Psychotherapy and counselling can have hugely positive impacts on people’s mental and physical health. But regrettably they are not regulated in the United Kingdom. Anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist or counsellor and treat those in need, regardless of qualifications or skills. Professional bodies working with counsellors and therapists can seek independent accreditation. But this is for a fee, meaning perceived quality is tied to and reliant on finances.
Public protection is compromised. People must navigate complex and often disorienting routes to support. They must navigate numerous overlapping representative organisations. They must understand which if any code of conduct and professional standards their therapist adheres to. All when they just need help.
COSRT believes that this situation is wrong and calls for Government legislation to address it.
After all Doctors, Nurses, Psychologists, Dieticians and numerous other professions are subject to statutory regulation. That means a single organisation is charged with setting and monitoring professional standards. That means practitioners must meet stringent requirements to use protected job titles. There is no choice of what they call themselves, and there is clarity around the role and remit of organisations. There is consistency, transparency and the public are consequently protected.
In 2018 a Private Members Bill was presented to Parliament with the aim of regulating psychotherapists and counsellors [Counsellors and Psychotherapists (Regulation) and Conversion Therapy Bill]. COSRT supports a key element of that proposed legislation – that the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) be the statutory regulatory body for counsellors and psychotherapists. This type of clear action would be of huge benefit – bringing protected titles, common rules, clarity and accountability.
COSRT calls on MPs to develop legislation focused on the regulation of psychotherapists and counsellors. We offer to work with all stakeholders to shape legislation so that it has the maximum impact. We offer to work with the HCPC or PSA to develop appropriate standards, and to act as a formal representative professional body for the specialist therapists that we work with.
COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) is the national professional body for specialist psychotherapists and counsellors specialising in sexual and relationship issues. With a 40-year history we are dedicated to setting and maintaining standards. Our Members abide by a comprehensive code of ethics and practice, are accountable to a stringent conduct procedure, and commit to significant Continuing Professional Development.