We lead with curiosity, support exploration and encourage self-reflection whilst holding process in mind.
The Parenting Project is a leading UK registered charity supporting family mental health and wellbeing.
Our Counselling service sees clients with varied issues and life experiences which can be multiple and complex. Studies show childhood experiences can have a profound effect on our adult well-being, both physical and psychological.
As a result of these studies, and our own emerging data, we remain aware of the impact of adversity in childhood and work with parents to achieve better outcomes, not only for themselves but also their children.
By holding the sentiment ‘It is not what is wrong with you, but what has happened to you’ at the core of our work, we learn that being ‘Trauma informed’ in our relationship with clients can facilitate better outcomes and help avoid the stigma which often comes when experiencing mental health problems. We are a non-pathologising service and understand emotional distress through a social model of mental health.
As a placement, we are committed to the relationships we hold with our students and counsellors. The placement facilitates and encourages self-governance, for students to become autonomous practitioners, within a framework that is robust and boundaried to support ethical and safe practice.
How to apply
How to apply
If you would like to apply for a placement with us, please complete and return both the Application Form and Student Collected Information Form to newplacements@parentingproject.org.uk within the application timeframe.
Applicants wishing to undertake their placement remotely must also complete the Preparation for Remote Working Form.
Our recruitment process consists of a two-stage interview process. Placement offers are made only following successful completion of both interview stages and a three-day induction programme.
Please find below links to:
- Application Guidance
- Application Form
- Student Collected Information Form
- Preparation for Remote Working Form
- Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that we only shortlist applicants who are currently enrolled on a qualifying course. We do not accept applications from individuals who have not yet commenced a minimum Level 4 qualification.
As part of our safer recruitment process, only fully completed application forms will be considered for shortlisting. This includes providing a complete employment history with no unexplained gaps.
For further information about the placement, criteria for applying or support with completing your application, please refer to the guidance documents above.
Recruitment dates
Applications Open |
Applications Close |
Interviews |
Group Interview |
Induction |
Safeguarding Day One |
Safeguarding Day Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 8th September 26 | 9am Tuesday 22nd September 26 | Week of 12th October 26 | Tuesday 27th October 26 | Tuesday 24th November 26 | Monday 7th December 26 | Wednesday 6th January 2027 |
Please note that all induction and safeguarding training dates must be attended in full if a placement offer is made.
If there are currently no recruitment dates listed, or you are unable to attend all of the dates, and you would like to be contacted during our next recruitment phase, please complete the Contact Form
“This placement has truly supported me in not only being the best therapist I can be, but being the most authentic therapist I can be. An invaluable experience. The team was always available to discuss the work, and supported me in recognising my own process in the work. I have become a much more reflective practitioner thanks to their kindness and guidance. The ethos and the care comes through everything. The placement embodies the type of safe and containing space I want to create for my clients”
“I really valued the overall ethos of the service particularly the nurturing environment fostered by the team. The placement has facilitated peer learning through team meetings and discussion. It has enabled me to gain experience working with clients on a longer term basis and at greater therapeutic depth. The placement has also encouraged me to reflect on my own process and explore ethical aspects of my clinical work in a thoughtful and considerate way. The Parenting Project will always have a special place in my heart – it has been such a positive experience for me, particularly after coming from a fairly unsafe first placement which didn’t provide much support for students. I have felt able to reach out to the team whenever I have needed to; they have always made themselves accessible and approachable – something I have really appreciated.”
“The Parenting Project has felt very safe and containing for me. I will take away with me the sense of community, the ethical ethos of the service and the passion and care for clients”
