It had been a hope of mine, for quite some time, to train as a PWP. I was therefore delighted when I found a position advertised with DHC Talking Therapies.
DHC Talking Therapies offers a wide range of services to the diverse population of Surrey. They service over 130 different locations and are continually refining the support they provide, to reflect the needs of the community they serve.
My start with DHC was quite unique, in that the entire recruitment process took place within the online confines of the first 2020 Lockdown, during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Despite the rife uncertainty and tumultuous times, the service adapted and responded quickly to the ‘new way of working’. The recruitment process was conducted to such high standards, that I knew that I wanted to work for this service. Before I started work, I was assigned a ‘Buddy’, who reached out and met with me months prior to my start date. This meeting was simply to give me the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any worries or concerns that I might have in a safe and informal way. My ‘Buddy’ was exceptional and was never short of insightful ‘hints’ and ‘tips’ and always ready with a reassuring sense of humour. He spoke openly and honestly about the job, which made me feel valued and looked after, before I even started.
“I was assigned a ‘Buddy’, who reached out and met with me months prior to my start date. This meeting was simply to give me the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any worries or concerns that I might have in a safe and informal way. My ‘Buddy’ was exceptional and was never short of insightful ‘hints’ and ‘tips’ and always ready with a reassuring sense of humour.“
My very first day in my new job started with an online induction with the University of Surrey. We were introduced to all the lecturers and guided through the year ahead and how the university planned to conduct our training year remotely. Throughout the training year, the university has been very responsive to student needs and have taken feedback on board and actively made changes in order to support students learning as well as their wellbeing.
The year started off with two days in service, two days of university and one ‘Practice Day’ during which students complete university assignments. This reduces to one day of university halfway through the second term and will change to being ‘in service’ five days a week by the third term.
“An average day for a Trainee PWP involves a combination of client assessments and treatments along with normally one meeting, training, or supervision session per day, so it is important to plan ahead.“
An average day for a Trainee PWP involves a combination of client assessments and treatments along with normally one meeting, training, or supervision session per day, so it is important to plan ahead. In addition to this, trainees can also assist with completing referrals with clients, as well as booking them off the waitlist. These tasks support trainees’ confidence with the in-house systems and procedures and allows for a gradual transition into client work.
The service also provides many opportunities for growth and development, as they offer specialised roles for trainees to get involved with, which provides opportunities to develop and demonstrate skills that will allow for progression to advanced and senior PWP roles. Trainees are also provided the opportunity to assist in the delivering of group session for clients.
Overall, the role of Trainee PWP is fast paced, demanding and at times overwhelming, however it is also incredibly rewarding. It provides numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, development and support to become a truly reflective practitioner.
