Job Title: Self-Employed Couples Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Location: Derby office DE1 3DS
Salary: From £25.00 per hour up. Higher rate for couples sessions.
Job Type: Part-time (Flexible shifts available)
About the Role
We are currently seeking warm, dedicated, and highly motivated self-employed Counsellors to join our growing private practice.
This is an exciting opportunity for qualified counsellors who are passionate about supporting others and making a meaningful difference in their lives. We’re looking for individuals who combine clinical competence with a friendly, driven personality, and who can bring professionalism, flexibility, and consistency to their therapeutic work.
We welcome counsellors from all recognised training routes, provided you are qualified, insured, hold (or are working toward) accreditation with a professional body, and are comfortable working as a self-employed practitioner.
We are particularly interested in counsellors with experience supporting adults, couples, and/or children, though all specialisms are welcome.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking individuals who are:
- Warm, engaging, and personable – you enjoy building genuine, trusting relationships with clients.
- Motivated and proactive – you take ownership of your practice and client care.
- Reliable and professional – you deliver consistent, high-quality support.
- Adaptable and flexible – you're comfortable working with diverse client needs and changing schedules.
- Client-focused – you are committed to maintaining and rebooking clients for long-term, effective therapeutic outcomes.
- Couples therapist only - We are currently only hiring therapists who can work with couples as well as individuals.
As a self-employed counsellor, you will be responsible for your own practice, including:
- Client retention and follow-up.
- Rebooking and scheduling.
- Maintaining appropriate documentation and records.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct initial consultations and assess clients’ individual needs.
- Create and deliver personalised, evidence-based therapy plans.
- Provide one-to-one counselling sessions.
- Facilitate group sessions where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate, confidential client records in line with GDPR and ethical standards.
- Work independently while collaborating with the wider team where needed.
- Keep up to date with CPD, supervision, and current best practices.
Essential Requirements
- Recognised counselling qualification (minimum Level 4 Diploma or equivalent).
- Registration or accreditation with a UK professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP, NCPS, or equivalent).
- Self-employed (registered or willing to register with HMRC).
- Enhanced DBS certificate (current or willing to obtain).
- Valid professional indemnity insurance.
- Experience in providing therapeutic support (clinical placements considered).
- Competent in using digital systems for notes and communication.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable:
- Experience in working with adults, couples, or children.
- Bilingual or multilingual (not essential, but welcomed).
What We Offer
- £25.00 per hour up for individual sessions (self-employed).
- Furnished therapy room and client referrals provided.
- Flexible working hours to suit your availability.
- Shifts available Monday to Sunday:
- Morning: approx. 8:00am–2:00pm
- Afternoon: approx. 2:00pm–8:00pm (exact timings are flexible)
- Opportunity to work weekend shifts.
- Supportive and professional working environment.
- Ongoing opportunities for CPD, peer supervision, and growth.
- Friendly and inclusive team culture.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV outlining:
- Your qualifications and areas of expertise
- Your counselling experience and client groups you work with
- Your availability and preferred shift patterns
We are excited to hear from compassionate professionals who are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred therapy and building meaningful, lasting client relationships.
Pay: From £25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee mentoring programme
Application question(s):
- Are you currently registered as self-employed with HMRC or willing to register before starting the role?
- Do you hold professional indemnity insurance and an Enhanced DBS check (or are willing to obtain them)?
- Are you qualified to practise as a counsellor in the UK (e.g. Level 4 Diploma or equivalent)?
- This role is in-person and based in Derby Are you able to reliably travel to this location?
Experience:
- counselling: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- BACP, UKCP, NCPS (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
