British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK.

We exist for one simple reason - counselling changes lives.

75% of people believe therapists are legally regulated, according to new research by the Professional Standards Authorit...
08/09/2026

75% of people believe therapists are legally regulated, according to new research by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

But the reality is therapy is not regulated in the UK. Anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist. That’s why it’s crucial to look for the PSA Quality Mark.

It shows the therapist is on a register that has been independently assessed by the Professional Standards Authority against standards designed to support public protection – such as BACPs.

We’re pleased to back the PSA’s Look Before You Book campaign, and we’ll continue to raise awareness of why it’s important to find a therapist on a PSA-accredited register in our own campaigns too.

Find out more 👉 https://orlo.uk/MYTzX

Final call to grab your spot for this year’s Private Practice Conference! ⏳This year, we’re exploring trauma in private ...
07/09/2026

Final call to grab your spot for this year’s Private Practice Conference! ⏳

This year, we’re exploring trauma in private practice, looking at how we can develop our knowledge, strengthen our practice and better support ourselves and our clients.

So, what’s in store?

✨ Explore trauma protocols, principles and different trauma experiences
✨ Build confidence in using trauma-informed approaches in your practice
✨ Discover evidence-based approaches to resilience and positive outcomes
✨ Hear from expert speakers and gain five hours of CPD, with live Q&As throughout the day
✨ Connect with fellow private practitioners, share experiences and build your network
✨ Explore support available for counsellors and clients, as well as strategies for looking after yourself

Whether you work with trauma regularly or want to deepen your understanding, there’s something to take away from the day.

Join us on Saturday 19 September, either in person in London or online, from 9am to 4.30pm. If you’re joining us in person, make sure you book by 11 September, or you can book online until 16 September.

Head over to our website now for all the details and to secure your place ➡️ https://orlo.uk/4zT4H

Children and young people should not have to reach crisis point before they can access mental health support.Analysis by...
02/09/2026

Children and young people should not have to reach crisis point before they can access mental health support.

Analysis by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health found that more than 75,000 six to 17-year-olds attended A&E for a mental health concern in England in 2025 – a 36% increase compared with 2019.

We’re calling for earlier access to counselling and psychological support, so children can get the help they need before their difficulties escalate.

Too often, support is only available once a young person is already in crisis. Early intervention can make a real difference to their mental health and wellbeing.

We’ll continue to make the case for a mental health system that provides timely, accessible support for children and young people.

Read our full response 👉 https://orlo.uk/augjv

Therapy can sometimes feel harder before it feels better, and that doesn’t mean it isn’t working.It can bring difficult ...
02/09/2026

Therapy can sometimes feel harder before it feels better, and that doesn’t mean it isn’t working.

It can bring difficult feelings to the surface, challenge how you see yourself or help you recognise patterns that no longer serve you.

That can be difficult, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Your therapist can help you make sense of what comes up, work at a pace that feels manageable and support you through change.

Our member, Amy Bojanowski-Bubb shares why therapy can feel hard, and how your therapist can support you through those moments.

The BACP member event 2026 is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with fellow members, explore th...
01/09/2026

The BACP member event 2026 is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with fellow members, explore the issues shaping our profession and have your voice heard.

👉 Boost your CPD with five hours of presentations exploring the changing counselling and psychotherapy landscape.

👉 Explore AI and therapy. Discover how AI is being used in practice, the opportunities it could bring, and the ethical questions and challenges it presents for counsellors and clients.

👉 Have your say through interactive discussions and live Q&As. Share your experiences, exchange ideas and help shape the future of your professional community.

👉 Connect with fellow members through networking and Division Connect sessions. Meet colleagues, share perspectives and strengthen your professional network.

👉 Come away inspired with fresh ideas, new perspectives and meaningful connections you can take into your professional life.

And once the main event comes to a close, our Member Awards evening will celebrate the achievements, commitment and expertise of our members.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation, connect with your community and help shape what comes next for our profession.

Join us on Saturday 10 October 2026 at Convene 133 Houndsditch, London.

Find out more and book your place 👉 https://orlo.uk/uvrm9

28/08/2026

What do you say when someone you know is grieving? 💜

It can be hard to know what to do, or whether you might say the wrong thing.

But sometimes, support isn’t about finding the perfect words. It’s about being there, listening, and letting someone know they don’t have to navigate grief alone.

Ahead of National Grief Awareness Day, our former Vice President, Julia Samuel, shares some practical ways we can gently support someone through grief.

Because knowing how to show up can make all the difference.

Not long left until the 2026 Private Practice Conference! 🚨How confident do you feel working with the complexities of tr...
27/08/2026

Not long left until the 2026 Private Practice Conference! 🚨

How confident do you feel working with the complexities of trauma in the therapy room?

Join us on 19 September in London for a day exploring best practice in trauma work, with a focus on evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches.

Through theory, clinical insight and practical tools, the conference will support you to deepen your confidence and competence when working with trauma, while reflecting on your own practice and developing strategies for sustainable, effective therapeutic work.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore trauma protocols and principles, consider how to apply a trauma-focused lens to your practice, reflect on resilience and self-care, and discover wider sources of support for both counsellors and clients. 🙌

Find out more about the event and what’s included 👉 https://orlo.uk/t0Bn4

Therapy isn’t the same as talking to a friend. And that’s the point. 💬 Friends and family can be an incredibly important...
26/08/2026

Therapy isn’t the same as talking to a friend. And that’s the point. 💬

Friends and family can be an incredibly important source of support. But they’re also part of your life, which can make it harder to say everything you’re really thinking or feeling.

Therapy offers a different kind of space. One that’s confidential, non-judgemental and focused entirely on you. It’s not about replacing the people you love. It’s about having somewhere to explore the things you might not know how to talk about with them.

Our members explain the differences between reaching out to loved ones and seeking professional mental health support.

21/08/2026

Parenthood can be a grind. Finding support shouldn’t be. ☕️

As part of The Parenting Grind, we’re talking openly about the emotional reality of becoming a parent and making it easier to know where to turn when things feel difficult.

If you’re struggling, there are different ways to access support:

🟤 Speak to your GP about how you’re feeling and what support may be available.

🟤 Check your workplace support schemes. You may have access to counselling or other wellbeing services through work.

🟤 Look for charities or community organisations offering support for parents and families.

🟤 Self-refer through the NHS, where this is available in your area.

🟤 Choose private therapy, if this is suitable for you.

Whichever route you choose, look for a therapist on an accredited register, such as BACP’s, so you know they’ve met recognised standards of training and professional practice.

And remember, you don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point to ask for support.

Find out more about The Parenting Grind and explore how therapy could support you here ☕️ 👉 https://orlo.uk/BSFaS

Address

BACP House, 15 Street John's Business Park
Lutterworth
LE174HB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441455883300

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