Band 7 Trainee Psychotherapist

Job summary

Are you a qualified mental health professional seeking specialist training in psychodynamic psychotherapy? Join our Specialist Psychotherapies Service as a Band 7 Trainee Psychotherapist.

This opportunity is ideal for experienced practitioners from core mental health professions--nursing, OT, social work, or arts therapy--who are passionate about psychodynamic approaches and committed to professional growth. The role includes a fully supported training programme leading to British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) accreditation.

You'll deliver psychodynamically informed therapy under supervision, working with individuals facing complex mental health challenges. Training includes weekly personal therapy, seminars, essay writing, and supervision. You'll also contribute to service development, audits, and research.

Applicants should have at least five years' post-registration experience and prior therapeutic training (e.g. counselling, CBT, DBT, IAPT). Strong communication skills, reflective practice, and a commitment to development are essential. Experience with psychological interventions and understanding of psychodynamic principles are desirable.

This is a unique chance to train while working in a supportive, multidisciplinary team. The Trust values diversity, development, and empowering staff. If you're ready to advance your therapeutic career, we encourage you to apply.

Main duties of the job

We would highly recommend you having a look at the training course before applying for this role in order to ensure the training is something you are able to commit to.

Details about the course and the requirements can be found via:

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling - Gloucestershire Counselling Service

Please be aware that there are two stages to the application for this vacancy. You will have the recruitment process with BSMHFT as well as the application process for the course via Gloucestershire Counselling Service.

Please refer to the Job Description & Personal Specification for a full outline of main duties and expectations.

You will be expected to be successful in both processes to be offered the training post.

About us

Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.

Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.

Details

Date posted

10 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

436-7567204

Job locations

Callum Lodge / Coach House

Birmingham

B14 5SJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

This is a training post and we would highly encourage you having a look at the training course before applying for this role in order to ensure the training is something you are able to commit to.

Details about the course and the requirements can be found via:

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling - Gloucestershire Counselling Service

Please be aware that there are two stages to the application for this vacancy. You will have the recruitment process with BSMHFT as well as the application process for the course via Gloucestershire Counselling Service.

You will be expected to be successful in both processes to be offered the training post.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This is a training post and we would highly encourage you having a look at the training course before applying for this role in order to ensure the training is something you are able to commit to.

Details about the course and the requirements can be found via:

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling - Gloucestershire Counselling Service

Please be aware that there are two stages to the application for this vacancy. You will have the recruitment process with BSMHFT as well as the application process for the course via Gloucestershire Counselling Service.

You will be expected to be successful in both processes to be offered the training post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Has core mental health qualification - Registered health or social care qication- RMN, OT, Social Worker Arts Therapist etc

Experience

Essential

• At least five years post registration experience of work in mental health services

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have difficulty in engaging with services and present with complex mental health needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Has core mental health qualification - Registered health or social care qication- RMN, OT, Social Worker Arts Therapist etc

Experience

Essential

• At least five years post registration experience of work in mental health services

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have difficulty in engaging with services and present with complex mental health needs.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Callum Lodge / Coach House

Birmingham

B14 5SJ

Employer's website

https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Callum Lodge / Coach House

Birmingham

B14 5SJ

Employer's website

https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)