Earth Wisdom Therapy

Student Placement

Interview Questions (45mins)

Applicant Name

Interview Date

Interviewer Name

Welcome & Introduction (5mins)

Briefly introduce yourself and Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC (nature-based, trauma-informed, reduced-cost, neurodiversity-affirming, community-rooted).
Explain that this conversation is about getting to know them as a developing practitioner, and exploring whether the placement feels like a good mutual fit - not about having everything “figured out”.

Training & Readiness (6-7mins)

Can you tell us a little about your current training - where you’re studying and what stage you’re at?

What do you feel most confident about at this point in your training?

What areas of practice do you feel most nervous or curious about as you begin seeing clients?

Do you currently have (or are you in the process of arranging) supervision, insurance, and a DBS?

Listening for: honesty, self-awareness, readiness to learn, appropriate expectations of placement.

Getting to Know You (8-9mins)

What drew you to Earth Wisdom, and what made this feel like it might be the right placement for you?

What kind of therapist do you feel you’re becoming? How would you describe your way of working so far?

Can you tell us about a time you felt particularly connected to nature? What was happening for you in that moment?

Values, Neurodiversity & Accessibility (8–9 mins)

What does neurodiversity-affirming practice mean to you at this stage of your learning?

How do you imagine adapting your way of working to meet different communication styles, sensory needs, or ways of processing?

Our service is reduced-cost and community-based. What thoughts or feelings come up for you about working with clients who may face barriers such as finances, access, or marginalisation?

Risk, Ethics & Support (6-7mins)

As a student, what does “working safely” in therapy mean to you?

If you felt unsure or concerned about something in your work with a client, what would you do?

How do you imagine using supervision during your placement?

Listening for: willingness to ask for help, understanding that they won’t hold risk alone, clear use of supervision and placement support, ethical humility rather than confidence.

Ecotherapy & Practical Reflection (5mins)

How do you imagine therapy might feel different when it takes place outdoors rather than in a room?

This work can be slow, subtle, and sometimes uncomfortable (cold, rain, uncertainty). How do you feel about that?

Can you think of a time you stayed with something that unfolded gradually?

Listening for: patience, groundedness, realistic expectations.

Team & Community Contribution (5mins)

We’re a small, collaborative organisation where everyone contributes. What kind of team member do you think you tend to be?

If you had the chance to support or imagine a gentle wellbeing or nature-based activity for the community, what might that look like?

Listening for: collaboration, creativity, community awareness.

Closing (3-4mins)

Do you have any questions for us about the placement, support, or what working with Earth Wisdom might involve?
Thank you for sharing so openly today. It’s been really lovely to hear about your journey into counselling. We’ll be in touch once we’ve completed all interviews to let you know the next steps.

Interviewer Notes (Internal Use)

Strengths:

Areas for Growth/Support:

Values Alignment:

Readiness for Placement:

Recommendation:

Yes

Maybe (with conditions)

Suggested supports or conditions (if applicable):

Signature

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Date

Earth Wisdom Therapy

info@earthwisdomtherapy.co.uk

Earth Wisdom Therapy

Student Placement

Interview Questions (45mins)

Welcome & Introduction (5mins)

Training & Readiness (6-7mins)

Getting to Know You (8-9mins)

Values, Neurodiversity & Accessibility (8–9 mins)

Risk, Ethics & Support (6-7mins)

Ecotherapy & Practical Reflection (5mins)

Team & Community Contribution (5mins)

Closing (3-4mins)

Interviewer Notes (Internal Use)