Question 1

Who can apply for a counselling placement?

Accepted Answer

Placements are typically suitable for trainee counsellors, psychotherapists and counselling psychologists who are studying towards a recognised counselling qualification and require client hours as part of their training. Applicants should be enrolled in a diploma or degree-level counselling course and be ready to begin working with clients. Applicants must be able to provide face to face counselling sessions in Edinburgh.

Question 2

What type of clients might I work with?

Accepted Answer

Trainee counsellors may work one-to-one with adult clients experiencing mild to moderate emotional or psychological difficulties, such as anxiety, low mood, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress, and self-esteem challenges.

Clients are thoughtfully matched with trainee counsellors according to the trainee’s stage of training, experience, and readiness to work with particular presenting issues. This helps ensure that both the client and the trainee are well supported in the therapeutic work.

Clients are always informed that they are working with a counsellor who is currently in training.

Question 3

How many clients will I see during my placement?

Accepted Answer

This can vary depending on your stage of training and how many clients you are hoping to see. Trainees typically see around 3-4 clients a week. Trainees usually begin gradually and build experience over time as they become more confident in their clinical work.

Question 4

What support is available during the placement?

Accepted Answer

While supervision is provided through your course or external supervisor, the placement environment aims to be supportive, collaborative and welcoming. Trainees may have opportunities to network with other trainee counsellors on placement or qualified counsellors working within the service. A placement mentor is available for support, and we offer guidance where desired, for example on carrying out initial consultations and endings. We also have a continually developing resources and CPD hub for both qualified and trainee practitioners working within The Edinburgh Counselling Service.

Question 5

Where does the placement take place?

Accepted Answer

Placements take place at The Edinburgh Counselling Service in a quiet and professional building in central Edinburgh, with comfortable counselling rooms, on site reception and a welcoming environment for both clients and therapists.

Question 6

Will I be able to continue working with the service after qualifying?

Accepted Answer

For trainees who demonstrate strong clinical competence and professionalism during their placement, there may be the opportunity to continue working with The Edinburgh Counselling Service as a self-employed counsellor once qualified. We are pleased that all trainees who have wished to continue working with the service after qualifying have been able to do so. Where this is possible, we aim to support a smooth transition from trainee to qualified practitioner within the practice.

Question 7

How do I apply for a placement?

Accepted Answer

To apply for a placement or register your interest, please fill out our application form here.(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVO2hT3BahvIpGkg3f_o7Q1DZMrV6zr4TtdlMiz-9gqNj4Hw/viewform?usp=header)

Question 8

Do I need supervision to undertake the placement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trainee counsellors are expected to have regular supervision through their training course or an external supervisor, in line with professional ethical guidelines. The Edinburgh Counselling Service does not currently provide supervision as part of the placement.

The Edinburgh Counselling Service

Counselling Placements in Edinburgh

Counselling Placement Opportunities for Trainee Counsellors

A Supportive Environment for Developing Therapists

Beginning clinical practice can feel both exciting and daunting. Our placement is designed to offer a warm, nurturing environment where trainee counsellors can begin to find their own practitioner identity.

Who Our Placements are Suitable For

Client Work During Your Counselling Placement

Why Choose a Counselling Placement with Us?

FAQs for Counselling Placements

Who can apply for a counselling placement?

What type of clients might I work with?

How many clients will I see during my placement?

What support is available during the placement?

Where does the placement take place?

Will I be able to continue working with the service after qualifying?

How do I apply for a placement?

Do I need supervision to undertake the placement?

Counselling Placements in Edinburgh

Counselling Placement Opportunities for Trainee Counsellors

A Supportive Environment for Developing Therapists

Beginning clinical practice can feel both exciting and daunting. Our placement is designed to offer a warm, nurturing environment where trainee counsellors can begin to find their own practitioner identity.

Who Our Placements are Suitable For

Client Work During Your Counselling Placement

​

Why Choose a Counselling Placement with Us?

FAQs for Counselling Placements

Who can apply for a counselling placement?

What type of clients might I work with?

How many clients will I see during my placement?

What support is available during the placement?

Where does the placement take place?

Will I be able to continue working with the service after qualifying?

How do I apply for a placement?

Do I need supervision to undertake the placement?