British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is a professional body that represents counselling and psychotherapy professionals in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1977 and has grown to become one of the largest professional bodies for therapists in the UK.

History

The BACP was originally formed in 1977 as the British Association for Counselling. It later expanded its remit to include psychotherapy and changed its name to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2000.

Role and Function

The BACP's primary role is to support counsellors and psychotherapists in their professional practice. It does this by setting and maintaining standards for the profession, providing resources and training opportunities, and advocating for the profession at a policy level.

The BACP also operates a voluntary register of therapists who meet its standards for training, supervision, and ethical practice. This register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, an independent body accountable to Parliament.

Membership

Membership of the BACP is open to individuals who are practicing or studying counselling or psychotherapy. There are different levels of membership, including student, individual, and accredited member, each with its own requirements and benefits.

Ethics and Standards

The BACP publishes a Code of Ethics and Practice that all members are required to adhere to. This code sets out the ethical and professional standards expected of counsellors and psychotherapists, and provides guidance on issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries.

Training and Development

The BACP provides a range of resources and opportunities for professional development, including training courses, workshops, and conferences. It also publishes the Counselling and Psychotherapy Research journal, which disseminates research findings and promotes evidence-based practice.

See Also

• Counselling
• Psychotherapy
• Professional Standards Authority
• Code of Ethics

References

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