Trainee and Associates Counselling Placement Programme

"This has been such a great place to start my counselling journey. I have had the support from the team and fellow trainee counsellors, as well as having the freedom and flexibility to develop my practice to work for me. I have also had the support and encouragement from Jasmin and Anika when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself. They are always eager to answer any questions or concerns I have about client work or general support around my own wellbeing and university matters."

"After working with the service over the last couple of years, I've witnessed the impact that having a non-judgemental and productive outlet in therapy can have on students studying through the University. The team is built up of professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds and specialties and they work tirelessly to find the appropriate support for students entering the service."

"I would recommend this placement. It offers valuable hands-on experience in short-term therapy and helps build key skills. The team is incredibly supportive, always quick to respond to concerns and ready to help with any issue."

"My time in Student Services has been such a great experience. The team has been so supportive, and I’ve really felt like a part of the team. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to grow professionally and put my counselling skills into practice. I’ve picked up some really valuable skills that I know will help me going forward. I feel lucky to have worked with such inspiring people, both the clients and the staff. It’s been an amazing journey"

"I think this placement offers a great environment for a trainee to explore themselves as therapists, as well as gives you enough experience working with short-term clients and managing their concerns within the short time frame. The clients are diverse in terms of the concerns they come with, as well as the cultures they come from, which expands the therapists' experience and makes them more culturally competent."

"This placement has provided a great opportunity to work with a large and diverse client group across a wide variety of presenting issues, where I have been able to put my counselling and assessment skills, theoretical knowledge, and interventions into practice, within a friendly and supportive team. Working within a multi-disciplinary service offers a supportive environment to learn how to assess and manage risk, with staff members available to guide when required. Dealing with client bookings also helps therapists to build the required administrative skills to manage appointments, record keeping, and evaluations."

"Would recommend this placement as it has been an opportunity for me as I am able to work with a client group which is different from my daily work. The placement is professional and I appreciate all the support from Anika, Jasmine, Molly and all the staff in student wellbeing."

• Adhere to Ethical Standards: Follow the ethical guidelines set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), or your equivalent professional body. This includes maintaining confidentiality, practicing within your competence, and seeking supervision when needed.  

• Work Ethic: Treat your placement as a professional job, respecting both the work environment and the team. This includes maintaining a positive, proactive attitude and carrying out your responsibilities with dedication and accountability. 

• Confidentiality and Boundaries: As part of the CMHT, you are required to respect the confidentiality of all students and adhere to the university's data protection policies (Data protection - Data governance - University of Derby). Clear professional boundaries must be maintained in all client interactions, respecting both personal and professional limits.  

• Weekly Schedule and Timeliness: Once you have been allocated a weekly placement day, time slot and room, it is expected that you attend your sessions promptly and regularly. Your attendance should reflect your commitment to your role as a professional within the team. 

• Reliability: Punctuality and consistency are critical in a therapeutic role. If you are unable to attend a session due to illness, emergencies, or other valid reasons, you must inform your clients and the placement supervisor/s with as much notice as possible and make arrangements to manage any missed sessions promptly.  

• Self-Management of Caseload: You will be given responsibility for managing your own caseload of students. This includes contacting clients, scheduling sessions, following up with clients, completing necessary documentation, and working on meeting their counselling goals. You must keep your caseload manageable and seek guidance from the placement supervisor/s should need any guidance on this. 

• Booking Appointments: It is your responsibility to liaise with students to schedule your own appointments and update your calendars regularly through our booking and record system. Using the online system, ensure that clients are booked appropriately, and any changes to appointments are communicated effectively. 

• Effective Time Management: You are expected to manage your time effectively to meet the demands of your caseload, while also attending supervision, the quarterly team meetings, and any required training. Time management skills are essential to ensure you balance client work, documentation, administrative duties, and your own professional development. 

• Teamwork: As a member of our team, it’s important that you maintain open communication with the placement supervisor/s, colleagues, and the wider team. Collaboration is vital for delivering the best support to our students. Participate actively in team meetings and feel free to share knowledge, resources, and feedback that may benefit your colleagues. 

• Feedback and Reflection: We encourage a culture of constructive feedback. Regularly reflect on your practice to develop your self-awareness and be open to receiving feedback from the placement supervisor/s colleagues, and clients. Take responsibility for your own development and take steps to improve where necessary. 

• Engagement and Responsiveness: It is essential that you read, acknowledge, and action each message, email, or update you receive from the CMHT. By doing so, you will demonstrate your engagement in the role and ensure that communication flows smoothly, allowing us to support you effectively throughout your placement. 

• Respecting Students' Needs: It is your responsibility to provide students with a safe, non-judgmental space in which they feel heard and supported. Be mindful of the diversity and individuality of the students you work with, and be responsive to their needs while maintaining professional boundaries. 

• Cultural Sensitivity: The University of Derby is a diverse institution, and the students you work with will come from various cultural backgrounds. It is important to be sensitive to cultural differences and to adopt an inclusive, non-discriminatory approach in your work. 

• For more details, please review the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy - Equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing - University of Derby 

• Accurate and Timely Documentation: You are required to document each client session clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner. Documentation should reflect the content of the session, any interventions or therapeutic approaches used, and progress toward goals. Ensure that records are kept securely and in line with university policies. 

• Case Notes and Confidentiality: Brief factual case notes must be stored securely and should not include any unnecessary personal information. Be mindful of client confidentiality when documenting or discussing cases, both during supervision and in other contexts. 

• Self-Care: The nature of providing counselling support can be emotionally demanding. We encourage you to engage in self-care practices and seek support when needed. If at any time you feel overwhelmed or emotionally affected by your work, please reach out to your clinical supervisor or the placement supervisor. 

• Seeking Support: If you find that a specific case is affecting your well-being or professional practice, or if you are struggling with personal issues, we encourage you to speak openly with your clinical supervisor and the placement supervisor. Mental health professionals also need support, and it is essential to take care of yourself to be effective in your role. 

• Clinical Skill Development: Enhance your therapeutic techniques, case management, and overall competency in delivering effective counselling services.  

• Ethical & Legal Guidance: Receive advice on maintaining ethical standards and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.  

• Case Review & Competence: Discuss your caseload, receive constructive feedback, and ensure your approach to case management is up to standard.  

• Emotional Support: Address any personal challenges, including burnout or compassion fatigue, and develop the emotional resilience needed in this profession.  

• Reflective Practice: Use supervision to reflect on your experiences, strengthen your professional identity, and continuously grow in your practice.  

• Clinical Accountability: Ensure you are adhering to best practices and developing professional competence in all areas.  

• Managing Complex Cases: Gain guidance in handling challenging clients or difficult situations that may arise in your practice.  

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Take advantage of training and learning opportunities during your placement to enhance your professional growth and improve your client work. 

• Focuses more on the practical, day-to-day aspects of working within a specific setting, managing administrative responsibilities, and integrating into the workplace culture. 

• Gaining support and professional training opportunities in handling client interactions in the higher education setting. 

• Practical Integration: Get familiar with the organisation's policies, workflows, and daily operations.  

• Caseload Management: Guidance on balancing and prioritising client needs, ensuring that you manage your time and responsibilities effectively.  

• Administrative Support: Receive guidance and assistance with client paperwork, documentation, and other administrative tasks.  

• Cultural & Organisational Awareness: Understand and adapt to the unique dynamics of the workplace and the specific populations served.  

• Client Referrals & Resources: Guidance on signposting clients with appropriate resources and external services.  

• Contextual Supervision: Receive feedback on specific experiences and challenges faced within the placement setting, helping you navigate the intricacies of the role.  

• Professional Boundaries: Develop an understanding of maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients and colleagues to ensure a professional work environment.  

• Peer Support: Benefit from opportunities for collaboration, networking, and mutual support within your team.