How much counselling experience do I need to volunteer?

We would expect our volunteers as a minimum to be working towards a level 5 counselling qualification, with 100 placement hours and to have some relevant experience. If you are unsure whether your experience or training meets this requirement, please contact us.

Please note, we do not accept applications from counsellors whose training is online/distance learning only. This is in accordance with BACP guidelines.

How many hours a week do I need to volunteer?

The amount of time a counsellor commits to The Blue Door is negotiable. We ask that as a minimum you see one client at the same time every week. Days and times are dependent on what room availability we have. Given the open-ended nature of our sessions, we would hope that all counsellors volunteer for a minimum of 12 months.

When and where are the counselling sessions held?

Counselling sessions run Monday to Friday in our Grimsby and Scunthorpe locations, typically between 9am and 5pm. We also have evening sessions, up to 7:30pm on three evenings a week. We are unable to accommodate weekend sessions at this time.

Will I be able to complete all of my placement hours at The Blue Door?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee to provide all the client sessions you may require for your course. We will, however, be as supportive as possible in assisting you to complete your hours.

How much supervision would I need to have?

All counsellors are required to have regular supervision with a suitably qualified practitioner. All our volunteer counsellors are responsible for finding and engaging their own independent supervisor.

For students, the amount of supervision required is commensurate with the number of hours of client work completed, in accordance with the BACP guidelines. Qualified counsellors are expected to have one and a half hours supervision each month.

Group Supervision is available every other month to all of our Counsellors, at no cost.

Will I receive any expenses?

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to pay any form of expenses to Volunteer Counsellors who are undertaking their course placements at The Blue Door.

Qualified Counsellors can claim expenses, subject to being assigned a minimum of two clients. Further details are available upon application.

What support will I be offered?

In addition to Group Supervision, you will be supported by our Recovery Team, which includes as assigned Counselling Co-ordinator at each location.

You will receive line management and mentoring from the Counselling Co-ordinators and Recovery Service Manager. The Recovery Service Team are all qualified and experienced counsellors, so you will receive pre and post-appointment support should you require. All members of The Blue Door team are approachable and available should you need any form of support, advice or assistance.

Will my clients be assessed before I meet them?

One of our Counselling Co-ordinators will initially assess the clients. They will ensure that all volunteers will be working at an appropriate level of clinical competence and experience.

What training will I be offered?

We have mandatory training which must be completed prior to the commencement of counselling sessions at The Blue Door, which covers a range of relevant topics. This includes an induction to the working policies and procedures of the Recovery Service.

Our organisation is contracted to North Lincolnshire LSCB to provide training in Domestic Abuse to professionals. Our volunteers can access this training at no cost. We would encourage our Counsellors to take advantage of as much of the training as possible.

Will I be required to have a DBS check before starting?

All volunteers at The Blue Door require a new DBS check before commencing any client work. We will make arrangements for this to be completed with our nominated suppliers, and we will cover the costs of these.

Will I need insurance?

All Counsellors require their own personal Professional Indemnity policy. We will require proof of this before you can start volunteering. We may request confirmation of renewals of the policy as appropriate.

Do I need to be a member of the BACP?

We do not require our volunteers to be a member of the BACP or any other professional body. However, all are required to work to the ethical framework of the BACP.

How many clients will I initially be assigned?

This will be decided in discussion with the Counselling Co-ordinator and will depend on your experience and competence. Typically, new counsellors start with one or maybe two clients. We do insist on a minimum of 30 minutes between each appointment. We can increase the number of clients over time, depending on the time you can offer.

Can I tape clients for my Case Study or Supervision?

The Blue Door does not permit the taping of counselling sessions.

If you have questions or would just like to chat to one of the team about the role of a Volunteer Counsellor, please give us a call on 0800 197 4787.

We require a completed application form, which you request from info@thebluedoor.org. We will then invite you in for an interview. This will normally be at the location in which you wish to undertake your counselling sessions. This will then give you the opportunity to get a feel for the place and meet the team.

After the receipt of references, we will then arrange for the relevant DBS checks, training and inductions.

Many thanks for considering volunteering as a counsellor at The Blue Door

If you have chosen not to apply, then we would like to wish you every success in your counselling career.