Due to the high volume of applications, we have temporarily stopped interviewing. Any new applications will be reviewed from mid-September
Placements
Becoming a counsellor at Headstrong Counselling
Headstrong Counselling offers remote placements to trainee counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists, who are passionate about offering short and long-term mental health support to people in the community.
All counsellors are required to be enrolled in a BACP , UKCP , NCPS, BABCP or BPS accredited training. Headstrong will offer fortnightly supervision, either individual or group depending on the number of clients.
Headstrong receives around 100 applications per month from aspiring counsellors. We highly recommend joining Headstrong Academy for access to CPD, trainings, workshops and lectures to increase your chances of getting a placement with us. The Headstrong Applications team looks for qualities of clinical and personal self-awareness, and cultural humility within the application. Our trainings are specially tailored to increase the skills of trainees and chances of a successful application and placement with us.
Trainees with
2
clients
can attend a fortnightly group of 1 hour
Trainees with
3
clients
can attend a fortnightly group of 90 minutes
Trainees with
4
clients
are able to attend individual supervision
The majority of our clients experience anxiety, depression, relationship breakdown, among other mild to moderate mental health difficulties. We will schedule clients for you, on a regular, weekly basis. We encourage counsellors to practice within their training approach and offer placements to trainees practicing a range of therapeutic modalities.
Now interviewing for placements starting in December 2024.
Headstrong values the ability to address racial issues in therapeutic practices.
We highly recommend Dr. Isha McKenzie-Mavinga's training seminar, "The Challenge of Racism: A Black Empathic Approach to Therapeutic Practice."
Seminar Attendance: Key Reasons
- Skill Development This seminar equips students with essential skills for handling race-related challenges within therapy.
- Enhanced Placement Prospects Participation in this training significantly enhances your prospects of securing a placement at Headstrong, as we prioritise candidates who are well-prepared to engage with these critical issues.
We strongly encourage all students to register and participate in this pivotal training opportunity.
Book now
Mastering Your First Sessions
Anne-Sophie Bammens, Mr. Paulo Ribeiro
Description
'Mastering Your First Sessions' is your indispensable guide to navigating your client work as a trainee. Authored by Dr. Anne-Sophie Bammens (BSc, MA, MSc, DPsych), Founder-Director of Headstrong Counselling—a UK nationwide low-cost counselling service and a leading placement provider for trainees—this book converts years of experience into a practical roadmap for success.
We recommend that all our students familiarize themselves with the works of Anne-Sophie Bammens and Mr. Paulo Ribeiro and read this book.
Buy the book
Frequently Asked Questions
We host inductions four times a year. The upcoming inductions will be in September 2024 and January 2025.
Yes, we have three in-person sites: two in Hackney and one in Fulham. You will be eligible for an in-person placement after six months of remote work. If you have close ties with Hackney, you may be eligible for our Hackney site sooner.
No, ideally two different tutors, course leads, or course supervisors will complete these. If you have another placement, they can ideally complete the clinical reference.
No, we offer supervision at a BACP ratio of 1:8. If your course requires additional supervision, you can pay your supervisor directly or seek external supervision.
We assign you a supervisor after the induction. At this time, they will be able to sign your agreement.
It depends on the time of year and the number of referrals the service receives that month. We aim to get you clients within 2-4 weeks of starting your placement.
Yes, we only require a basic DBS check. Your DBS must not be older than three years.
No, Headstrong's insurance covers your practice. However, it is best practice to have your own insurance in addition to this.
Please keep hold of your paperwork until after your induction. You will be provided with instructions on where to send it for completion.
We aim to provide supervision at a time that suits you. However, we cannot always guarantee this. Supervision is a mandatory part of the placement, so you must attend the supervision sessions you have been assigned. If you have any specific requirements, please let the placement manager know.