iacp noticeboarddifference between counselling and psychotherapy” (re-printed in full, in this...

28 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Volume 13 l Issue 4 l Winter 2013Éisteach

Dear Members,Reflecting on the past year, I feel the IACP continues to make steady progress as we come to the end of our current Strategic plan. A new Strategic plan is being put together to set the direction that the Association will take over the next few years. We were delighted to be able to consult with you, the Members, through our survey and will be able to use your suggestions in our new plan.

I have had the great pleasure of attending many of the regional AGMs and other activities around the country which are so instrumental and important in moving the Association forward.

I found it very worthwhile and it’s an opportunity for me to thank all of you for your belief in the IACP, your kindness, your support and your willingness to give so much of your time voluntarily to the various committees.

We work together in an exercise of collaborative fellowship promoting the IACP as a strong organisation and of great benefit to our societies North and South. There are many issues and challenges facing counselling and psychotherapy development and recognition. It transpires that many of the issues and challenges facing the IACP are shared by many other organisations and individuals.

As individuals who work with mental health issues on a daily basis, it is essential that we keep in mind our vision ‘where counselling and psychotherapy are an integral part of healthcare provision’. We must challenge the stigma and belief that vulnerability and struggle are weaknesses. We need to remember they are something we all experience from time to time in life. Some of the people who have shown courage include Kerry teenager, Donal Walsh,who appealed to teenagers not to take their own lives; Munster player, Alan Quinlan, who has spoken of his battle with depression, and Donal Cusack’s honesty during his appearance on Prime Time.

As the year draws to a close and winter is upon us, I thank all of my peers and our dedicated staff for your support and authenticity during the past year.

An inspirational woman called Dr. Moya Angelio said, “Many people before us created the pathway for us and it is our duty to create a pathway for many others in generations to come”.

We must continue to question our own points of view, looking and reflecting on alternate points of view. It is good for us to be open to the points of view held by others, and to reflect on them. Often we make judgements about others and think we know why they do, or do not do, what we expect.

Each and every one of us can create a world that embraces its mental health. We know that through education and information we are planting the seeds of change in relation to mental health in Ireland, which will allow future generations to experience a new respect and inclusivity, valuing each individual.

To you all, I wish you a very happy, peaceful Christmas and every success in 2014. I will leave you with a thought from Nelson Mandela.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”

IACP Noticeboard

From the Cathaoirleach

Séamus Sheedy

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Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Volume 13 l Issue 4 l Winter 2013

Dear Members,2013 has been an exceptionally busy and productive year for our Association. The 2010 – 2013 IACP Strategic Plan will soon be replaced by the 2014 - 2017 Strategic plan. Strategic planning, and its subsequent implementation, is the single most important activity in which the Association engages. It has strengthened the progress and work of the Association to a far greater extent than was initially conceived in 2009. We are very grateful to all Members for their thoughtful contributions (through Member surveys and elsewhere) to the planning process. The new IACP Strategic plan will be circulated to all Members in January 2014.

In 2013, more IACP events (both Regional and National) took place than ever before. Research was the focus of some of the larger events, with highlights including: IACP’s co-hosting of the prestigious BACP Annual Research Conference in Birmingham, and the first IACP Research Conference, in Dublin (held in conjunction with the BACP).

It is the IACP’s aim to continue and increase our commitment to Counselling and Psychotherapy research in Ireland.

The response to our new website during 2013 has been very positive and we look forward to the implementation of Phase 2 of the website’s development in 2014. Phase 2 will concentrate on providing clearer and more helpful information to the public and other stakeholders, on the work of the Association and our Members.

In 2013, IACP continued to lead the call for Statutory Regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The “IACP position paper on Statutory Regulation and the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy” (re-printed in full, in this Noticeboard section) clarifies the Association’s position in relation to this complex subject. The IACP’s priority is to ensure that the baseline academic and practice standards suggested for

IACP Noticeboard

From the National Director

Naoise Kelly

the regulation of Counselling/Psychotherapy are based on clear evidence and rationale. We are greatly encouraged by the increased political momentum in this area including the public commitment by the Minister for Health to regulate Counselling and Psychotherapy. We welcome Quality and Qualifications Ireland’s (QQI), recently-published “Draft consultation document on proposed academic standards for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland” and look forward to those standards being implemented by Course Providers and through course accreditation.

While the Association as a Professional Body is developing strongly, we understand the real difficulties that the Profession and Individual Members face. The IACP, as an Association, is aware of the increasing numbers of Practitioners and Courses and we are also aware that some Members are reporting significant reductions in client numbers. The IACP is committed to assisting the Profession and our Members with these challenges, as best we can.

Finally, I would like to commend the great effort of the Editorial Board Members, who have done an excellent job of producing this newly designed edition of Éisteach. They, like the other 200 IACP committee members, give freely of their time and expertise to assist in the Association’s development. I look forward to another productive year in 2014 and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.



IACP Noticeboard

The first annual IACP Research conference was held in association with the BACP on 12 October 2013 in the Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Blackrock, County Dublin.

‘An Introduction to Research’ was the title and theme of the conference.

The IACP was delighted to have so many top class, experienced presenters in the field of research, including Dr Andrew Reeves, Prof Mary Creaner, Dr Maria Quinlan, Prof Sue Wheeler and Andy Hill.

Over 150 delegates attended and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The IICP also attended as a trade delegate.

This conference was a first step in establishing and inculcating a firm and important culture of research within the IACP at both organisational and individual membership level.

Plans for the 2014 IACP Research Conference are already under way.

IACP / BACP Research Conference 2013

L-R: Dr Andrew Reeves, Amanda Hawkins BACP Chairperson, Seamus Sheedy IACP Cathaoirleach, Dr Maria Quinlan IACP Research Committee Chairperson, Prof Sue Wheeler, Andy Hill BACP Head of Research.

IACP Supervision Requirements Article UpdateDear Members,In the previous edition of Éisteach (Autumn 2013) there was an article on page 37 regarding IACP Supervision Requirements.

In the paragraph entitled “Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the Supervisor’s Responsibilities” there was a typo which has created some concern and confusion.

The sentence stated: “The Supervisor must read and sign the Supervisee’s CPD log, countersign CPD certificates and discuss the CPD needs for the next 12 month period”

“Countersign CPD certificates” is a typo and incorrect.

The sentence should have stated:

“The Supervisor must read and sign the Supervisee’s CPD log, sight CPD certificates and discuss the CPD needs for the next 12 month period”.

The purpose of this is to• Facilitate discussion between

Supervisor and Supervisee regarding any CPD the Supervisee has accrued

• Discuss potential CPD for the future

• By seeing the corresponding Certificates of Attendance of the Supervisee, as declared on their CPD log, the Supervisor can corroborate and then sign the Supervisee’s CPD Log.

Supervisors are not expected to validate or endorse a Supervisee’s CPD Certificates of Attendance,

merely just see them, if the Supervisee has declared them on their CPD Log.

Please accept our sincere apologies for any concern, confusion or inconvenience this typo may have caused.

With regards to clarification of the article as a whole, none of the information published in the article regarding Requirements for Supervision is new.

All of the Supervision Requirements stated are current criteria which have been in place for several years and published on the IACP website www.iacp.ie.Thank you.Shane Kelly Professional Services Manager

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IACP Noticeboard

The next IACP AGM will take place at the Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin on Saturday 22nd March 2014. We look forward to a well-attended event. A light lunch will be provided for attendees at the subsidised rate of €10 per person. Full details of the event will be available on our website, www.iacp.ie, in the New Year.We are delighted to announce that the guest speaker will be Professor Mick Cooper.

and Psychotherapy (Sage) in 2011. Mick is also author of a range of texts on person-centred and relational approaches to therapy, including Existential Therapies (Sage, 2003).A social evening will be held on Friday 21st (the evening before the AGM) in the hotel. For those wishing to book accommodation, please contact the hotel directly either by email [email protected] or by phone 01 218 6000 and say you are attending the IACP AGM to receive a preferential rate.

AGM 2014:Saturday 22nd March 2014

Carl Berkeley Memorial Award 2014All members are invited to nominate candidates for the Carl Berkeley Memorial Award 2014.This award is open to all those who have made a significant contribution to the development of Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland. Submissions should be sent to Liz Gannon at the IACP office before 31st January 2014. More information on the Carl Berkeley Memorial Award, including judging criteria and nomination forms, is available on the IACP website at: www.iacp.ie

Mick is a Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, a practising psychotherapist, and a fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. In recent years, Mick has articulated a pluralistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy with John McLeod, publishing Pluralistic Counselling

IACP Office Holiday period opening / closing times

Friday, 20th December, 2013 9am – 5pmMonday, 23rd December, 2013 9am – 5pmTuesday, 24th December, 2013 CLOSEDWednesday, 25th December, 2013 CLOSEDThursday, 26th December, 2013 CLOSEDFriday, 27th December, 2013 9am – 5pmMonday, 30th December, 2013 9am – 5pm Tuesday, 31st December, 2013 9am – 5pm Wednesday, 1st January, 2014 CLOSEDThursday, 2nd January, 2014 9am – 5pm



IACP Noticeboard

On Thursday 24 October 2013, the IACP held a free talk for the public on ‘How to Cope with the Stress of Financial Debt’ in the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

The seminar was presented by leading Psychologist Shane Martin who discussed how to: cope with the stress of debt, bounce back from adversity and bring about positive change in our life.

Free Public Talk on ‘How to Cope with the Stress of Financial Debt’

Seamus Sheedy IACP Cathaoirleach, Shane Martin Psychologist, Naoise Kelly IACP National Director

The IACP ran radio adverts on NewsTalk FM for the two weeks preceding the seminar and received wide media coverage in the national press.

Over one hundred and fifty people attended and all reported that they found Shane Martin’s seminar extremely helpful and uplifting.

More details on Shane Martin and his seminars can be found on his website www.moodwatchers.com

Counselling / Psychotherapy & The Law – Free SeminarThe fifth free seminar on ‘Counselling / Psychotherapy & The Law’ took place in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Friday 8 November 2013.

This free seminar was presented by two of the country’s top specialist solicitors in the areas of prosecution and defence, Graham Farrell and Ken O’Sullivan.

The seminar focused on issues such as reporting abuse, writing

reports for court, court appearances and other general legal subjects.

Copies of the hand outs and guidelines on Court Report Writing and Preparing for Court Appearances can be found on the IACP website www.iacp.ie

The IACP head office is in the process of establishing an IACP library of counselling/psychotherapy resources. In time, we hope this will offer opportunities for our entire membership to avail of books and other materials which will be of assistance in training or CPD. If you are interested in contributing or donating any counselling/psychotherapy related books, DVDs or other materials to the library please contact [email protected] very big thank you to those of you who have so generously donated books and materials already.

New IACP Library

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IACP Noticeboard

2013 has been, and continues to be, a very successful year for the IACP with regards to public and media exposure.

During the year the IACP attended several public events including Electric Picnic, The National Ploughing Championships and also the Your Health Exhibition in the RDS, Dublin.

At each event the IACP achieved a high level of interaction with the audiences and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public.

This strategy of the IACP of attending high profile public events has proved very successful, with the IACP being exposed to combined event audiences of over 450,000 people.

2013 has been the IACP’s most successful year to date with regards to media exposure, including radio interviews, advertising, press articles / interviews at both a regional and national level.

So far this year, the IACP has appeared in over 156 press articles on a wide variety of subjects.

IACP in the Media and at Public Events

IACP Membership Renewal Rates and Online Payment FacilityPlease find the 2014 membership rates below. For a fifth consecutive year these have been frozen for 2014 (at 2009 rates). Enclosed with this edition of Éisteach is a “Membership Renewal Letter” stating the amount due and payment information. • Online Payment facility: Last

year over 650 members used the online payment facility. Details on how to access this will be sent to all members where we have an email address on record. If you have an email address that we haven’t got on record then please let us know by mailing [email protected]

• Staged Payments: This payment option is only available to those paying by direct debit. If you do not have a direct debit set up then please fill in and return the DD form enclosed, by 31st December 2013.

• Discount for over 65s: A special discount of 5% off your annual membership fee is available to all members over 65. To avail of this discount please contact the IACP office or email [email protected]. Your renewal fee reflects this discounted amount if we

already have your date of birth details.

• Direct Debits: Those members already availing of the direct debit facility are advised that payment will be debited on Friday, 31st January, 2014. No forms need to be returned to head office. Members wishing to commence using the direct debit facility should complete and sign the enclosed direct debit mandate form (attached to your renewal letter – also enclosed) by 31st December 2013. This form can also be downloaded from our website at www.iacp.ie.

• SEPA DD Mandates: New look DD mandates are included with this issue of your Eisteach journal. These SEPA mandates (Single Euro Payments Area) are to be used to simplify bank transactions denominated in Euro within the European Union, and are compulsory from 1st February 2014 onwards. If you currently have a direct debit set up with the IACP you do not need to do anything further.

Category € €

Accredited Member 275 Approved Organisation 800Accredited Supervisor 120 Recognised Course

Membership (Yearly Subscription)

855

Pre-Accredited Member 185 Associate Organisation Membership

230

Affiliate Member 100 Late Admin Fees 25Inactive Accredited Member 100 Golden Pages

Advertisement220

Inactive Supervisor Member 40 Student Member 80



IACP Noticeboard

The intention of this document is to clarify the IACP’s position in relation to the following points:

1. The IACP, as an Association, does not differentiate between Counselling and Psychotherapy.

2. The IACP sees no proficiency difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy.

3. The IACP recommends that Counselling and Psychotherapy should be regulated, by the State, with the same baseline academic and practice qualifications.

4. Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) should serve as the baseline academic qualification for both Counselling and Psychotherapy.

5. Other Important Regulatory Considerations.

Introduction:

As the possibility of regulation for the profession of Counselling / Psychotherapy in Ireland gains momentum at a political level, the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) is carefully considering the implications this will have for the profession, practitioners and the public. CORU, the umbrella body made up of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and 12 registration boards, has already begun the process of regulating some health and social care professions and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) have recently published a draft consultation document on proposed academic standards for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland. Furthermore, James Reilly TD - Minister for Health has given a public commitment to regulate Counselling and Psychotherapy, a position that is supported by many members of the Dáil. Regulation is to be strongly welcomed and will bring many advantages. For

example, Counselling & Psychotherapy will become better understood and established and move to become part of the educational ‘apparatus’ of the state (e.g. to be offered in Universities), and will put an end to Counselling/Psychotherapy being viewed as an “add on” profession (as is currently reflected by HSE employment policies). In light of these most welcome developments, it is pertinent that the IACP carefully reviews and defines its position on the subject. The IACP is eager for regulation of the profession to come into effect as soon as possible. The IACP also wishes to ensure that there is agreement within the profession (including between Professional Associations) on the academic and practice standards at which regulation should be introduced. The IACP’s priority is that the baseline academic level suggested for regulation of a Counsellor/Psychotherapist will be based on clear evidence and rationale.

The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) Position Paper on Statutory Regulation and the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy.

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IACP Noticeboard

Continued over...

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?A major question, that remains unanswered in any detail, is one that is most fundamental to the profession and the public. This question is: “What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?” The IACP’s position, as an Association, is that there is no difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy as we have found no practical or research evidence to support differentiation. On the IACP website, Counselling/ Psychotherapy is described in the following way:

“Counselling/Psychotherapy is for anybody. It can be of great support in times of crisis or change. Both Counselling and Psychotherapy involve the provision of professional assistance to people who are experiencing personal issues, in order to help alleviate those difficulties.Counsellingtendstodeal more with immediate issues that may have arisen more recently e.g. bereavement or relationship breakdown. Psychotherapy tends to deal with deeper, more long-term issues that may be rooted in the past e.g. a trauma, or, serious mistreatment where the effects of such are ongoing. Counselling and Psychotherapy are terms that overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably. They incorporate the giving of attention and respect inaconfidentialrelationship.Itprovides an opportunity to explore, discover and clarify ways of living more resourcefully towards greater wellbeing. Stress, Anxiety, Bereavement, Addiction and Relationship issues are some of the reasons why people engage the services of a counsellor/psychotherapist.”

As the largest Counselling/ Psychotherapy Association in Ireland, (3,500 members) we are well aware of the wide variety of views and ideas on this question. We recognise that the terms (and their usage) have evolved and adapted over time, and have been subject to a broad range of geographical and historical influences. The discussion of this subject has brought both helpful debate and strong disagreement. The IACP appreciate that there are many differing but valid opinions and encourage all stakeholders to progress this matter by considering the variety of opinions on this issue and by engaging in and contributing to further discussion. The IACP will be formally requesting that its PTF partners re-engage fully in this discussion. The IACP believes that this question has not yet been properly answered or explored by the Professional Associations (including the IACP) or by the Psychological Therapies Forum (PTF) and that the original PTF decision to discuss regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy separately, was taken without any proper discussion or evidential base.

The IACP has been exploring this question further by looking at research, evidence and international practice. In summary, so far, the IACP has noted that:

• QQI: In the recently published “QQI Awards Standards for Counselling and Psychotherapy”, no attempt was made to differentiate between Counselling and Psychotherapy, in any way, and QQI has presented standards that can be applied to either or both terms. Additionally, no attempt was made to define either or both terms. QQI

state that it will be up to the professional organisations and the Regulator to make any distinction.

• Internationally: We have found that many international organisations do not specify a difference. For example, the Canadian Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (CCPA – 5,000 members) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP – 39,000 members) do not differentiate between Counselling and Psychotherapy.

• BACP Research: The BACP have found no empirical evidence that there is a difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy. In terms of role, value and effectiveness, the BACP believe that each occupational area has equal value. The BACP’s research committee is an independent group, comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists from the UK and overseas and including several non-BACP members. It is tasked with offering independent advice on research issues to the BACP. In 2006, the committee found there was “No theoretical, practical or research rationale for distinguishing between counsellors and psychotherapists.” (BACP Research Committee Report, 2006). In other words they were unable to differentiate between the two on the basis of evidence.



IACP Noticeboard

• Interchangeable usage of Terms: We have found a high level of overlapping and interchanging of the terms Counselling and Psychotherapy by a wide variety of practitioners, course providers (including in the advertising of courses), agencies and associations throughout the profession, both in Ireland and abroad.

• Member Identification: 73% of IACP members identify themselves as both Counsellors and Psychotherapists (2009 Research).

• QQA: The QQA (UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) found no reliable evidence of a significant difference. The QQA Benchmark statement on Counselling and Psychotherapy states: “Despite numerous attempts by organisations and individuals to distinguish between the knowledge base, skills, responsibilities and activities associated with Counselling and Psychotherapy, there is no reliable evidence that indicates any significant difference. It is clear that the descriptive title given to professional psychological therapists depends largely on the core theoretical model to which they adhere, the setting in which they practise, and to some extent on the training they have received. Both terms are used to describe the explicitly contracted therapeutic process through which personal concerns are described,

explored and processed. The term Counselling has its origins in the word counsel, meaning ‘to advise’, but in contemporary professional practice, advice is not part of normal practice.”

• Membership Survey: the IACP has started to approach this question in more depth. In August 2013, we surveyed our membership about the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy, receiving over 700 responses. The questions asked in this first survey on the subject can be seen in Appendix 1. The responses to the survey showed that a majority of respondents (70%) answered “Yes” to the “Yes or No” question about whether they believed there was a difference. However, a low percentage (as little as 13% in some cases) provided supplementary information, or views, to questions 2, 3 or 4 (which asked for evidence and rationale to support the differences). The main suggested differences related to “depth” of therapeutic work, length of training and therapy and the developmental stage from which some client issues came. Throughout the responses, no empirical evidence (specifically requested) was forthcoming and none whatsoever in an Irish context. In other words, a majority of respondents felt there were some differences in practice and education, but had no supporting evidence relating to client outcomes. To complicate matters, there

was a high level of overlapping in the answers. For example, therapeutic theory and practice techniques and client issues were cited, by different respondents, as issues and practice matters that were applicable to either or both Counselling and Psychotherapy. The IACP listens to the voice of its members and the feelings expressed in the survey highlight to us the clear need for research in this area. We look forward to the Research arm of our Association engaging further with this topic.

Having carefully considered the information above (Historical developments & definitions, QQI’s position; International research; Members’ identification and Members’ views and information) the IACP Board concluded that little, if any, research has been done on the subject and that no evidence whatsoever exists to support the idea of a proficiency difference. The IACP Board also believes that the basis for suggesting regulation at different levels appears unsound. Similarly, the IACP clearly state that, as an Association, we see no Proficiency difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy. It is on this basis that the IACP will continue its push for the statutory regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Notwithstanding this, the IACP welcomes and will openly consider any empirical evidence produced that supports a difference. What Academic Level should Counselling and Psychotherapy be regulated at?The IACP Executive Board recommends that both Counselling

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IACP Noticeboard

Continued over...

and Psychotherapy should be regulated at the same baseline academic and practice qualifications. The IACP Board has reviewed the QQI Awards document and the stated educational outcomes and has decided, on the basis of this expert information, that Level 8 on the NFQ is the most appropriate baseline academic level at which Counselling / Psychotherapy should be regulated. The IACP encourages and supports all practitioners to further their education and to educate themselves to higher academic levels (e.g. 9, 10). However, given the stated learning outcomes, we believe that the standard at Level 8 is academically sufficient preparation for practitioners. The IACP aims to work with PTF partners to develop detailed, precise practice standards for Counsellors/Psychotherapists. The IACP’s medium term plan is to have Counselling and Psychotherapy properly connected to the education “apparatus” of the state and not be seen as an “add on” profession (as it seems to be viewed by the HSE’s current recruitment process). This will happen through discussion with the departments of Education, Health, the HSE and successful regulation outcomes. Other Important Regulatory Considerations for the ProfessionWhile the IACP propose having the same baseline academic and practice standards for both Counselling and Psychotherapy, we believe that there are other important regulatory considerations that are the PTF’s responsibility to consider and advise on. We look forward to working with our PTF colleagues on the following topics:

Reducing public confusion:• Currently, there is much public

confusion about titles and functions within mental health. For example, the differences between Psychiatry, Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis and Social workers practising Counselling, are unclear to the majority of the general public. Regulatory proposals need to define the academic and practice levels (with empirical evidence and concise definitions of scope and practice). To suggest regulating without detailed engagement in this task (this currently remains undone), would add to an already confusing environment.

• The PTF needs to meet with Counselling Psychologists to discuss co-operation and development in relation to the overlapping areas of our professions and how the public can be best informed. For example, discussion needs to take place about the use of the title and term “Psychological Therapist”.

• When selecting a Therapist, clear evidence-based information relating to scope and proficiency needs to be provided. The current PTF proposal to regulate at different levels indicates a proficiency difference – i.e. where one can be viewed as “better” than the other, or able to deal with matters that the other cannot. No evidence exists to support this and the IACP believes this would add to public confusion.

• Agreed Definitions: Currently, multiple definitions and perceptions of Counselling and Psychotherapy exist. For example, various estimates (up to 400) of the number of types of Psychotherapy exist. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the practice of Psychotherapy was originally restricted to Medical Doctors (until the mid-20th century). Also, the general psychological Counselling that the IACP accredits (at an equal level to Psychotherapy), is sometimes confused with Counselling qualifications in one area only (e.g. guidance counselling qualifications or specific “addiction only” counselling qualifications) that are not accredited by the IACP. The IACP believe that the PTF need to work together to define the terms and inform the public. Until this is done in a unified way, the existing confusion aids those individuals and groups who seek to blur the lines about their qualifications and status.

• Where no evidence of a proficiency difference exists, regulating at the same level (e.g. Level 8) helps the public by making it easier to understand that practice and outcomes are the same.

Increasing Public Safety:• The current PTF proposal to

regulate Psychotherapists at Level 9 on the NFQ would place members of the public at risk by indicating a level of competence that is currently not required or delivered in



IACP Noticeboard

training. Currently, in many cases, practicing Therapists (from multiple associations) may have a Level 9 qualification, but may not have a Level 8 qualification in the same area. The IACP wants all Counsellors /Psychotherapists to be better qualified rather than higher qualified and believe this can be achieved by regulating at an academic baseline of Level 8.

• The current situation is that standards of training are so variable that separate titles would not be a reliable guide to the skills and competence of the practitioner. (The IACP recognises that it is this situation that Regulation seeks to address and support the overall aim.)

• Where no proficiency difference exists, having the same baseline academic and practice qualifications for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, is a safer and better way in which to regulate Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Good Governance: As a professional body, the IACP seeks to have optimal governance in place, not only within our own Association, but within the profession as a whole. It is important that no unwarranted or unfair advantages / disadvantages are given to any one group for reasons of protectionism or vested/conflicted interest. The IACP considers that:

• Those who claim that there is a difference, without producing evidence, run the risk of being seen as having a vested interest (for example, wanting

to charge more) in creating an artificial difference.

• It would be unfair to Psychotherapists and Counsellors to regulate at different baseline academic and practical standards in the absence of empirical evidence.

• It is the responsibility of the PTF members to ensure that equal time and voting rights are given to all groups at the table regardless of whether they are representing Counselling only, Psychotherapy only, or both (e.g. the IACP). At present there is a lack of equality and at times a resistance to change this. We look forward to working with our PTF partners to redress this imbalance. Until this situation is addressed, the PTF runs the risk of being seen as a protectionist group, looking to serve the interests of one group only.

• The IACP considers that empirical evidence is necessary for a regulatory difference to be suggested. Otherwise, a person describing themselves as a Psychotherapist, might find themselves in a situation that clients decide not to go to them for therapy as the public believe they cannot do X or Y.

• Likewise, a person describing themselves as a Counsellor might find themselves in a situation that clients decide not to go to them for therapy as the public believe they cannot do X or Y.

• The implication of this public confusion could lead to a reduction of

work for Counsellors and Psychotherapists [based on the current draft PTF Submission Document (2007) being accepted by the Government] as it would infer evidence-based client outcome differences, for which there is no empirical support.

Confusion within the Profession:

The IACP believes that a declaration of a proficiency differentiation (through regulating at different levels) runs the risk of confusing and negatively impacting the profession and would, in effect, create a division in the therapeutic field that does not exist in the workplace. Additionally: • The IACP believes that no

proper consideration of the impact on the delivery of services (by agencies, courses, private practitioners, etc.), if differentiation was to be agreed, has taken place. The IACP believes that the effects of such would also negatively affect the clients and public. The IACP believes the PTF need to discuss this subject.

• The IACP believes that the profession needs to consider the legal and insurance implications of regulation on the stakeholders (private practitioners, agencies, professional bodies, training bodies, etc.). In particular, the impact of any proposal to differentiate between the two would need additional consideration.

• The IACP believes that the profession needs to consider the implications of regulation on inter-agency and inter-

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IACP Noticeboard

association and international agreements (e.g. reciprocity agreements between Counselling and Psychotherapy organisations). In particular, the potential negative impact of any proposal to differentiate between the two would need additional consideration.

• The IACP acknowledges that the current situation is far from ideal, with highly variable standards in training and practice and applauds the principle of public protection. However, the current PTF proposal does not reflect or improve upon the provision of therapeutic services as it exists, but attempts to create an artificial distinction between Counselling and Psychotherapy.

If you have any comments or suggestions relating to the content of this document please email [email protected] Executive Committee - Sept 2013.For further reading about the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy please see: “Counselling and Psychotherapy: A perspective on past history, current trends, and possible future directions”. Marcella Finnerty, 2006. Éisteach Article (available on the IACP website).Index: IACP: Irish Association for Counselling and PsychotherapyBACP: British Association for Counselling and PsychotherapyCCPA: Canadian Association for Counselling and PsychotherapyQQI: Quality and Qualifications IrelandPTF: Psychological Therapies ForumCORU: Health and Social Care Professionals Council

Best wishes to all IACP Members!

From everyone in the IACP Office.

iacp noticeboarddifference between counselling and psychotherapy” (re-printed in full, in this...

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