Apply for a London-based online counselling placement
Counsellor · Psychotherapist · Relationship Therapist · Supervisor
This single application covers all of our online placement tracks. Please complete the steps below, upload your required documents, and specify which role you are applying for. We are actively looking for dedicated students to join our expert London team.
What you'll gain
A London counselling placement for trainee counsellors across the UK
Our placement goes beyond client hours. We offer a genuinely supportive environment that treats trainees as emerging professionals — not just free labour. You'll leave with real experience, real clients, and real confidence.
Trainee placements
Choose your placement type
Three distinct pathways, each with a dedicated application route
and supervision structure tailored to your speciality.
Counsellor Psychotherapist
Individual therapy for adults 18+. Develop your clinical skills across a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions.
Apply now Couples focusedRelationship & Sex Therapist
Specialist placement supporting couples across relationship challenges, intimacy issues, infidelity, and sexual health. Fully aligned with COSRT standards.
Apply now Senior pathwayClinical Supervisor
Support and supervise trainee counsellors in fortnightly sessions. Ideal for qualified practitioners developing their supervisory practice and reflective skills.
Apply nowTrainee feedback
What to expect, step by step
Real experiences from trainees at top UK counselling programmes
— in their own words.
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Complete your application
Fill in all 6 steps of the form, share your background and availability, and upload all 7 required documents. Incomplete applications are not considered.
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Review and onboarding
Our team reviews your documents and contacts successful candidates to arrange a short onboarding conversation before your first client is matched.
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Begin your placement
See 3–4 clients per week online, attend fortnightly supervision, and build real clinical hours with full team support throughout your placement year.
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Grow and qualify
Many trainees extend past one year. Your placement experience positions you well for qualified roles at Talking Counselling when vacancies arise.
Common questions
Everything
you need to know
We've answered the most common questions from prospective trainees. If you still have questions, get in
touch before applying.
The placement lasts one year with weekly client support, providing consistent hands-on experience alongside structured supervision. If your Master's programme runs for two years, you are welcome to continue the placement beyond the initial year — many trainees choose to stay longer.
You will work with up to 3–4 clients at a time, following the BACP Code of Ethics. We can arrange fewer clients if needed to help you balance learning with personal commitments, ensuring meaningful and manageable experience throughout.
Yes — you can support clients online from anywhere in the UK. Our secure digital platforms let you work fully remotely without commuting, offering flexibility while reducing your carbon footprint. Clients have benefited from online therapy for many years.
Absolutely. As a trainee, you are not expected to complete client assessments. All clients at Talking Counselling are assessed by a qualified counsellor or supervisor. This allows you to focus entirely on developing your therapeutic skills safely and ethically.
Completing your placement does not automatically guarantee a role with us. Any opportunities to join as a qualified counsellor depend on available positions, which will be advertised when they arise. Your placement experience can make you a strong candidate, but all appointments follow standard recruitment processes.