Nov 42 min read

Therapist Integrity

It can feel very uncomfortable when an organisation, company or person uses their power to manipulate or deceive you.

If you go to the doctors, dentist or for that matter a therapist, you want to know that they are in that position because they have the necessary skills and qualifications to offer you the right information as well as respect your personal choices and keep to their ethical standards.

Unfortunately, even the most highly regulated services have individuals working for them, that for whatever reason, don’t uphold these standards.

This is a deep betrayal and misuse of power.

We have seen many instances of this in the media, including Lucy Letby, Dr Iuliu Stan and currently Michael Lousada, therapist who is accused of sexual misconduct.

As a therapist working with clients, it is very upsetting to see the media portray therapists as unqualified, unregulated and unethical.

Although I agree that the standard of training can vary, and mandatory accreditation is not required for all modalities, all therapists must be registered with a governing body and provide suitable insurance to work with clients.

Counsellors and psychotherapists work to a high standard of ethical practice.

It is a profession that offers an ethical framework and deeply committed individuals find themselves constantly adding to their continued professional development (CPD).

This is even more necessary due to the fast-paced science behind mental health disorders.

We often work for many years without pay as we work towards qualification's and are then expected to work for free even when we have qualified.

As a member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, (BACP), I am proud to always be improving my practice, through regular personal and professional development.

As a therapist I work in line with the BACP ethical framework, offering the most professional service I can to my clients.

Supervision provides the therapist an extra level of accountability and guidance. This in turn provides the client with assurances that their therapist is working in their best interest, offering not only their experience, but the experience of another professional that overlooks the work and the ethical compliance of their therapist.

I am also committed to personal therapy twice a month, making sure that I am working from a place of understanding my own experience so that doesn't impact my judgments and biases when working with my clients.

All of this is substantially more than most professionals are required to do for their patients/ clients.

I am always astounded that most professionals do not have access to supervision or personal therapy when working with their clients complex mental health issues.

Overall therapists are working incredibly hard to provide a service that is deeply personal and transformative.

The few professionals that do not uphold the integrity of their professional bodies should not place a shadow over the good work that is happening every day in private practice and other services that employ highly trained and committed individuals.

What you don't heal you pass on.

Be well,