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Unregulated Therapy in the UK: Why Professional Standards Matter

In a recent article published by The Economist (February 2025), the spotlight was turned on a concerning issue: anyone in Britain can call themselves a therapist—regardless of their training, experience, or regulatory oversight. The article highlights the growing number of individuals offering therapy services without any formal accreditation, posing serious risks to public safety and trust.

Adding to this conversation, MP Stephen Kinnock recently addressed this issue, calling for greater oversight and regulation of the therapy profession. He expressed concern about vulnerable individuals unknowingly receiving therapy from unqualified and unregulated practitioners, potentially causing harm rather than healing.

Why This Matters

Mental health services in the UK are becoming increasingly privatised and decentralised. While this has led to more choice and accessibility, it has also opened the door to a wide array of unregulated practitioners—some well-meaning, others less so.

Unlike doctors or psychologists, the title “therapist” or “counsellor” is not legally protected in the UK. That means anyone, regardless of training or accountability, can offer therapy. This leaves clients vulnerable to poor, unethical, or even unsafe practice.

How Circle Psychology Partners Maintains High Standards

At Circle Psychology Partners, we take these concerns seriously. All professionals working within our practice are required to be registered with a recognised professional body that regulates their practice, ethics, and continuing professional development.

In fact, the majority of our associates are members of protected professions regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), including:

  • Clinical Psychologists
  • Counselling Psychologists
  • Forensic Psychologists

The HCPC ensures that these practitioners meet rigorous standards of training, supervision, ethical conduct, and public accountability.

In addition, we also work with other qualified professionals such as:

  • CBT Therapists registered with BABCP
  • Psychotherapists and Counsellors registered with UKCP or BACP
  • Family and Couples Therapists registered with AFT

These regulatory bodies provide clear ethical frameworks, complaints procedures, and re-registration requirements, ensuring that all clients who come to Circle Psychology Partners receive safe, evidence-based, and accountable care.

How You Can Protect Yourself or a Loved One

If you’re looking for mental health support, here are some key tips:
✅ Check registration – Ask your therapist which professional body they are registered with, and verify on that body’s website.
✅ Understand the title – Only certain titles (like “Clinical Psychologist”) are protected by law and require specific qualifications.
✅ Ask about training – A qualified professional will be transparent about their training and approach.
✅ Know your rights – Regulated professionals must follow ethical codes and are subject to formal complaints processes if things go wrong.

A Call for Better Safeguards

While increased public awareness is essential, the time is long overdue for greater regulation across the therapy sector. As the Economist article and Stephen Kinnock MP have highlighted, people seeking therapy should not have to navigate a confusing and potentially unsafe system.

At Circle Psychology Partners, we remain committed to high standards, transparency, and ethical care. If you’re looking for support you can trust, we’re here to help—professionally, compassionately, and safely.

Contact us to find out more about our team of registered and experienced professionals:
circlepsychologypartners.co.uk