Counsellor / Psychotherapist – Farming Wellbeing Project
Location: Apricot Centre for Wellbeing, Huxhams Cross Farm, Dartington, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6AA
Contract: Self Employed
Closing Date: 30th September 2026
Join our wellbeing service supporting Devon’s farming community
The Apricot Centre for Wellbeing is seeking a fully qualified Counsellor and/or Psychotherapist to provide face-to-face and or online counselling sessions as part of our new project supporting farmers and agricultural workers with their mental health and wellbeing.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a compassionate, multidisciplinary team working from our therapeutic farm setting in Dartington, Devon.
Farming is a rewarding but often highly demanding way of life. Many people working in agriculture experience long hours, financial uncertainty, isolation, and the pressure of caring for both land and livestock. These challenges can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.
The Apricot Centre is developing a dedicated counselling service and wellbeing support service for farmers and others connected to the agricultural community across Devon. This is a pilot project designed to improve access to mental health support for people living and working in rural areas.
We are seeking therapists who can offer compassionate, practical, and culturally sensitive support, with an understanding of the unique realities of rural life. Experience of farming is not essential; however, an awareness of the agricultural sector and the challenges faced by farming families would be highly valued.
We welcome applications from qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who are able to work in a flexible and collaborative way, and who are committed to supporting the wellbeing of rural communities across Devon.
About the role
The successful candidate will work closely with the Wellbeing Service Managers to ensure the delivery of a safe, ethical, and professional counselling service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing 1:1 counselling support for members of the farming community
- Delivering face-to-face sessions at the Apricot Centre and/or online sessions
- Maintaining accurate and confidential clinical records
- Attending peer supervision and team meetings
- Working in accordance with the ethical framework and professional standards of your registering body
- Contributing to the development of a responsive and accessible rural mental health service
Person specification
We are looking for someone who is:
- Fully qualified in Counselling or Psychotherapy (Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, or equivalent)
- Registered with BACP, NCPS UKCP, HCPC, or another recognised professional body
- Experienced in delivering therapeutic support to adults
- Able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team
Essential requirements
- Minimum 2 year of post-qualification clinical practice
- Professional registration and insurance
- Experience of face-to-face and/or online counselling
- Excellent communication and record-keeping skills
Desirable
- Knowledge of or experience within the farming or agricultural sector
- Understanding of the particular pressures facing rural communities, including isolation, financial stress, and workload demands
What we offer
- A supportive and values-led working environment
- peer support
- Committed to high standards of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional practice
- Opportunities to contribute to an innovative rural mental health project
- Flexible working arrangements where possible
- The opportunity to work from our unique therapeutic farm setting in Dartington
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected]
The Apricot Centre is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.
Job Type: Freelance
Benefits:
Licence/Certification:
- HCPC registration (required)
Work Location: In person
