The questions trainees ask us most often about finding, applying for, and managing a UK counselling placement.
Most diploma and degree courses ask trainees to begin client work in year 2. Start researching providers 4–6 months ahead — many charities and NHS services have long recruitment cycles, occasional intake windows or waiting lists.
It depends on your awarding body: BACP-accredited diplomas typically require 100 hours, UKCP requires 450 over training, and BABCP accreditation needs supervised CBT practice evidenced through a portfolio. Always check your specific course handbook.
Almost no trainee placements in the UK are paid — they're considered part of your training. Some larger services offer expenses or a small bursary. Be cautious of providers asking you to pay; that's a red flag.
Yes — many providers offer remote-only or hybrid models, especially since 2020. Check that your course allows online hours to count, and that you have a private, confidential space and reliable tech.
Most look for: confirmation you're on a recognised counselling course, a clear statement of your modality and stage of training, an enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one), student indemnity insurance, and two references, usually one academic.
Expect questions about your theoretical orientation, how you handle boundaries and risk, why you want to work with that client group, and your self-care and personal therapy. Many include a short clinical scenario or role-play.
It's normal to apply to several providers before getting an offer — competition is high, especially in cities. Always ask for feedback and use it to refine your next application.
Typically 3–8 client hours per week, plus supervision and admin. Factor in travel, note-writing, and a buffer for crisis or DNAs (did-not-attends).
Some placements provide supervision in-house (often group); others expect you to source and pay for your own external supervisor at roughly £40–£80 per hour. Confirm this before committing.
A minority of services reimburse travel; most don't. Ask explicitly during the interview so there are no surprises.
No. CounsellingPlacements.co.uk is an independent community resource. We're not connected to BACP, UKCP, BABCP, NCPS or COSCA, and we don't accept money from providers in exchange for listings.
Submit your organisation via our free submission form — it's free. We review submissions manually before publishing.
Please email us via the contact form on our about page — we'd rather list nothing than list something inaccurate.