School Therapist / Counsellor (SEMH)

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated School Therapist / Counsellor to join a specialist SEMH school in Redbridge. You will work closely with the SENCO, pastoral team, teachers and external professionals to provide therapeutic support for pupils who have experienced trauma, disrupted education or other emotional challenges.

Key responsibilities

• Provide one‑to‑one counselling and therapeutic support to pupils.
• Deliver small‑group sessions focused on emotional wellbeing, confidence and resilience.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, anxiety, trauma and relationship difficulties.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to develop strategies that help pupils engage with learning.
• Contribute to EHCP reviews and attend multi‑agency meetings as required.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of sessions and pupil progress.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, families and external agencies.
• Promote a calm, safe and nurturing environment across the school.
• Provide advice to staff on pupils' emotional needs where appropriate.
• Ensure all work complies with safeguarding policies and professional standards.

Required profile

• Recognised qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Child Therapy, Play Therapy or a similar field.
• Experience working with children or young people, preferably in an SEMH, SEND or alternative provision setting.
• Understanding of trauma impact and a calm, patient, compassionate approach.
• Ability to build trust with young people who may find it difficult to trust adults.
• Strong teamwork skills within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication and record‑keeping abilities.
• Enhanced DBS on the Child Workforce Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Required skills

What we offer

• A welcoming, supportive team that values therapeutic practice.
• Small class sizes with a strong focus on individual pupil support.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive daily rate, dependent on experience.