Student Placements
At Survivors Unite, our commitment lies in supporting the next generation of mental health professionals. Through our Student Placement Program, we provide aspiring counsellors and therapists with the chance to gain valuable experience in trauma-informed counselling within a compassionate and professional environment.
Why Choose Us?
Specialist Training: Work alongside experienced trauma-informed counselling therapists and receive support through our Student Placement Program as you progress in your counselling training course. Informal Supervision & Mentorship: Engage in real-world counselling under the guidance of accredited mental health professionals. Supportive Environment: People feel safe, respected, and encouraged. Holistic Experience: We work with diverse clients and also provide a range of alternative therapies, such as EMDR, Reiki, and Mindfulness.
What kind of person are we looking for?
1. Emotionally Resilient
Supporting individuals who have experienced trauma can be emotionally challenging for mental health professionals. The ability to manage your own emotional responses and maintain professional boundaries is essential.
2. Empathic & Compassionate
A trauma-informed counselling approach requires deep empathy and the ability to provide a non-judgmental, safe space for clients to share their experiences.
3. Strong Communication Skills
Active listening, patience, and the ability to convey understanding are key to building trust with trauma survivors.
4. Self-Aware & Willing to Learn
You must be open to self-reflection and personal growth, as trauma work can bring up unexpected emotions. A willingness to participate in open discussions with experienced practitioners is crucial for supporting your learning and development in trauma-informed counselling. A commitment to ongoing learning and supervision is vital.
5. Professional & Ethical
Confidentiality, ethical decision-making, and adherence to professional boundaries are non-negotiable in trauma counselling.
6. Committed to Self-Care
Trauma work can be emotionally demanding, making self-care strategies and a strong support system essential for maintaining your well-being.
If you resonate with these qualities and are eager to develop your trauma-informed practice, we encourage you to apply for our Student Placement Program.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from students who are:
- Enrolled in an accredited counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, or related mental health course.
- Required to complete a placement as part of their accredited training, as part of our Student Placement Program.
- Passionate about trauma-informed counselling and mental health advocacy.
Currently, we take applications from Chrysalis Edinburgh and Borders College. As a small charity with limited premises, we can only accommodate a certain number of placements for aspiring mental health professionals. Please note that we do not accept applications from students who cannot travel to our premises to attend face-to-face sessions and supervision.
What to Expect...
Your training provider will set the required number of hours you need to complete during your time with us as part of the Student Placement Program. You will gain client-facing experience with structured supervision and debriefing sessions, specifically tailored for mental health professionals. Additionally, you will have access to training workshops, case discussions, and self-care strategies, all within a professional yet empathetic setting that promotes trauma-informed counselling, allowing you to grow and develop your skills.