Job summary
Mind Matters at Surrey and Borders has two exciting opportunies for indivuduals who may have counselling / CBT or psychology experience and / or knowledge or working with mental health or vulnerable people.
Couple Therapy for Depression Post-Graduate NHS Talking Therapies Trainee:This is a training role: academic and clinical with Tavistock Relationships and NHS Talking Therapies Services. This is a 3-year programme starting 29 September 2025.
Couple Therapy for Depression Post-Graduate NHS Talking Therapies Trainee will begin at Band 5 in Year 1 at a Foundation Level working with individuals. In Year 2 they will commence the Birkbeck Post-Graduate Diploma Level and begin working with Couples and continue to work with both Individuals and Couples in Year 3. This course is also accredited with UKCP.
The post holder will attend all taught and self-study days required by the education provider (Mondays and Tuesdays) as specified within the agreed national curriculum and work in the service for the remaining days of the week using their newly developed skills.
This course is a national offer with 6 x 2 Monday and Tuesdays an academic year. For instance, 2 x Monday and Tuesday in person attendance per term at Tavistock Relationships in Central London.
Main duties of the job
Accepting referrals and delivering time-limited counselling to individuals with mild to moderate depression within NHS Talking Therapies, using humanistic or psychodynamic approaches under regulare academic and clinical supervision.
Practitioners assess risk, determine referral suitability, and manage treatment pathways in line with service protocols.
Maintaining accurate clinical records, adhere to activity targets, and contribute to multidisciplinary collaboration.
Training includes academic, practical, and supervised clinical components, with mandatory personal therapy and ongoing professional development.
Practitioners must uphold ethical standards, ensure confidentiality, and stay informed on mental health policies and treatment advancements.
Engage in performance reviews, maintain CPD records, and attend relevant workshops.
The role also includes contributing to service development, ensuring data protection compliance, and maintaining professional integrity.
Flexibility in service delivery (in-person, video, or phone) and a commitment to inclusive, recovery-focused care are essential.
About us
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.
We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.
Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.
Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.
Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Job description
Job responsibilities
Accepting referrals through established protocols and conducting patient-centred assessments to determine suitability for counselling within NHS Talking Therapies.
Practitioners work with clients experiencing mild to moderate depression, using either humanistic/person-centred and / or psychoanalytic/psychodynamic approaches.
Assess risk, negotiate treatment contracts, and deliver time-limited interventions via in-person, video, and telephone formats.
Practitioners are expected to maintain a caseload, adhere to activity targets, and ensure accurate data collection and record-keeping using electronic systems. Attending university and completing caseload is expected to be achieved throughout the three years.
Attendance to University and clinical placment is expected to be achieved at a minimum of 90% each academic year, in order to achieve the required hours and academic training to pass the PG Dip. Leading to employment at Band 7 if successfully passing all measureable aspects (achieving all KPIs) of the course and clinical work.
Collaboration is key, with responsibilities including attending multidisciplinary meetings, coordinating step-up/step-down care, and involving family members when appropriate.
Employment and work-related issues are integrated into therapy, and practitioners must operate from an inclusive, recovery-focused values base.
Training includes academic coursework, supervised clinical practice, and a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of personal psychodynamic therapy over three years. (self funded)
Ongoing supervision and professional development are required, including attending workshops and maintaining CPD records in line with UKCP and NHS Talking Therapies.
Practitioners must uphold ethical standards, protect confidentiality, and stay informed on national mental health policies and guidelines.
Practitioners are responsible for contributing to service development, complying with health and safety regulations, and ensuring data protection.
The role demands integrity, professionalism, and adaptability to evolving service needs, managing a caseload and academic study.
Recognised degree at 2:2 or above in any relevant subject, or equivalent, or Demonstrates competency via a portfolio of evidence, which meets specified academic requirements
It is desireable to have prevous clinical or professional experience in mental health and / or talking therapies
Job description
Job responsibilities
Accepting referrals through established protocols and conducting patient-centred assessments to determine suitability for counselling within NHS Talking Therapies.
Practitioners work with clients experiencing mild to moderate depression, using either humanistic/person-centred and / or psychoanalytic/psychodynamic approaches.
Assess risk, negotiate treatment contracts, and deliver time-limited interventions via in-person, video, and telephone formats.
Practitioners are expected to maintain a caseload, adhere to activity targets, and ensure accurate data collection and record-keeping using electronic systems. Attending university and completing caseload is expected to be achieved throughout the three years.
Attendance to University and clinical placment is expected to be achieved at a minimum of 90% each academic year, in order to achieve the required hours and academic training to pass the PG Dip. Leading to employment at Band 7 if successfully passing all measureable aspects (achieving all KPIs) of the course and clinical work.
Collaboration is key, with responsibilities including attending multidisciplinary meetings, coordinating step-up/step-down care, and involving family members when appropriate.
Employment and work-related issues are integrated into therapy, and practitioners must operate from an inclusive, recovery-focused values base.
Training includes academic coursework, supervised clinical practice, and a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of personal psychodynamic therapy over three years. (self funded)
Ongoing supervision and professional development are required, including attending workshops and maintaining CPD records in line with UKCP and NHS Talking Therapies.
Practitioners must uphold ethical standards, protect confidentiality, and stay informed on national mental health policies and guidelines.
Practitioners are responsible for contributing to service development, complying with health and safety regulations, and ensuring data protection.
The role demands integrity, professionalism, and adaptability to evolving service needs, managing a caseload and academic study.
Recognised degree at 2:2 or above in any relevant subject, or equivalent, or Demonstrates competency via a portfolio of evidence, which meets specified academic requirements
It is desireable to have prevous clinical or professional experience in mental health and / or talking therapies
Person Specification
Counselling / CBT / psychology qualification
Essential
- PG counselling / CBT qualification
Desirable
- Worked in MH / Talking Therapy
Capacity to train academically and linically
Essential
- previous MH experience, working with vulnerable adults
Desirable
- worked in Mh in talking therapy for 12 months
Person Specification
Counselling / CBT / psychology qualification
Essential
- PG counselling / CBT qualification
Desirable
- Worked in MH / Talking Therapy
Capacity to train academically and linically
Essential
- previous MH experience, working with vulnerable adults
Desirable
- worked in Mh in talking therapy for 12 months
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.
