Commission report sets out roadmap for the future of counselling and psychotherapy

The independent Commission on the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy was set up by the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB), of which UKCP is a member. Its role is to examine the current and emerging issues facing the profession and the barriers that affect people’s access to therapy.   

Its work brought together perspectives from across all four nations of the UK, drawing on evidence from more than 4,000 practitioners, employers, commissioners, researchers and people with lived experience. 

Today, the Commission has published its landmark report. It sets out a six-part roadmap to help government, commissioners, professional bodies and the counselling and psychotherapy professions strengthen public protection, improve access to services and make better use of the existing workforce. Each part of the roadmap is backed by practical recommendations, including actions tailored to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

The six strategic priorities are:  

We welcome the Commission’s recommendations, which reflect key priorities in our own work. 

On public protection, the report supports statutory regulation and strengthened professional standards. We have set out principles for what effective statutory regulation must achieve.  

The report also shows how better use of an already available skilled counselling and psychotherapy workforce could widen access to NHS support and narrow the treatment gap. We will continue to make the case for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors to be part of multidisciplinary teams, so people have better access to a choice of therapies.  

Research is central to our work, and we welcome the report’s focus on strengthening the evidence base. We show our commitment through our research-led NICE anxiety guideline campaign, by supporting new researchers through our Emerging Researchers Network and showcasing leading voices at our annual research conference.