Information on the main regulatory bodies in counselling and psychotherapy in the UK.

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Professional Accreditations

All of the therapists working at Harley Therapy are members of at least one professional body in the UK that regulates counselling and psychological therapy provision.

Strict regulation within these professions protects the public and ensures for high standards of practice. There is some overlap between these bodies although each has their own focus.

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

The British Psychological Society is a membership organisation which is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. The BPS focus on the development, promotion and application of psychology for the public good.

The BPS aim to enhance the efficiency and usefulness of psychologists by setting high standards of professional education and knowledge.

Information is available on the website such as ‘how psychology can help you, psychological terms, and an introduction to psychology’. The BPS also holds a directory of chartered psychologists, allowing anyone to search this.

The British Psychological Society logo

Tel: 0116 254 9568

The Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

The HCPC maintain and publish a public register of properly qualified members of certain professions. These professions include Art therapists, Occupational therapists, Practitioner Psychologists, Social workers (in England) and Speech and Language therapists. These titles are protected by law and anyone using this title must be registered with the HCPC.

Another regulation is that if a registrant does not meet the set standards, the HCPC can take action which might include stopping them from practicing. This means that if you are unhappy with the care or services you are given, or worried about the behaviour or health of a registrant, you can always raise your concerns with the HCPC.

hcpc logo

Tel: 0845 300 6184

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

The BACP mission is to be the UK’s leading body and voice for talking therapies. This is an organisation and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice. The BACP provides a wide range of information including research and standards of practice for therapists, clients and the general public.

On the BACP website, individuals are able to search and choose a counsellor or psychotherapist belonging to a register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. Another aim is to raise awareness of what can be expected from the process of therapy. The BACP can be a useful resource for individuals who have queries about therapy with a counsellor or psychotherapist.

Tel: 01455 883300

The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

(UKCP) is a membership organisation with over 7000 individual practitioners and is associated with the practice of psychotherapy specifically. UKCP holds the national register of psychotherapists, psychotherapists qualified to work with young people and psychotherapeutic counselors. The UKCP lists those practitioner members who meet exacting standards and training requirements. This allows for the public to search and choose a psychotherapist who matches their needs. The website also provides information about the practice of psychotherapy specifically.

UKCP also produces publications and runs meetings and conferences to inform and consult on issues of concern to practitioners and support continuing professional development.

UKCP logo

Tel: 020 7014 9955

The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

The BABCP is a multi-disciplinary interest group for those involved in the practice and theory of the behavioural and cognitive therapy approaches. An aim of the agency is to promote the development of the theory and practice of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapies in all applicable settings in accordance with the Standards of Conduct Performance and Ethics.

BABCP members work in the NHS, social care, education and universities. The BABCP also provides accreditation to those who practice behavioural and cognitive therapy.

The BABCP provides information on these therapies and allows the public to search and choose an accredited therapist, according to their needs.

BABCP logo

Tel:  0161 705 4304