Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapist

NHS; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Weymouth is seeking a Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapist to support adults with common mental health problems. This role involves completing a 12-month training course at the University of Reading. Successful candidates will provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) while gaining valuable experience through a supportive team. The position offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in a flexible environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to meet either route to eligibility: 2 years post-qualification or 4 years relevant experience.
• Experience of using CBT techniques in practice.
• Knowledge of the issues surrounding work and mental health.

Responsibilities

• Support adults with common mental health problems as a trainee CBT therapist.
• Participate in a 12-month training course at the University of Reading.
• Attend 100% of training days with the University.

Skills

Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services

Ability to manage own caseload and time

High standards in written communication

Experience working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression

Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression

Education

Undergraduate degree in a discipline connected to mental health

Job description

Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapist

The closing date is 03 December 2025

Are you passionate about Mental Health? Would you like to work within a primary care setting in a friendly, dedicated team?

Dorset Steps2Wellbeing, a NHS Talking Therapies (NHS TT) service, are looking to recruit Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapists to support adults with common mental health problems. Successful candidates will undertake a 12 month training course at the University of Reading, learning to provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to patients with depression and anxiety disorders. Successful applicants will attend training with the University two days a week and apply their newly learnt skills to a caseload of patients three days a week (including an out of hours clinic).

The University provides a Level 2 accredited course with BABCP. Upon completion trainees will meet criteria to apply for provisional accreditation as a CBT therapist with the BABCP.

All our staff are expected to work flexibly, providing a combination of face to face and remote sessions. You will be required to attend 100% of training days with the University.

On successful completion of the course, trainees enter our preceptorship program receiving enhanced supervision, peer support meetings and triaged caseload, leading to a permanent band 7 post.

The course starts in February 2026. Posts are available in both Urban and Rural teams.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Main duties of the job

There are 2 routes to eligibility

• ROUTE 1: You meet the criteria for CBT training, have a BABCP recognised core profession in mental health or related areas and have at least 2 years post qualification experience.
• ROUTE 2: You do not have a core profession but you have 4 years relevant mental health experience and have completed a KSA portfolio which you are able to submit at point of interview. If applying via route 2, prior to this interview you must have completed the self-statements for the KSA criterion relevant to you.

Please note that Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners cannot be recruited to this training post until they have at least two years post-qualification experience. If you have recently completed an NHS funded psychological professions course, you are not eligible for this training until 2 years after the date of your exam certification.

Please have your completed KSA ready at interview if taking the KSA route.

This post involves University study and full-time work. It is not suitable for applicants on student and graduate visas. If you have an alternative visa and wish to apply, please contact: [e-mail] prior to submitting your application.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [e-mail]

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

If you would like to find out more about the position, please contact:

Sabina Baig at [e-mail]

Person Specification

Educational/Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline connected to mental health (e.g. Psychology, neuroscience, or a BABCP recognised core profession). Those without an undergraduate qualification but with evidence of the ability to study at third year of undergraduate level (level 6) will also be considered.
• Ability to meet either route to eligibility: Either a core mental health profession as defined by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) with at least 2 years post qualification experience OR no core profession but 4 years relevant mental health experience and provide a complete KSA portfolio.
• Some knowledge and experience of CBT.
• Experience working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression.
• Evidence of foundation level / sustained CPD in CBT.
• Evidence of using CBT techniques in practice.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge

• Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health.
• Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems.
• Ability to meet agreed / specified service targets.
• Worked in a Service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes.
• Experience of working in Primary Care Services.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge

• Ability to manage own caseload and time.
• Demonstrates high standards in written communication.
• Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice.
• Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively.
• Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships.
• Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge

• Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post.
• Qualified to drive and has access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust