Counselling placement
WMRSASC are happy to provide placements for trainee counsellors completing a Counselling Diploma or a foundation degree. You can start your placement with us once your training provider has assessed you fit to practice.
We also offer placements to qualified counsellors who are undertaking a children and young people’s diploma.
Please note that because of the nature of the service, all placement counsellors will have to complete our specialist in-house training: AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award for Professionals Working in the Sexual Violence Sector.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about taking up a counselling placement with us
What are the requirements for individuals wishing to start a counselling placement with WMRSASC?
- You must be in your final year of your diploma or foundation degree before starting your placement hours
- You must complete our volunteer / placement application pack
- You must provide a ‘fitness to practice’ letter from your education provider
- You will be invited to an interview with the counselling service management team
- You must successfully complete our AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award for Professionals Working in the Sexual Violence Sector
What do WMRSASC provide during a counselling placement?
- Specialised training in the sexual violence sector
- Clinical supervision, internal with WMRSASC certified clinical supervisors
- Mentorship from one of our experienced counsellors, as well as access to whole of counselling team including the service management
- Safeguarding, cybersecurity and GDPR training and other relevant ongoing training
- Supervision and placement reports required by the counselling training provider
What else will the placement counsellor find at WMRSASC?
- An organisation that is a member of the BACP and NCPS
- Member of both Rape Crisis (England & Wales) and The Survivors Trust (sexual violence sector national bodies)
- Access to WMRSASC’s complete policies covering all aspects of working with clients, safeguarding and volunteering with the organisation
- Open communication with all members of the organisation and an understanding that it is better to ask as many times as necessary, rather than remain in doubt about any issue
- Fortnightly supervision as recommended by the BACP during placement
- Last, but not least, appreciation for the counselling hours you will be doing
What do WMRSASC expect from a trainee counsellor whilst on placement?
- A commitment to voluntarily attend all necessary training, so you are prepared to professionally provide counselling to survivors of sexual abuse
- A commitment to voluntarily provide counselling in a professional manner
- A commitment to voluntarily attend clinical supervision to ensure safe practice in accordance with the BACP ethical framework
- Maintain student membership of the BACP or NCPS for the duration of the placement
- Record all counselling sessions and communications with clients on WMRSASC’s systems
- Adhere to WMRSASC’s confidentiality and safeguarding processes and policies
How do I apply to become a placement counsellor with WMRSASC?
Read the information pack and click here to apply
When are the WMRSASC 'Working in the Sexual Violence Sector' training courses?
Please refer to the training dates at the bottom of this page to see the next courses
What is the cost of the training and are there any other costs involved for the placement counsellor?
There are 2 one-off payments to be made:
- £200 to be paid upon confirming your place on the training course
- £350 to be paid upon completion of the training course when you will be offered your placement
Clinical supervision and other mandatory training are included in the placement payment
Where will I be working from?
You will be based at one of our centres in Hereford or Worcester (whichever is nearest to where you live or more accessible for you)
What type of clinical supervision do you offer your placement counsellors?
WMRSASC offers placement counsellors one-to-one clinical supervision with an in house certified supervisor, who is experienced in supporting survivors of sexual abuse
We currently do not offer group supervision nor supervision with external supervisors
How many days will I be expected to provide counselling sessions?
You would normally start with a maximum of 2 clients per week with a view to increasing your caseload as your placement progresses
You can fit sessions into one day or different days to suit you
The days can fit around your other commitments (work, training, childcare, etc) but will need to be Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm
What type of counselling do WMRSASC provide their clients?
WMRSASC provides person-centred counselling, however our counselling also includes normalising the experiences and reactions of our clients regarding the sexual abuse they survived; as well as working to empower them to make the best decisions for themselves
Clients are offered 24 weekly counselling sessions, although some request fortnightly sessions
We currently provide our clients with the opportunity to access their counselling sessions face-to-face (in our centres), online (video calls) or by telephone
We expect placement counsellors to provide face-to-face sessions, unless they can prove that they have completed training in providing online / telephone counselling
Do I need to attend personal therapy whilst I am on placement?
Personal therapy will only be recommended if necessary
Will I be expected to pay for my DBS?
WMRSASC will apply for and fund your DBS
If you already subscribe to the DBS updating service, as a counsellor working with vulnerable adults (adult at risk), please let us know
What client group does WMRSASC work with?
All WMRSASC clients are survivors, or friends/family of survivors of sexual abuse
Although we provide counselling for survivors from the age of 5, placement counsellors will only support adult clients (18+ years old)
How are clients referred into WMRSASC?
WMRSASC clients can self refer via our website or helpline, or can be referred by agencies such as mental health, police, doctor, etc
Training dates
| Responding to a Disclosure of Sexual Violence | Monday 13th January 2025 | 9.30-16.30 | Online |
| Emotional and Societal Responses to Sexual Violence | Thursday 9th January 2025 | 9:30-16:30 | Online |
| Feminist Theory in Practice | Thursday 23rd January 2025 | 9:30-16:30 | Online |
| Safeguarding (internal only) | Wednesday 15th January 2025 | 9:30-16:30 | F2F |
| Sexual Violence & The Legal System | Thursday 30th January 2025 | 9:30-16:30 | Online |
* For the courses with a star (*) next to them, please choose one date from the two options.
Please review this page regularly to see the most up-to-date training dates.
Before starting your placement, you must be able to complete the first two courses: Responding to a disclosure of sexual violence and Emotional and societal responses to sexual violence. The other three courses (Sexual violence and the legal system, Safeguarding children, Feminist theory in practice) need to be completed within the first 6 months of your placement.
Your application to start your placement must be received 2 months prior to the start of the first course. Once you have applied, a member of our team will be in touch to arrange a short interview and provide you with more details.
Doing my placement with WMRSASC has been a great experience. The in-house training was thorough and I have been fully supported by the team through the whole process, as well as having access to professional supervision. Someone is always on hand for guidance and there is plenty of opportunity to learn more.”
Join us now
If you would like to complete your counselling placement with us, please read the volunteer pack and privacy notice and register your interest below.