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?

Dorset 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 Reading, 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, trainees enter our preceptorship program receiving enhanced supervision, peer support meetings and triaged caseload, leading to a permanent band 7 post.

The course starts in February 2026. Posts are available in both Urban and Rural teams.

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

Sabina Baig at [email protected]

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 BABCP website for guidance and exemplars).

Please note that Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners cannot be recruited to this training post until they have at least two years post-qualification experience. If you have recently completed an NHS funded psychological professions course, you are not eligible for this training until 2 years after the date of your exam certification.

Please have your completed KSA ready at interview if taking the KSA route.

This post involves University study and full-time work. It is not suitable for applicants on student and graduate visas.  If you have an alternative visa and wish to apply, please contact: [email protected] prior to submitting your application.

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.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application.  However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidate’s individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience.  If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety.  If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [email protected]

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.