Our counselling service provides service users with the opportunity to meet in private with a counsellor for typically between 6 and 12 weekly, 50-minute sessions to discuss issues and concerns, which are currently making life difficult. These could include any of the following and more: drug and alcohol dependency, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, relationship difficulties, loss of purpose or meaning, family difficulties, loss and bereavement, anger, depression, trauma, etc.
About the role
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will support the delivery of a wide range of interventions for the people who use our services. These will include:
* See a minimum of 3 clients and a maximum of 5 clients per week (1 day).
* Keep accurate records of work in line with Via expectations and feedback any issues to the line manager (counselling lead) and clinical supervisor.
* Attend ongoing training in discussion with your clinical supervisor.
* Adhere to all Via policies and procedures.
In addition to the above you will be invited to participate in meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.
What skills do I need?
The role would be ideal for someone looking to develop their therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue some counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACP, UKCP. While some knowledge of the sector is desirable, we are specifically looking for people who have a passion for the work that we do. A positive attitude, inclusive approach and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgmental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.
To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the clients at Via we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following:
* Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSc or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, preferably accredited
* If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, BSc, or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
* Trainees are recommended to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, BPS, UKCP or BABCP.
* Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours.
* Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling, psychology or psychotherapy accreditation.
* Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to Via with agreement that Via can ask supervisor and tutor for references.