Counselling Placements at YPS

At YPS, we are passionate about creating a warm, welcoming space where counselling students and volunteers feel valued and supported. We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing work our volunteer counsellors do, and we make it a priority to ensure they’re looked after too.

Our team of 20 counsellors includes a mix of those on training placements and qualified counsellors, many of whom stay on with us because they love being part of our community. We take a Person-Centred approach, focusing on empathy, acceptance, respect and helping young people uncover their potential. This philosophy means we aim for everyone—client and counsellor alike—to feel empowered, understood, and valued.

What we offer

We know that counselling training can be demanding and challenging at times, so we’re here to support you every step of the way. At YPS, you’ll find a close-knit team that’s always ready to listen and support you. And when it’s time to celebrate your milestones—like your first client session or reaching 100 counselling hours—we’ll mark the occasion with something special. (Hint: it usually involves ringing the bell in reception and sharing cake!).

Once you complete your 100 hours and become fully qualified, we’ll cover your travel expenses for counselling and supervision. Additionally, we offer free parking at Chichester College for your convenience.

We like to organise regular social events, such as picnics in the park, informal gatherings with drinks and nibbles at the centre, and more. These events are a great opportunity to meet other counsellors and volunteers at YPS and unwind 😊

To keep us all connected, we have a counsellor WhatsApp group where you can share resources, training opportunities, and words of encouragement. There’s also a daily WhatsApp group for practical things like arranging cover if someone’s off sick or on holiday—it’s all about teamwork and making sure no one feels isolated.

What to Expect

You’ll gradually build up to working with four clients a week, at your own pace. You’ll have a regular day for your placement (for example: Monday evenings (5-9pm) or Tuesday mornings (10am-2pm), sharing the slot with two other counsellors.

We see clients at our shop in South Street. We have four counselling rooms that are equipped with creative tools like paints, colouring, fidget toys, sand trays, masks, and mood cards—especially helpful for younger clients who might find counselling a bit daunting to begin with.  We also have a sensory room!

We offer remote sessions to clients using Microsoft Teams or phone depending on the client’s needs and risk level.

To help you grow and reflect on your practice, we provide group supervision fortnightly, meeting the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) guidelines. Our experienced supervisors are here to support you, and they all have a qualification in both supervision and working with children and young people.

We specialise in supporting young people aged 11–25. Depending on your course requirements, you’ll most likely work with clients aged 18 and over.

  • Getting Started with Clients:
    Before taking on a new client, you’ll review their assessment in supervision to make sure you feel competent to start. Once approved, you’ll contact the client to arrange their sessions.
  • Session Structure:
    Clients are offered 24 sessions, with the option to extend if needed.
  • Tools to Keep Work Professional:
    You’ll be given a YPS work phone and email account for all client communications, helping you maintain healthy boundaries.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Trainings/Workshops

Throughout the year, we run free workshops and training sessions on topics such as:

  • Supporting clients with self-harm or suicidal thoughts
  • Understanding neurodivergence
  • LGBTQI+ inclusivity
  • Creative techniques like sand-tray therapy and Gestalt chair work
  • Eating disorders, BPD, and much more

How to Apply

If this sounds like the right fit for you and you have your Fitness to Practice letter, we’d love to hear from you!

Here’s how to apply:

  1. Email us at counselling@yps-south.org.uk to let us know you’re interested.
  2. We’ll send you an application form to fill out.
  3. If shortlisted, we’ll invite you for a 40-minute interview, which includes a short skills practice with a pretend young person.
  4. All new counsellors will be subject to an enhanced DBS check paid for by YPS

We can’t wait to welcome you to YPS!