Call for registration of psychotherapy sector

AN UMBRELLA group representing about 5,000 counsellors and psychotherapists is urging the Government to introduce a statutory registration process for the two professions.

Currently, it is possible for anyone to practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist without the right training and competence and unless they are accredited to a professional body, there is no redress for complaints against them.

The Psychological Therapies Forum yesterday presented junior minister with responsibility for mental health, John Maloney, with their agreed recommendations for the statutory training and regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists. Forum representative, Derval Ryan, said it was imperative that people were protected by ensuring there were high standards of education, training, competence and conduct among the counselling and psychotherapy professions.