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Soft Shadow Patterns

Placements: An Integral Part of Therapeutic Training

​Placements are an integral part of training to be a therapeutic counsellor, where students begin to translate theory into practice with real clients. All students are expected to undertake a placement for every year of training. Depending on the route taken, students may have more than one placement to meet the course requirements

Type of Placement?

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Year 1 - Contextual Familiarisation Placement

Year 2 - Professional Placement

Year 3 - Professional Placement

Year 4 - Professional Placement

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A familiarisation placement involves working in the contexts where clients live, learn, work and play. This enables students to gain insight into how organisations work, particularly with reference to managing and assessing risks, safeguarding adults and child protection. This also enables students to work with and alongside other professionals, learning about interdisciplinary practice, mental health challenges and professional communication. Ways students can contribute are based on previous experience, skillset and qualifications.

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Professional placements commence when the student has been accepted on the professional training after year one. These are where students will start their therapeutic counselling practice

Where Can I Do My Placement?

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Placements can take place in a statutory or voluntary organisation. Common places include: schools and community counselling services. All placement settings need to be approved prior to commencement for their suitability. This will be discussed with students individually

 

There are no circumstances in which private practice is permitted or to be supported whilst being a student in training. Students are not allowed to work privately during their training.

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All placements must be managed by an appropriately qualified or experienced professional who can manage any safeguarding issues which emerge and who can write a report on the trainee’s professional conduct

How Many Hours Is The Placement?

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Students need to complete 450 hours of supervised placement throughout their four-year training.

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For those on the counselling pathway, placements will include 100 hours working with children and young people, covering different age categories in an appropriate counselling setting and 100 hours working with adults (200 minimum counselling hours)

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Students vary in what they might be able to commit to and this needs to be thought about in advance.  It is recommended that students are in placement for a minimum of one day per week.

Placement Considerations

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Students are required to have a up-to-date DBS and trainee insurance to be able to start placement. Some placements prefer to do their own DBS checks.

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Students are responsible for ensuring that they have factored in the time and financial commitments needed to undertake their placements. Individual placement organisations may offer some support with transport costs, however this should not be expected as standard. The training or scholarships do not cover costs associated with placements.

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Trainees must be open about their level of training, qualifications and experience. The organisation must also be transparent about students’ level of training and experience.

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Trainees work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and Practice Guidance as well as the NCPS Code of Ethics and Practice Guidance.

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Face-to-Face and Online Working in Placements

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Most of the client hours that students complete during training must be in person, face-to-face, and ‘in the room’. This is a requirement set by the professional membership bodies.  It is possible for students to work online, following the relevant training and guidance provided. This must be supervised with a supervisor who is also trained and equipped for therapeutic work online, who can monitor risks, safety and effectiveness.

Supervision Whilst In Training​

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Supervision for therapeutic counsellors in training is a structured, supportive process where a trainee regularly meets with a more experienced practitioner to discuss their client work.

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All students will have an appropriately qualified and approved supervisor throughout their training to support them on the journey of becoming a professional therapeutic counsellor.

 

Students are required to have a minimum of 15 sessions per academic year of training / or a ratio of 1:8, to ensure training standards are met

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Its purpose is to:

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  • ensure client safety and ethical practice

  • develop the trainee’s skills and confidence

  • reflect on sessions and improve decision-making

  • provide emotional support for the counsellor

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It's guided oversight that helps trainee counsellors learn, stay safe, and grow professionally

"I have learnt so much on my placement, more than I ever thought possible. I have really enjoyed being able to contribute to the school and support pupils with their wellbeing and mental health. I have had all the support I needed from my placement manager, my supervisor and the training.

I have just grown so much as a trainee from this experience."

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