Principal Clinical/Counselling Psychologist or CB Psychotherapist

Job summary We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Clinical / Counselling Psychologist or CBT Therapist to join our highly respected National OCD/BDD Service at Springfield Hospital. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of specialist care for individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The National OCD/BDD Inpatient Service at Springfield University Hospital, operated by South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, provides intensive, specialist care for adults experiencing severe and treatment‑resistant OCD and BDD. As part of a nationally commissioned specialist consortium, the service plays a vital role in supporting individuals across the UK who have not responded to conventional treatments. Located on Seacole Ward, a 14‑bed mixed‑gender facility for adults aged 18 and over, the unit offers a structured, evidence‑based six‑month treatment programme delivered by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including specialist nursing staff. The programme is designed to address OCD and BDD alongside complex comorbidities, ensuring a holistic and person‑centred approach to recovery. Main duties of the job Provide a specialist cognitive behavioural assessment and therapy service to patients referred to the National Service for OCD/BDD, including advice and consultation to other healthcare workers across the UK. Deliver evidence‑based CBT interventions within the Trust's policies and professional guidelines. Contribute to the training of cognitive behavioural psychotherapists, offering formal supervision and audit contributions to service development. Lead strategic service changes and improvements with the Consultant Psychiatrist Lead and team manager. Identify and assess the nature, severity, and complexity of patients' mental health problems, advising on appropriate management and further referrals where necessary. Formulate and implement intensive CBT treatment or management plans based on appropriate conceptual frameworks and evidence of efficacy. Utilise specialist assessments (structured and semi‑structured interviews, questionnaires, rating scales, guided inquiry) and conduct risk assessments and management, including self‑harm risk. Evaluate and decide on treatment options, integrating theoretical, therapeutic, and developmental considerations. Demonstrate autonomous professional responsibility for assessment, treatment, discharge, and overall service efficiency. Communicate skillfully and sensitively with patients, referrers, and the national service about assessment, formulation, treatment plans, and progress monitoring. Person Specification Training and Qualifications – Essential Qualification in a core graduate or postgraduate mental health profession, registered with a professional body. Accredited practitioner of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with the British Association of Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP). Doctoral level training in clinical psychology (including psychopathology, psychometrics, neuropsychology, multiple therapeutic approaches, lifespan development) accredited by the BPS, registered with the HCPC under the appropriate domain. Evidence of regular post‑qualification development and continuing professional development. Formal training in supervision of other cognitive behaviour therapists or related clinicians. Training and Qualifications – Desirable Advanced training in Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapy and/or BABCP accreditation as a CBT Supervisor. Experience – Essential Experience of assessment and treatment of people with a wide range of mental health problems, varying in severity and complexity, including profound refractory OCD. Experience working with diverse client groups, maintaining professionalism in the face of emotionally intense and potentially abusive situations. Minimum 50 hours of clinical supervision as a specialist cognitive behaviour therapist or clinical/counselling psychologist over at least 2 years. Experience – Desirable Experience working in both primary and secondary mental health care, including multi‑agency collaboration. Experience of CBT group work and supervising/facilitating others in educational groups. Knowledge & Skills – Essential Proficiency in complex assessment, intervention, and management methods requiring sustained, intense concentration. Knowledge of NICE guidelines and therapeutic skills to deliver psychological treatments for anxiety disorders, especially OCD/BDD. Assessment and evaluation of risk associated with mental ill‑health and related psychopathology. Knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications for clinical practice and management of patients presenting with mental health issues. Knowledge & Skills – Desirable Advanced practitioner skills in at least one psychological therapy model. High‑level knowledge in the assessment and evaluation of psychological therapies. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. Employer details South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust Springfield University Hospital 15 Springfield Drive London SW17 0YF Employer's website https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr