Trainee CBT Therapist (High Intensity Therapist)
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest providers of Talking Therapies services in the country. We are currently recruiting a cohort of CBT trainees, who will qualify within one year and go on to join our service in substantive roles.
This is an exciting time to join, following contract renewal, as the service moves to a data‑led, place‑based model, bringing provision closer to the local population. We are developing a broad portfolio of clinical specialisms, including perinatal, trauma and long‑term conditions. Recent innovations have included the implementation of SilverCloud, a self‑referral chat‑bot, and the production of a short film for new fathers.
Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies is research‑active, partnering with the University of East Anglia and the University of Hertfordshire for training. We embed therapeutic staff within wider acute health systems, and provide ongoing training and specialist supervision.
We are committed to quality through external scrutiny and have recently joined the Accreditation Programme for Psychological Therapies (APPTS), part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Main duties of the job
As a Trainee CBT Therapist you will undertake postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at Master’s level, integrating academic learning with clinical practice. You will apply CBT principles in day‑to‑day work with patients experiencing common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You will carry out clinical assessments and deliver evidence‑based, NICE‑compliant CBT interventions, working with individuals from the local community. You will be closely supported through regular clinical supervision, structured line management, and guidance from experienced practitioners to support both clinical development and professional growth.
Upon successful completion of your training and accreditation with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), you will progress to a qualified CBT therapist role, taking on a full clinical caseload. This will include delivering a set number of therapy sessions per week in line with national service requirements and working towards achieving key performance indicators, supported by Supervisors and Clinical Team Leaders.
Job responsibilities
The position includes undertaking the PG Diploma in High Intensity CBT at the University of Hertfordshire over one academic year. Three days per week will be spent in the service gaining experience assessing and working with people from the local community, with two days studying with the University. Both training and clinical work will be a combination of remote and in‑person.
You will provide CBT to people with common mental health problems including anxiety, depression and PTSD, and once qualified you will be expected to provide 20 attended clinical contacts per week, in line with the national requirement for NHS Talking Therapies services.
All clinicians are expected to achieve the service’s key performance indicators, with support from your Supervisor and Clinical Team Leader.
Minimum Qualifications
* Entry to CBT training requires a BABCP‑recognised core profession or a Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes (KSA) entry route portfolio.
* Applications from core professions in physical health with experience of working with mental health conditions can also be considered.
* PWPs should have a minimum of two years post‑qualification experience in line with national NHS Talking Therapies guidelines.
* All other KSA candidates must have at least four years of relevant mental health work experience.
* All candidates should have an undergraduate degree or equivalent (exceptional circumstances may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis).
* Invitees must bring all required documents and evidence for review; offers cannot be made without these.
Experience
* Significant experience working in mental health services and ability to meet agreed target/service demands.
* Ability to manage own caseload and time effectively.
* Experience in a service where agreed targets have been met, demonstrating clinical outcomes.
Skills
* Ability to evaluate and implement training outcomes.
* Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients.
Knowledge
* Understanding of mental health issues and their impact on work.
* Knowledge of medications used in anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Other
* Understanding of a range of mental health difficulties and how they may present in secondary care.
* Recognise the need to use evidence‑based psychological therapies and how they relate to this post.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptional Orders) and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year (gross per annum)
Locations and Working Hours
All applicants must be able to deliver therapy across Norfolk and Waveney. The service supports a hybrid model of working (face‑to‑face on site and remote from home). Face‑to‑face treatment must be delivered within a 10‑mile radius of the patient’s home or work. Main locality hubs are Norwich, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, North Walsham, Kings Lynn and Heacham.
Working hours are Monday‑Friday 8:00 am–8:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am–2:00 pm; clinical contacts will be scheduled within these hours. Saturday service is currently delivered by external partners but is under review.
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