Glossary
What is BACP?
Also called: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, MBACP, BACP registered, BACP accredited, BACP register
Definition
The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) is the largest professional body for counselling in the UK; its members agree to follow its ethical framework, and its register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
What it means
In the UK, “counsellor” is not a protected title, so anyone can legally use it. Joining a professional body is one of the ways parents can check that a counsellor is trained, insured and accountable. The BACP keeps a public register of members who meet its standards. Its register is part of the Accredited Registers programme run by the Professional Standards Authority, an independent body that oversees health and care registers.
The letters after a counsellor’s name tell you their level. MBACP means a registered member who has completed recognised training. MBACP (Accred) means an accredited member who has met further requirements. BACP members must follow the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, have regular clinical supervision and keep up their professional development. Members of the public can raise a complaint about a member through the BACP.
What it can look like for your child
Mostly you won’t notice it, but it sits behind the way sessions run: a written contract, clear rules about confidentiality and safeguarding, secure notes and a counsellor who discusses their work with a supervisor. If something goes wrong, there is somewhere to take it.
How counselling can help
Gitta is a registered member of the BACP (MBACP), and you can look her up on the BACP register using the link on our About page. We encourage parents to check any counsellor before booking, whoever they choose. Other reputable registers exist, such as UKCP and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, and specialist play therapists are often registered with BAPT or PTUK.