At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate therapy to refugees and those seeking asylum.
- Company: Supportive team dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives after trauma.
- Benefits: Free supervision, therapy rooms, ongoing training, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified psychotherapist or counsellor with a commitment to supporting trauma-affected individuals.
Every week, people who've fled war, violence and persecution find somewhere to feel safe again - with one of our therapists. We're recruiting self-employed sessional psychotherapists, counsellors and supervisors across Devon, Somerset and Bristol. We believe everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life after trauma. We provide free, long-term psychotherapy to refugees, people seeking asylum and people who've experienced trafficking, alongside training and supervision for people working with trauma across the South West. We're a warm, small team, built on the values of Compassion, Collaboration and Courage.
This job is for you if…
- You're a qualified psychotherapist or counsellor with a humanistic and/or integrative training, registered or accredited with a professional body (e.g. UKCP, BACP).
- You care about supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, and can commit to at least two years with us.
- For supervisor roles: you also have additional training in supervision and experience working directly with this client group.
We strongly encourage applications from therapists with lived experience of the asylum process, and from Global Majority and ethnically minoritised backgrounds. Don't meet every requirement? Apply anyway - we'd still love to hear from you.
What we offer:
- Free monthly group supervision.
- Free use of our therapy rooms.
- Ongoing CPD.
- Free onboarding and training covering trauma-informed practice, cross-cultural work, and working with interpreters.
Key details:
- Basis: Self-employed, minimum two-year commitment.
- Location: Plymouth or Exeter (Devon), Bridgwater, Taunton or Weston-super-Mare (Somerset), or Bristol.
- Hours: Minimum 2-3 hours per week, arranged directly with your clients.
- Pay: £35-£50 per session/hour depending on type (full breakdown in the job pack).
Timeline:
- Deadline: 17th August 9am.
- Outcome by: 25th August.
- Interviews: 1st & 3rd September (online).
- Induction: 19th September (online).
- Client work begins: 1st October.
We are hosting an optional online information session on 27th July at 7pm.
Sessional Psychotherapist, Counsellor and/or Supervisor (Self-Employed) in Plymouth employer: Trauma Foundation South West
Join a compassionate and collaborative team dedicated to providing free, long-term psychotherapy to those who have faced unimaginable trauma. As a self-employed sessional psychotherapist, counsellor, or supervisor in the beautiful regions of Devon, Somerset, and Bristol, you'll benefit from free monthly group supervision, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and lived experiences. This role not only offers competitive pay but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers, helping them rebuild their lives with courage and care.
Contact Details:
Trauma Foundation South West Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Psychotherapist, Counsellor and/or Supervisor (Self-Employed) in Plymouth
✨Tap into Local Networks and Communities
Freelancing in therapy and counselling means you'll need to build a solid local presence. Attend workshops, community events, or local counselling meet-ups to connect with potential clients and other professionals in your area. They might have referrals or even collaboration opportunities to help you get started!
✨Create a Public Portfolio of Your Work
Craft a portfolio that showcases your skills and the different therapeutic approaches you use. This could include case studies, testimonials from past clients (with privacy respected, of course), and any resources you’ve created. Having a strong online presence helps potential clients see what you’re about and builds credibility.
✨Join Professional Online Platforms
Freelance therapists thrive on platforms designed for mental health professionals. Sign up for directories like TherapyDen or Psychology Today where you can list your practice. This is a great way to gain visibility and connect with clients actively looking for someone with your qualifications.
✨Promote Your Services Through Social Media
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Create accounts focused on mental health awareness and share insightful content or tips that demonstrate your expertise. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be great for establishing connections and letting people know you're available for freelance work, including promoting any workshops or events you may be hosting.
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Psychotherapist, Counsellor and/or Supervisor (Self-Employed) in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Therapy Style:Freelance roles in therapy and counselling really thrive on personal connection, so we're talking about your unique approach to counselling. In your cover letter, share your therapeutic style, whether it's person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, or something else. This will help Trauma Foundation South West see how you fit into their team's vibe.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:This field is all about qualifications and certifications. Make sure to list any relevant psychology degrees, counselling diplomas, or licenses right at the top of your CV. That'll speak volumes about your capability and commitment, not to mention it's a must-have in our profession!
Portfolio of Experience:As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best friend! Include case studies or testimonials from clients (with permission, of course) that highlight your skills and success stories. This real-world proof can set you apart from the crowd for Trauma Foundation South West.
Rates and Availability:Don’t shy away from discussing rates upfront in your application. Give a rough idea of your fee structure and your availability—this shows professionalism and helps Trauma Foundation South West assess if you’re the right fit without any surprises down the line.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trauma Foundation South West
✨Showcase Your Unique Approach
As a freelance therapist or counsellor, it’s crucial to highlight your specific therapeutic style and methods. Be prepared to discuss your philosophy, any unique techniques you use, and how they benefit clients. This lets Trauma Foundation South West see how you stand out in a crowded market.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about challenges you’ve faced in past counselling sessions and how you navigated them, demonstrating your expertise and empathy.
✨Bring Your Portfolio and Success Stories
Don’t forget to prepare a portfolio showcasing your qualifications, certifications, and successful case studies. This could include testimonials or feedback from previous clients (anonymised, of course). It’s like your sales pitch for your unique brand of therapy, so make it count!
✨Know Your Rates and Value Proposition
As a freelancer, you’ll need to discuss your rates confidently. Have a clear understanding of what you offer and how it translates into value for clients. Be ready to explain why investing in your services is worthwhile for Trauma Foundation South West, as they might want to help you find clients or collaborators down the line.
