Mental Health Matters

High Intensity Psychotherapeutic Counselling Trainee - PCE-CfD

The closing date is 17 August 2025

Job summary

You will be providing evidence-based relational therapy treatment on an individual basis to clients aged 16+ presenting with depression. You may also be required to provide intake assessments and other more specialist suitability assessments. Once qualified, you may also be offering DIT groups. There will be opportunities to develop areas of interest such as working with long term health conditions, working with veterans, clients with learning disabilities and perinatal clients by contributing

Main duties of the job

The training course requires a significant amount of travel time and successful applicants will need to ensure they are able to commit to this for the 3 year training period. You will be provided with specialist supervision from a psychodynamic therapist in year 1 and dynamic interpersonal therapist in years 2 and 3. You will also access group supervision from the University of Roehampton. MHM also provide regular support and supervision from a qualified High Intensity Therapist and Step 3 Lead. The training course requires you to access 50 hours of personal counselling which must be sourced and funded by yourself. This is a mandatory requirement of the training course and no financial assistance will be provided for this by MHM or the University of Roehampton.

About us

Mental Health Matters (MHM) are a national charity who provide innovative and life changing mental health support for both individuals and communities. We offer a diverse range of services, and each person who works with us directly contributes to making positive changes, improving mental health and breaking down barriers. Everything about MHM is people focused, both for our workforce and the people we support. Our people are the driving force of our organisation, and we are committed to having a talented workforce who will make a positive impact on our communities

Details

Date posted

11 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

R000092

Job locations

Stella Nova, Bootle, L20 4TZ

Warrington

L20 4TZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

High Intensity Psychotherapeutic Counselling Trainee (PCE-CfD) Hours: 37.5 hours per week Salary: Year 1 - NHS AFC Band 5, Years 2 and 3 - NHS AFC Band 6 Location: Warrington or Sefton - with study days at the Metanoia Institute as required Job overview This post is part of the NHS funded three-year Talking Therapies High Intensity Psychotherapeutic Counselling training programme in Patient Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD) delivered by Matanoia Institute. Trainees will be attending their training course alongside their duties within their NHS Talking Therapies Service. There are 2 posts available, one based in Sefton and one in Warrington. This training aims to: a. Develop high intensity psychotherapeutic counsellors with the qualities, skills and competences to develop, engage in and sustain strong therapeutic relationships and work effectively with NHS Talking Therapies service users with depression, and their families where appropriate. b. Develop core psychotherapeutic counselling practitioner competency, including integration of practical competency in PCE-CfD, in line with the needs of service users, families and carers. c. Ensure clinical practice in accordance with local and national Talking Therapies Service policy, including working to create inclusive and effective services for all. d. Promote personal and professional development and self-awareness essential to successful psychotherapeutic counselling. Main duties of the job The successful candidates will join either Warrington or Sefton NHS Talking Therapies Service while undertaking a foundation year of their Psychotherapeutic Counselling training program. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, the salary will increase to NHS AfC Band 6 for the remaining 2 years of the training programme. Following successful completion of the course the candidate will be offered a permanent position as a High Intensity Therapist specialising in PCE-CfD. You will work alongside a diverse team of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, High Intensity Therapists and Employment Advisors. Detailed job description and main responsibilities You will be providing evidence-based person centred counselling on an individual basis to clients aged 16+ presenting with depression. You may also be required to provide intake assessments and other more specialist suitability assessments. There will be opportunities to develop areas of interest such as working with long term health conditions, working with veterans, clients with learning disabilities and perinatal clients by contributing to project groups or taking a Champion role. The training course requires a significant amount of travel time and successful applicants will need to ensure they are able to commit to this for the 3 year training period. You will be provided with specialist supervision from a person centred counselling supervisor and will also be provided regular support and supervision from a qualified High Intensity Therapist and Step 3 Lead. The training course requires you to access 50 hours of personal counselling which must be sourced and funded by yourself. This is a mandatory requirement of the training course and no financial assistance will be provided for this by MHM or Matanoia Institute. You will work clinically within primary care settings and be required to work flexible hours in line with the improving access agenda. Both Warrington and Sefton Talking Therapies Service operate from 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 5pm on Friday. You will be required to work one day per week until 8pm.

Job description

Job responsibilities

High Intensity Psychotherapeutic Counselling Trainee (PCE-CfD) Hours: 37.5 hours per week Salary: Year 1 - NHS AFC Band 5, Years 2 and 3 - NHS AFC Band 6 Location: Warrington or Sefton - with study days at the Metanoia Institute as required Job overview This post is part of the NHS funded three-year Talking Therapies High Intensity Psychotherapeutic Counselling training programme in Patient Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD) delivered by Matanoia Institute. Trainees will be attending their training course alongside their duties within their NHS Talking Therapies Service. There are 2 posts available, one based in Sefton and one in Warrington. This training aims to: a. Develop high intensity psychotherapeutic counsellors with the qualities, skills and competences to develop, engage in and sustain strong therapeutic relationships and work effectively with NHS Talking Therapies service users with depression, and their families where appropriate. b. Develop core psychotherapeutic counselling practitioner competency, including integration of practical competency in PCE-CfD, in line with the needs of service users, families and carers. c. Ensure clinical practice in accordance with local and national Talking Therapies Service policy, including working to create inclusive and effective services for all. d. Promote personal and professional development and self-awareness essential to successful psychotherapeutic counselling. Main duties of the job The successful candidates will join either Warrington or Sefton NHS Talking Therapies Service while undertaking a foundation year of their Psychotherapeutic Counselling training program. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, the salary will increase to NHS AfC Band 6 for the remaining 2 years of the training programme. Following successful completion of the course the candidate will be offered a permanent position as a High Intensity Therapist specialising in PCE-CfD. You will work alongside a diverse team of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, High Intensity Therapists and Employment Advisors. Detailed job description and main responsibilities You will be providing evidence-based person centred counselling on an individual basis to clients aged 16+ presenting with depression. You may also be required to provide intake assessments and other more specialist suitability assessments. There will be opportunities to develop areas of interest such as working with long term health conditions, working with veterans, clients with learning disabilities and perinatal clients by contributing to project groups or taking a Champion role. The training course requires a significant amount of travel time and successful applicants will need to ensure they are able to commit to this for the 3 year training period. You will be provided with specialist supervision from a person centred counselling supervisor and will also be provided regular support and supervision from a qualified High Intensity Therapist and Step 3 Lead. The training course requires you to access 50 hours of personal counselling which must be sourced and funded by yourself. This is a mandatory requirement of the training course and no financial assistance will be provided for this by MHM or Matanoia Institute. You will work clinically within primary care settings and be required to work flexible hours in line with the improving access agenda. Both Warrington and Sefton Talking Therapies Service operate from 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 5pm on Friday. You will be required to work one day per week until 8pm.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • The successful candidates will join NHS Warrington Talking Therapies service while undertaking a foundation year of their Psychotherapeutic Counselling training program. Following successful completion of the course the candidate will be offered a permanent position as a High Intensity Therapist specialising in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy. You will work alongside a diverse team of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, High Intensity Therapists and Employment Advisors.
  • Successful applicants will need to be in a position to commence training by 22nd September. You must be able to attend sessions at the University of Roehampton, as required, which will include block teaching over several days at the start of the course. Travel and overnight accommodation expenses will be provided for this. Subsequent teaching will be two days per week, in conjunction with a minimum period of high intensity psychodynamic counselling and later DIT clinical practice on three days a week in NHS Warrington Talking Therapies service.

Experience

Essential

  • You will be providing evidence-based relational therapy treatment on an individual basis to clients aged 16+ presenting with depression. You may also be required to provide intake assessments and other more specialist suitability assessments. Once qualified, you may also be offering DIT groups. There will be opportunities to develop areas of interest such as working with long term health conditions, working with veterans, clients with learning disabilities and perinatal clients by contributing to project groups or taking a Champion role.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • The successful candidates will join NHS Warrington Talking Therapies service while undertaking a foundation year of their Psychotherapeutic Counselling training program. Following successful completion of the course the candidate will be offered a permanent position as a High Intensity Therapist specialising in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy. You will work alongside a diverse team of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, High Intensity Therapists and Employment Advisors.
  • Successful applicants will need to be in a position to commence training by 22nd September. You must be able to attend sessions at the University of Roehampton, as required, which will include block teaching over several days at the start of the course. Travel and overnight accommodation expenses will be provided for this. Subsequent teaching will be two days per week, in conjunction with a minimum period of high intensity psychodynamic counselling and later DIT clinical practice on three days a week in NHS Warrington Talking Therapies service.

Experience

Essential

  • You will be providing evidence-based relational therapy treatment on an individual basis to clients aged 16+ presenting with depression. You may also be required to provide intake assessments and other more specialist suitability assessments. Once qualified, you may also be offering DIT groups. There will be opportunities to develop areas of interest such as working with long term health conditions, working with veterans, clients with learning disabilities and perinatal clients by contributing to project groups or taking a Champion role.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Mental Health Matters

Address

Stella Nova, Bootle, L20 4TZ

Warrington

L20 4TZ


Employer's website

https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Mental Health Matters

Address

Stella Nova, Bootle, L20 4TZ

Warrington

L20 4TZ


Employer's website

https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

People and Organisational Development

MHM Recruitment Team

recruitment@mhm.org.uk

01915163500

Details

Date posted

11 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

R000092

Job locations

Stella Nova, Bootle, L20 4TZ

Warrington

L20 4TZ


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