FAQ's

What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is the provision, by a qualified practitioner, of a formal and professional relationship within which patients/clients can profitably explore difficult, and often painful, emotions and experiences. These may include feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma, or perhaps the loss of meaning of one's life. It is a process that seeks to help the person gain an increased capacity for choice, through which the individual becomes more autonomous and self determined. Psychotherapy may be provided for individuals or children, couples, families and in groups.

A Psychotherapist thus works with people who have emotional, behavioural, psychological or mental difficulties. The actual work is mainly to encourage the client to talk and explore their feelings, beliefs and thoughts, and, sometimes, relevant aspects of and events in their childhood and personal history. Some psychotherapists work to help the patient/client understand more about their problems and then make appropriate changes in their thinking and behaviour. As a result, the work can last over quite a long term. Brief psychotherapy is also possible, especially to help someone resolve a more immediate crisis. There are a number of different psychotherapeutic approaches: Cognitive Behavioural, Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Systemic (Family & Relationship), Humanistic, Integrative, Transpersonal, Experiential, Hypno-Psychotherapy, etc. ??

How can individuals distinguish the right 'talking' therapy? Individuals who seek a 'talking' therapy can initially be met with large amounts of therapeutic jargon that can confuse the person, 'medicalise' their symptoms, and create unnecessary complications and differences. The most effective 'talking therapies' are those where there is a good working relationship between the client and the therapist. So, the short answer is: - find someone who you feel good working with: that may be the right therapist for you!

The fact that the person seeking therapy is often in a very vulnerable place to start with, makes it even more important that the profession of psychotherapy goes some way towards ensuring that, when an individual seeks support by way of psychotherapy, that this is made as simple as possible. The individual should be able to find their way around the various types of therapy available, supported by simple 'jargon-free' signposting, and be guaranteed that their therapist is supportive, effective, responsive to their needs, safe to practice, and is always accountable.

What we can do is supply you with some information on the different types of psychotherapy available and a list of registered practitioners in your area that you can talk to.

Child & Family Therapy: what is that?
Choosing an appropriate therapeutic modality, or indeed therapist, is directly linked to the range of therapy being offered in any particular area, the existing waiting lists, referral criteria, and what resources are available. Within the NHS, child and adolescent mental health services reflect major differences with respect to resources e.g. some areas do not have any child psychotherapists, some have a lot and offer long term, intensive individual or family work. The model of therapy varies considerably, but generally it is not focused on a medical model, (including diagnosis and medication). It focuses more on the 'talking therapies' model, which works to explore the different feelings within the 'family' or 'relationship(s)' and works to maintain the family, relationship or 'community' that the patient lives in, thus not removing them to any separate residential establishment. Some child, family and relationship psychotherapists work privately and charge fees.

State regulation - what does it mean?
The UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy), as one of the voluntary regulatory bodies for psychotherapy in the UK, has been working very hard over the last 10 years to effect changes in the profession of psychotherapy: ensuring that training courses are all to a high standard, and that all UKCP registered psychotherapists work professionally, ethically and appropriately.

We are working closely with other professional bodies, Government and the Health Professions Council to look at how we can move closer towards a statutory regulatory framework: essentially state-registered psychotherapists. We therefore ensure that all therapists registered with the UKCP have received comprehensive training and all therapists will have received either personal therapy or in-depth processes of self-reflection, sufficient clinical supervision, and continuing professional development. The UKCP has a robust regulatory framework that we are continuing to refine and develop to ensure that our charitable aim of protecting the public and promoting psychotherapy as a profession remains at the forefront of our work.

The profession of psychotherapy has been and always will remain diverse - reflecting the diversity of human nature in its entirety. What is currently required is greater cohesion in the field, and greater recognition from the Government of the impact that effective and accountable psychotherapy can have on the mental health of the UK. The various professional bodies of psychology, psychotherapy and counselling are collaborating to ensure the best form of regulation of these mental health professions.

How does UKCP feel about the lack of Government/Professional Regulation currently existing in the UK ?
It has been a central purpose of the UKCP to create an effective system of voluntary registration for the psychotherapy profession. The UKCP is concerned about the unregulated practice of psychotherapy and generally supports statutory regulation of the profession. A purely voluntary system inevitably means that there will be those who choose to practice outside the system and this places too heavy a risk to the care and caution of members of the public who will, in some cases, be in a state of distress at the time of seeking a psychotherapist.

The UKCP recognises that there are important variations in psychotherapeutic methods and training. Any system of regulation needs to identify the principal psychotherapeutic approaches in a way that is simple and accessible to the public and sets clear standards for each. The UKCP is working with the Government and all the agencies involved to achieve an agreed framework for this.

The UKCP contains 80 psychotherapy organisations. It publishes a register of over 6,500 approved psychotherapists.

What should I do if I have a complaint?
Anyone who wishes to complain about a therapist should ask their therapist for the details of their accrediting Member Organisation, including the contact details of the complaints officer within that organisation. Complaints should be made, in writing, to that person.
All complaints are handled sensitively and some member organisations may offer a conciliation service to try to resolve complaints before they get too formalised. If you are unable to obtain details of your therapist's Member Organisation, then the UKCP will be able to provide you with this information, if you can provide us with the name of the relevant therapist.

The UKCP is currently setting up an Independent Complaints Organisation (ICO) and encouraging its Member Organisations to 'sign up' to this, so that all complaints can be heard to the same standard. The ICO currently also undertakes the UKCP's Central Appeals Process. For more details: click here.

You may also be interested in an organisation that supports complainants:
Witness: against abuse by health care workers (WITNESS)
Delta House 175-177 Borough High Street London SE1 1HR Admin Tel: 020 7939 9920 Fax: 020 7 9399901 Helpline: 0845 4500 300 Email: Website: www.witnessagainstabuse.org.uk

I want to change my therapist. How do I do this?
If you want to change your therapist, you are advised to discuss this with your current therapist first, if at all possible. Your therapist may want to explore with you your reasons for wanting to change and may also be able to give you contact details of other therapists who might be more appropriate to your needs. If you feel unable to discuss this with your therapist, and do seek the services of another therapist, we would encourage you to talk to your new therapist about your reasons for wanting to change. They may ask for the contact details of the previous therapist as they may want to contact them for a report of what therapy you have done so far. This is essentially for your benefit and can avoid unnecessary repetition. If you do not want to give this information, that is your right.

How much does Psychotherapy cost?
It varies greatly. A session could cost anything from £25 or £30 up to £75 or £80 for a (50 min to 1 hour) session, depending on whom you see. Some therapists offer a 'sliding scale' of fees, or concessions to those unemployed or on benefits or individual practitioners may negotiate be open to negotiation fees or payments, so it's always worth asking.

A number of UKCP Member Organisations do offer low cost therapy to patients/clients willing to see a senior trainee psychotherapist, and some organisations are able to vary their charges according to your income.

Can I get psychotherapy on the NHS?
Psychotherapy and counselling is available on the NHS. You must be referred by your GP. However, there are often long waiting lists, therefore you may want to try to find a local practitioner who works privately. Counselling waiting lists tend to be slightly shorter.

Some medical insurance agencies will also fund psychotherapy for certain conditions, although they may require a referral from a psychiatrist, and they may stipulate which therapist. Some employers have a contract with a Employee Assistance Programme company. Employees can get a number of 'free' counselling sessions through such an EAP programme.

Referrals for psychotherapy in the NHS greatly vary from area to area. Some only accept GP referrals whilst others will accept referrals from other health related professionals - from schools, educational psychology, and voluntary sector organisations, etc. Referral procedures are not universal but contextual to the NHS Trust and setting. Many psychotherapists in the NHS practice either Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ( CBT ) or psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Can I get a list of registered therapists in my area?
Yes, if you provide us with your postcode/county we will provide you with a list of UKCP Registered Psychotherapists in your local area. There is the "Find a Therapist" function on this website.

Other professional associations in psychotherapy and counselling also have their own websites and referral possibilities. Please contact them directly from the UKCP website links. For further information on local mental health provisions, you may wish to contact the national mental health charity MIND , www.mind.org.uk , or call 08457 660 163.

What is UKCP's regulatory/audit process?
UKCP sets Training Standards, ethical requirements and CPD guidelines. The various Sections and Member Organisations are required to expand upon these to produce standards for members to practice within. Member Organisations are reviewed on joining and then reaccredited every five years to ensure that they are maintaining these standards and enacting any desired changes.

What are the UKCP registration fees and how are they justified?

· The Registration Fee is currently £141 . This figure is valid until September 2007. An additional £16 surcharge is then dropped, so the fee for 2007-8 should be £125. A fee increase may be voted in only at the next AGM (March 2008). UKCOP registrants must also be a member of a Member Organisation: these have their own annual fees.

The Registration fee is justified by providing the UKCP Registrant with :

· Recognition from an established professional organisation - the UKCP is the largest umbrella body for psychotherapy in the UK with 80 Member Organisations and over 6,500 registrants.

· UKCP is actively involved in consultation with government and other allied professionals on the statutory regulation of psychotherapy and this places its Registrants in a very strong position.

· Inclusion in the National Register of Psychotherapists, published annually, and the National Register database which is regularly consulted by the public, health professionals, employers...

· An annual certificate of registration, a quarterly newsletter 'The Psychotherapist', advance notice of UKCP events, priority booking for the Annual Professional Conference, and a number of other benefits. (see here)

What does it mean to be UKCP registered?
UKCP Registered Psychotherapists are properly trained, qualified, professional and accountable psychotherapists. Each practitioner is registered through one or more of our 80 member organisations and must maintain membership of a Member Organisation to maintain their UKCP Registration. They must adhere to approved Codes of Ethics and Practice and in the unlikely event of a complaint, be accountable to UKCP Complaints and Appeals Procedures.

UKCP registered psychotherapists are considered equivalent to a Clinical Psychologist and can apply for mental health professional jobs in the NHS.

Please explain the UKCP accreditation and re-accreditation process.
Each Member Organisation has their own procedure (approved by their Section and UKCP) for re-accreditation registrants. Accrediting Organisations have approved procedures for accrediting therapists that have not completed a UKCP training.

What are the training requirements for registration with UKCP?
The generic training requirements for a practitioner to become registered are that they must have completed a postgraduate level course in psychotherapy of at least 4 years part time duration or equivalent. UKCP is an umbrella organisation for all the different psychotherapies. Each different type of psychotherapy has slightly different training requirements so you should check with the relevant training organisations for specific details of training courses.

How much does training cost?
Training Organisation's fees differ considerably. They range from £80-100 for individual training modules (often a week-end), to £9,855 per annum for 4 years. For further information contact the course provider or the relevant training Member Organisation.

I have completed my training - how do I become registered?
If you have completed a UKCP accredited training course that leads directly to registration then your training organisation should give you the option to be put forward to UKCP registration - so speak to your course administrator. If you have done a course which does not lead directly to registration then you need to look at becoming accredited through an accrediting Member Organisation.

How many hours of supervision must I have to register?
Each Section and member organisation has different criteria and further details are available from the Section that your training organisation belongs to.

Must my therapist and/or supervisor be UKCP registered?
At present UKCP does not require this centrally. Some Sections may have specific requirements or guidelines for personal therapy and supervision, as may Member Organisations.

How many hours of CPD must I have to remain registered?
CPD requirements are specified by Sections and Member Organisations.

Where can I get information on CPD activities?
This information can be obtained from the relevant Member Organisation or Section. We also list CPD events in the Diary section of The Psychotherapist, our own journal, and on our website.

How many training patients must I have/for how long?
This varies according to each Section and modality of therapy. Some modalities require you to see training patients throughout the duration of your training. There are some minimum requirements for each Section.

Can I move training organisations midway through my course?
This is not usually advisable as continuity is an important element to your training, however in the event of special circumstances such as moving geographical location, we would suggest that you speak to your training organisation who may assist you in transferring. Some training organisations will accept Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL) or will give 'credit' for previous training experience.

I have a diploma in counselling and a degree in psychology, how do I go about training?
Speak to the relevant Member Organisation. UKCP is an umbrella organisation for psychotherapy organisations. UKCP sets generic/basic training requirements that are interpreted by the Sections, representing the different types of psychotherapy. UKCP does not hold detailed information on training courses - speak to the relevant Member Organisation directly for advice. You should be able to negotiate some 'credit' for your previous experience and learning (APEL), especially if it was in a 'recognised' organisation.

I need ethical/legal advice .
UKCP is not equipped to give legal or ethical advice. If you are a therapist, we would suggest that you check your professional indemnity insurance - you will probably find that your policy provides access to legal advice. Also speak to your Member Organisation who should be able to advise you.

Do you have links with any International bodies?
UKCP is a member of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP - www.europsyche.org ). Please contact them for information on psychotherapy organisations in Europe.

Is my UKCP Registration recognised in other countries?
Some countries already have government regulation of the profession of psychotherapy. Therefore if you want to practise abroad you must first check out the law or regulations in that country. UKCP Registration is increasingly recognised abroad, but we have no formal links or agreements with other countries' psychotherapy bodies, though the EAP is working for such parity.

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