Published 2026-05-05 • Category: Finding a Placement • Author: CounsellingPlacements.co.uk
If you have searched for "counselling internship" and found mostly placement or voluntary position results, that is not an accident. In the UK, counselling training does not typically use the word internship — the equivalent is a counselling placement or voluntary counselling position.
When UK organisations do describe positions as internships, they usually mean an unpaid voluntary role very similar to a standard placement. The difference is largely terminology, not structure.
What a counselling placement or internship involves: * Seeing clients under clinical supervision — usually a minimum of one client per week * Attending regular supervision — either provided by the organisation or arranged independently * Completing case notes and maintaining confidentiality records * Building a placement log that your training course can verify
Most positions are unpaid. Some organisations offer small expenses payments or contribute to DBS costs, but this is not standard.
What to look for when applying: Is supervision adequate? BACP guidance recommends one hour of supervision per eight hours of client work, minimum 1.5 hours per month. Will your course accept the hours? Check the organisation and client group meet your requirements before you start. How many client hours per week will you realistically get?
Paid counselling work experience for trainees is rare. The more common route to paid work is completing your placement hours, qualifying, and then seeking employment or building a private practice.