one-to-one counselling experience.
Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid is a well‑established, innovative and forward‑thinking local domestic abuse service. We are seeking new trainee counsellors to join our counselling team to help us deliver excellent services to vulnerable women who have experienced domestic abuse.
Our counselling placements offer an excellent opportunity for aspiring counsellors dedicated to combating violence against women and seeking to work in a nurturing therapeutic setting. You will be given a small caseload of 3–4 clients. Placements also involve attending group supervision sessions and you will receive individual support from our Counselling Services Manager. This experience presents a valuable opportunity for personal growth and meaningful contribution.
You will need to be available one day a week 9.30 – 4.00pm. We ask you to commit to a minimum period of 12 months. All counselling sessions are held face‑to‑face in our refuges across Bromley & Croydon boroughs. You will be required to attend a one‑day induction session and to complete some mandatory online training modules before starting your placement. Please note this is an unpaid role.
Requirements:- You must be, at minimum, on a level 4 counselling/psychotherapy course, ideally in the second year of your course with a minimum of 40 client hours.
- Member of BACP, UKCP, or equivalent membership.
- Previous experience of one‑to‑one counselling.
- Some experience and understanding of working with VAWG and the domestic violence sector is desirable.
- Some understanding of trauma and culturally informed working.
- Enhanced DBS clearance will be required (BCWA will arrange this).
- Ideally we are looking for a trainee counsellor fluent in Bengali to provide support to our Bengali‑speaking service‑users.
- Female applicants only.
BCWA are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Counselling Placement employer: Job Search Place Limited
Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for aspiring counsellors. With a strong commitment to personal growth and professional development, our counselling placements offer invaluable experience in a therapeutic setting, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable women. Join us in our mission to combat domestic abuse while benefiting from individual support and group supervision within a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counselling Placement
✨Get Involved Locally
Look for local counselling events, workshops, or meetups in your area. This is a great way for us to connect with other aspiring therapists and make valuable contacts who might know about placements or opportunities at places like Job Search Place Limited.
✨Join Professional Bodies
Become a member of professional counselling organisations or student associations related to your field. They often have job boards and placement resources tailored specifically for those in therapy and counselling professions, which could include positions at Job Search Place Limited.
✨Utilise Your University Career Services
Don't underestimate the power of your university's career services. They usually have specific resources or contacts in the therapy sector that can help us score a placement, so make sure to utilise them to their fullest potential!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
When you find that perfect placement opportunity at Job Search Place Limited, make sure to apply through our website. It’s a straightforward process, and you’ll have access to any supporting materials and specific insights about the role that can boost your application and interview prep.
We think you need these skills to ace Counselling Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your passion for helping others:In your cover letter, make sure to highlight why you're passionate about therapy and counseling. Share specific experiences or moments that sparked your interest in the field—this makes your application more relatable and memorable to Job Search Place Limited.
Tailor your CV to showcase relevant skills:For a placement in therapy and counseling, focus on your interpersonal skills and any experience you have in supportive roles. Include volunteer work, internships, or even relevant coursework to demonstrate your capability to connect with others emotionally and professionally.
Include certificates and professional development:If you have any relevant certificates, training, or workshops you've attended, definitely mention them! This can be a big plus, as it shows your commitment to continuous learning in the therapy and counseling professions, making your application stand out to Job Search Place Limited.
Express your learning goals:Since this is a placement, take the opportunity in your application to outline what you hope to learn and gain from the experience. This demonstrates your eagerness to grow professionally and will resonate well with Job Search Place Limited, as they're likely looking for enthusiastic individuals ready to expand their skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Show Your Empathy Skills
In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. Be prepared to discuss your personal experiences where you've demonstrated this skill. Think back to instances, whether voluntary work or placements, where you listened and supported others — these stories will speak volumes about your suitability for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Make sure you know the ethical standards relevant to therapy and counselling, like those from the BACP or UKCP. During the interview, you might get scenarios to evaluate how you'd handle ethical dilemmas — showing you understand these principles demonstrates readiness for the role.
✨Practise Reflective Listening
In placements, you’ll often be assessed on your listening skills. Practise reflective listening with friends or in mock interviews — this means repeating back what someone has said to show understanding. It’s a great way to highlight your engagement, particularly in a therapeutic context.
✨Talk About Your Learning Goals
As this is a placement role, frame your responses around what you hope to learn and gain from the experience at Job Search Place Limited. Highlighting your motivation to grow and adapt shows you’re keen to make the most of the opportunity, which is exactly what placements are about!
