Mild, moderate, or severe? Proposed regulations for therapists proving explosive

The last decade has seen an explosion in the number of people seeking out a talking therapy — but new regulations separating counsellors from psychotherapists could present problems for both professional and patient.

At present, therapists of all hues are self-regulated by up to 20 separate professional bodies. Each has its own standards of entry and the maintenance of ongoing professional training.

Michael Fitzgerald remembers a client of his who presented with problems around anxiety.

Mr Fitzgerald is a fully accredited counsellor and psychotherapist who works in the South-East. He began work with the man who came to him, and pretty soon it emerged that the man was struggling with alcohol.