Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapist

Job overview

Are you passionate about mental health? Would you like to work within a primary care setting in a friendly, dedicated team?

Southampton Steps2Wellbeing, a NHS Talking Therapies (NHS TT) service, are looking to recruit Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapists to support adults with common mental health problems. Successful candidates will undertake a 12 month training course at the University of Southampton, learning to provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to patients with depression and anxiety disorders. Successful applicants will attend training with the University two days a week and apply their newly learnt skills to a caseload of patients three days a week (including an out of hours clinic).

The University provides a Level 2 accredited course with BABCP. Upon completion trainees will meet criteria to apply for provisional accreditation as a CBT therapist with the BABCP.

All our staff are expected to work flexibly, providing a combination of face to face and remote sessions. You will be required to attend 100% of training days with the University.

On successful completion of the course our Trainees enter a Preceptorship program receiving enhanced supervision, peer support meetings and triaged caseload, leading to a permanent Band 7 post.

Interviews will take place W/C 30th June 2025

The course will start on the 25th September 2025

Main duties of the job

There are 2 routes to eligibility.

ROUTE 1: You meet the criteria for CBT training, have a BABCP recognised core profession in mental health or related areas (See website for full list of accepted core professions; Core Professions (babcp.com)) AND have at least 2 years post qualification experience.

ROUTE 2: You do not have a core profession but you have 4 years relevant mental health experience and have completed a KSA portfolio which you are able to submit at point of interview (please refer to BABCP KSA guidance to find out if a full or partial KSA portfolio is required Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (babcp.com)).   If applying via route 2, prior to this interview you must have completed the self-statements for the KSA criterion relevant to you (see the BABCP website for guidance and exemplars).

Please note that Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners cannot be recruited to this training post until they have at least 2years post-qualification experience based on the date of your exam certification. This therefore needs to be dated before 25/09/2023.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification.  When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

If you would like to find out more about the position, please contact:

• Step to Wellbeing (Southampton) – [email protected] “For The Attention of Matthew Mills”

Regrettably, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

As this post involves University study and full-time work, it is not suitable for applicants with limited leave to remain such as those on student and graduate visas.  If you have an alternative visa and wish to apply, please contact: [email protected] prior to submitting your application.