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This is a thread about counselling training in the UK. This week I was contacted by someone who did not know why their counselling training did not allow them to work in the NHS. I agreed to look at that for them. They had two courses, the advanced one called a diploma 1/x
Their training course said it only qualified the person to work in private practice. This is deceptive. There is no regulation on who can or can't call themselves a counsellor. Anyone, with no training/experience/supervision is legally able to set up in private practice 2/x
There are two ways a course should be measured. Academic and Accredited Register.
Let me expand on both 3/x
Let me expand on both 3/x
This course called itself a diploma. Diploma is a broad term in uk qualifications. Some diplomas are at degree level, some at GCSE level, sometimes if no level is stated then diploma is just a fancy word for certificate. 4/x
Look for courses which are recognised in the national qualification framework. Level 2 is GCSE. Level 7 is a Masters Degree. Look for level and also number of credits. There should be a university or exam awarding board behind the qualification to guarantee academic standards 5/x
The next thing to look at is the therapy standards. For arts therapies, the HCPC is a statutory regulator of standards. For talk therapies there are a number of private companies who guarantee standards. Anyone can write a names list & call it a register so we need quality 6/x
The Professional Standards Autority allows voluntary bodies to hold registers which are a guaranteed standard. 7/x https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/what-we-do/accredited-registers/find-a-register
The biggest of these registers include BACP and UKCP. To be on their registers they assess that your course has properly prepared you for therapy work. They look at placement, practical, theory, supervision and personal therapy 8/x
Other registers are specialist for certain fields of therapy. The register must be backed up by professional standards authority. Some are valued more than others, rightly or wrongly the NHS often prefers BACP registration. 9/x
Beware courses which try to fool you into looking official with stamps which are unrelated to either academic standards or a register recognised by the professional standards authority. A stamp of innovation or eco friendliness will not help you professionally. 10/x
There are cheep therapy courses but if the reason they are cheep is because they are not recognised then you are wasting 100% of your time and money. Quality courses are an investment. Make sure when you qualify your certificate is worth more than the paper it is written on 11/12
Bad mental health causes damage. Quality assurance is important in making sure people practicing are professional. I have seen clients who are harmed by unqualified counsellors. If you want to help, make sure you're gaining the right experience. Vulnerable clients need this.End
