Volunteer Counsellor/therapist at East and Central Brighton NHS Primary Care Network

What does the opportunity involve doing?

We are seeking trainee counsellors or psychotherapists (qualified counsellors also accepted) to undertake a placement of no less than 6 months, in our PCN Counselling Service. Patients from our 9 GP surgeries are referred for short term (10 weeks) counselling by mental health practitioners or other support workers into our service, where they see a counsellor face to face or via Zoom/telephone weekly. The patients are triaged and assessed for suitability by the Wellbeing team prior to counselling, and you would also have the opportunity to accept or decline referrals.
We offer in-house Supervision, both group-and individual, and the support of a team of clinicians including mental health support coordinators and clinicians at Sussex Partnership NHS Trust.

What induction, training and support is offered?

We offer an in-person induction and meet-the-team morning. Counsellors have use of a private room in our central offices, based opposite Brighton Dome for face-to-face sessions. They are welcome to attend team meetings and any trainings we host here, and can bring cases to MDT's if needed. They have the support of the Wellbeing team, the Lead GP's (Dr Becky Jarvis and Dr Adam Fazakerley) and Safeguarding leads, who will always be available during their working hours, as well as to other clinicians and mental health specialists working at the PCN as needed.

What skills or qualities are needed?

We are looking for trainee counsellors studying at a recognised training institution for their Post-graduate Diploma, Masters or Level 5 and above Counselling qualification. We will also consider applications from qualified counsellors and psychotherapists, depending on modality.
Applications will be via Application form* and interview. References will be required for this post.
We welcome applications from people who consider themselves disabled or to have other barriers to applying, please get in touch to discuss your needs. *Applications may be submitted in non-written format such as video if preferred.