We’re looking for BACP members to act as mentors to 20 counselling and psychotherapy trainees for our 11-month pilot scheme, which launches in September 2022.

Benefits for mentors

By taking part in the mentoring scheme you will:

  • develop leadership abilities and skills
  • contribute towards a more balanced profession and work collaborative to break down barriers to inclusion
  • listen and learn from people from diverse backgrounds with differing viewpoints
  • be offered further development opportunities
  • receive support from peers (other mentors)

How it works

We'll match you with a mentee based on:

  • your skills and qualifications
  • the mentee's desired development criteria

If we're able to match you, you'll need to attend a 1 3/4 hour online briefing at 1pm on Wednesday 29 September 2022 to prepare you for the mentoring scheme. This will include an EDI training session.

For the duration of the scheme, you'll meet face-to-face or online with your mentee for at least six sessions of approximately one hour every four to six weeks to maintain momentum. The mentee will lead the relationship and will set specific goals to work towards with your support.

You can be paid £50 per session, if required, for up to six sessions, not including training, supervision or any other support.

We'll ask you to provide feedback during the programme and you'll also be invited to a follow-up webinar on 26 January 2023 for an open discussion and reflection on your relationship.

How to apply

To become a mentor, you must be a current BACP member, have completed a counselling or psychotherapy practitioner qualification and have at least two years' experience as a counsellor or psychotherapist.

You'll need:

  • contemporary experience of training
  • knowledge or experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds
  • knowledge and awareness of the protected characteristics and how intersectionality can present across and within them

It would also be helpful, but not essential if you have:

  • previous experiencing of mentoring (training will be provided)
  • knowledge of student support systems within educational settings
  • knowledge of the different types of training establishments e.g. BACP accredited courses and non accredited courses 

If you meet the criteria, please register your interest by completing the mentor application form.

The closing date for applications is Friday 29 July 2022. We’ll let you know if we’re able to match you by mid-September 2022. 

Please keep Wednesday 28 September 2022 free in your diary until we confirm whether we've been able to match you.