Q: What is the BACP?

The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) is the largest ethical body for counsellors and psychotherapists, with over 50,000 UK members. The BACP, in their own words, “Work to promote the role and relevance of the counselling professions in improving psychological wellbeing and mental health and to develop safe, ethical and competent practice." BACP, 2022.

It’s worth prospective clients being aware that “counsellor” is not a legally protected term. 

By ensuring that the counsellor you choose is a member of an ethical body (several other legitimate organisations exist such as NCS and UKCP) you can be sure that your therapist is qualified, is bound to a code of ethics, and answers to an organisation with whom you can initiate a complaint procedure should you wish.

As a registered member of the BACP (membership no. 00964193/register no. 398297) I am bound to their ethical framework which can be viewed here.

If you have any questions about this or would like more information, please email me at jk@joannekaycounselling.co.uk; alternatively, further information about the BACP can be found on their website.