Comment piece: reassurance that regulation might be closer

Comment piece

It is reassuring that professional bodies agree that the government should explore statutory regulation to strengthen public protection, confidence and trust in counselling and psychotherapy.

Many members of the public might find it difficult to understand how someone can practise as a counsellor or therapist without meeting recognised professional and ethical standards. They might also struggle to fathom why some practitioners may continue to work even after serious findings of misconduct.

In healthcare, the titles of doctors, midwives and other professionals are legally protected. Why not ours?

An absence of statutory regulation leaves the door open wide for anyone to call themselves a therapist.

An independent commission set up by the profession's membership bodies has produced a report which is being regarded as a watershed moment. The commission concluded that a compelling case exists for exploring statutory regulation to strengthen public protection and confidence.

It is hoped that policy makers will act on the report’s recommendations to set clear standards and protect the public with effective regulation while avoiding barriers to access, diversity, and established practice.

Central to public confidence

It recommends exploring statutory regulation to strengthen standards and public protection. The report notes that registration, accreditation, ethical practice, supervision and continuing professional development remain central to public confidence.

The BACP view is that it, along with other professional bodies, should be part of the conversation if statutory regulation were to become a government priority.

Alongside other experts, it would help ensure that any future approach to regulation places public protection, public benefit and public confidence at its heart, while avoiding barriers to access, diversity and established practice.

A foundation of counselling and psychotherapy is that the wellbeing of the client is paramount. Surely, effective regulation is one demonstration of this commitment.