Trainee High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist

Job overview

We are excited to offer one trainee opportunity within NHS Talking Therapies.

As a trainee, you will work within the NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies service providing high intensity interventions whilst undertaking a programme of training for this role. This intensive training post will equip you to provide a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) service to clients with a range of complex problems for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective.

The course will start on 23rd February 2027. You will work in the service for three days of the week using your newly developed skills whilst attending the training programme for the other two days. For the first few weeks of the training programme you will be attending university up to 5 days a week.

This cohort will be attending University of Reading in person for their training days and will be required to work from their work base up to 3 days a week.

Main duties of the job

• Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post.
• Apply learning from the training programme in practice.
• Receive supervision from educational providers in relation to course work to meet the required standards.
• Assess clients for suitability for CBT. Where the problems appear to be too complex or severe to be appropriate for a trainee therapist, they will refer to manager/supervisor for advice on how to manage the case.
• Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
• Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.
• Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. British Psychological Society, UK Council for Psychotherapy, British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies), and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health (e.g. NHS plan, National Service Framework, National Institute for Clinical Excellence).
• Apply for BABCP accreditation within 4 weeks of results being ratified by the university.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The “must haves” for you to be considered for this role:

• Relevant Honours Degree (e.g. psychology, mental health, etc.) graded at 2.2 or above
• Core profession as defined by the BABCP. Please see Core Professions List – BABCP for a list of core professions and parts of KSA for identified professions. Please see: Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (babcp.com)
• r Two years post-qualification experience as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (from date on certificate) (E)

AND ability to be able to complete the relevant sections of KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) portfolio prior to entry onto the programme Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (babcp.com)

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, it’s important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.

In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.

We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Rachael Hedges on 0300 365 2000 or email:Rachael.Hedges@berkshire.nhs.uk who’ll be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.