At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist therapeutic support to families from pregnancy to age two.
- Company: Join the Oxford Parent-Infant Project, a leader in infant mental health.
- Benefits: Paid training, professional development, and high-quality supervision.
- Other info: Exceptional opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families and infants.
- Qualifications: Qualified in psychotherapy or related field with knowledge of infant mental health.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Oxford Parent-Infant Project (OXPIP) are recruiting a clinical therapist for their Banbury Project. We are seeking an experienced and qualified Parent-Infant Psychotherapist to provide specialist therapeutic support to families across Oxfordshire.
You will:
- Deliver parent-infant psychotherapy to families from pregnancy to age two
- Undertake specialist assessments and formulate therapeutic interventions
- Provide consultation and support to professionals across health, social care and voluntary sector services
- Contribute to safeguarding, multi-agency working and service development
- Help promote awareness of infant mental health and the importance of early relationships
This unique role is designed for qualified therapists, counsellors or psychologists who wish to specialise in parent-infant psychotherapy. As part of the role, OXPIP will fully fund your place on our Parent-Infant Psychotherapy Diploma programme. You will provide clinical work with families while undertaking specialist training and receiving high-quality supervision and support. This is an exceptional opportunity to develop expertise in infant mental health within a nationally recognised organisation.
About You
We would love to hear from practitioners who have:
- A qualification in psychotherapy, counselling, psychology or a related therapeutic discipline
- Knowledge of infant mental health, attachment theory and child development
- At least one year of infant observation training
- Experience of psychodynamic or psychoanalytic thinking in practice
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and a commitment to reflective practice
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills
- A passion for supporting babies, parents and families during the earliest years of life
Additional requirements apply to the Parent-Infant Psychotherapist role, including a recognised Parent-Infant Psychotherapy qualification.
First interviews: 22 July 2026 (in person, Kidlington office)
OXPIP Therapist employer: Parent Infant Foundation
OXPIP is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional development of its staff, offering fully funded training opportunities in parent-infant psychotherapy while providing high-quality supervision and support. With a strong commitment to infant mental health and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on families across Oxfordshire. Joining OXPIP means being part of a nationally recognised organisation dedicated to fostering early relationships and supporting practitioners in their growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OXPIP Therapist
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Join local mental health events, workshops, or awareness campaigns. You’ll not only learn more about the field, but these gatherings are great places to meet professionals already working in therapy or counselling—who knows, they might even have tips for landing a trainee position!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re in uni, don’t forget about career services—they're goldmines for finding trainee placements in therapy and counselling. They might host job fairs or have connections with local organisations that are looking for trainees. Make the most of it!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a blog or use social media to share your thoughts on therapy techniques, mental health topics, or your learning journey. This makes you more visible to potential employers like Parent Infant Foundation, showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health charities or organisations. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes lead directly to trainee roles. Plus, it adds weight to your application when you go for positions like OXPIP Therapist with Parent Infant Foundation!
We think you need these skills to ace OXPIP Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Empathy Skills:In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. When crafting your CV and cover letter, show how you've developed this skill through your experiences, whether that’s from volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. It’s all about demonstrating that you have the ability to connect with and understand others.
Showcase Relevant Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in therapy and counselling, your educational background matters a lot. Make sure to list your degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications you have (like a certificate in counselling skills). If you’ve done any projects or placements, mention those too as they show you’re serious about your career path.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As a trainee, showing that you’re keen to learn and grow is crucial. Your cover letter should reflect your motivation for the role at Parent Infant Foundation and your eagerness to develop your skills further. Talk about how you’re dedicated to evolving in the field and contributing to positive outcomes with clients.
Tailor Your Application to Parent Infant Foundation:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Parent Infant Foundation unique. In your application, highlight why you resonate with their approach to therapy. This not only personalises your application but also shows that you’ve done your homework – something we can totally appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parent Infant Foundation
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Parent Infant Foundation, be ready to share examples that demonstrate how you've effectively listened and responded to others' needs. This could be from your studies or any relevant experiences!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Often, interviews for counselling roles include role-play exercises to assess your practical skills. Be ready to engage in a mock counselling session during the interview. Practising a few common scenarios beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident!
✨Passion for Learning is Key
As a trainee, they’re likely looking for someone enthusiastic about developing their skills. Be sure to discuss your motivations for entering the therapy field and how you're keen on learning new techniques, therapies, and therapies. This will show that you're committed to your own growth and client care.
✨Discuss Your Theoretical Knowledge
Even as a trainee, they’ll expect a solid foundation in counselling theories. Brush up on key theories and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them practically. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the framework guiding your future practice at Parent Infant Foundation.
