STATUTORY REGULATION:  An Update for Psychotherapists and Counsellors

On the 1st July 2009 the Health Professions Council (HPC) officially opened its Register of Practitioner Psychologists, signifying the end to a long campaign by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to achieve statutory regulation in this field. 

Following the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Professional Liaison Group's (PLG) report submitted on the 6th July 2009, the HPC will now consider the recommendations of the PLG on the proposed statutory regulation of Psychotherapists and Counsellors.

Amongst these recommendations are topics relating to the protection of the title 'counsellor', dual registration, standards of proficiency, standards of education and training and the threshold level of qualification for entry to the HPC register.  Some of these topics are ongoing and meetings will be held over the course of the next few months in preparation for the HPC's submission to the Secretary of State for Health and Ministers in the devolved administrations, on the 10th December 2009.

With the new academic year upon us, from a future student's perspective it is vitally important that due care and consideration be given to the HPC's standards of education and training, especially considering the impact this would have on one's post-qualifying career prospects.  The Iron Mill programmes are carefully monitored by both ourselves and our accrediting organisations in order to keep up with any changes that may be necessary to meet HPC requirements. One programme, the MA Dramatherapy is already recognised by the HPC.

Unfortunately, information in this regard provided by the HPC is currently limited to the 14 health professions they regulate at present and does not include Psychotherapy and Counselling at this point in time.

However for some useful FAQ's and information, please click on the following link to the BACP's website:

BACP: Statutory Regulation - FAQ's