Professional Bodies & Associations in Therapy
When choosing a therapist, accreditation matters. Professional bodies set ethical standards, require ongoing training, and give you a route to raise concerns. Here's a guide to the organisations that regulate and support therapy in the UK.
Why Accreditation Matters
The therapy profession in the UK is not statutorily regulated — meaning anyone can legally call themselves a therapist or counsellor. That makes professional body membership one of the most important indicators of quality. Accredited therapists have completed recognised training programmes, adhere to a code of ethics, undertake regular supervision, and commit to continuing professional development.
At HQ Therapy, every practitioner — whether fully qualified or in training — works within the standards of a recognised professional body. Our qualified therapists hold membership with organisations such as the BACP, UKCP, or BPC, and our trainee therapists work under the supervision structures required by their training institutions.
If you're looking for a therapist, checking their professional body registration is a simple way to verify their credentials and ensure you're working with someone who meets nationally recognised standards.
The Professional Bodies You'll Encounter Most
These are the organisations most relevant to clients seeking therapy in the UK. All HQ Therapy practitioners are registered with at least one.
BACP
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy — the UK's largest professional body with 60,000+ members. Sets ethical standards and maintains a public register of qualified practitioners.
Visit BACP→UKCP
The UK Council for Psychotherapy registers psychotherapists across 80+ training organisations. Members complete rigorous postgraduate training in their chosen modality.
Visit UKCP→BPC
The British Psychoanalytic Council is the leading body for psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy — registering practitioners trained to the highest clinical standards.
Visit BPC→Recognised by leading professional bodies
Learn More About Therapy
Find an Accredited Therapist
Every therapist at HQ Therapy is registered with a recognised professional body. Browse our directory or let us match you.
Complete Directory
Browse 38 professional bodies and associations relevant to therapy and counselling in the UK. Each link takes you to the organisation's official website.
BABCP
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
The lead organisation for cognitive behavioural therapy in the UK, setting standards for CBT practice and training.
BACP
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
The largest professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK, with over 60,000 members.
BPC
British Psychoanalytic Council
Professional body for psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy, maintaining high standards of training and practice.
BPS
British Psychological Society
Representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK, promoting excellence and ethical practice.
NCS
National Counselling Society
Independent professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy
Leading professional body for psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling, maintaining a register of qualified practitioners.
CNHC
Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council
UK voluntary regulator for complementary health practitioners, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
HCPC
Health & Care Professions Council
Statutory regulator for art therapists, drama therapists, music therapists, and practitioner psychologists in the UK.
PSA
Professional Standards Authority
Oversees statutory health and care regulators in the UK, setting standards for professional regulation.
ADMP UK
Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK
Professional body for dance movement psychotherapists, supporting embodied approaches to therapy.
AFT
Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
Professional body for family and systemic therapists, promoting systemic approaches to mental health.
APP
Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the NHS
Supports and promotes psychoanalytic psychotherapy within NHS settings across the UK.
ACP
Association of Child Psychotherapists
Professional body for child and adolescent psychotherapists, ensuring specialist training and standards.
BACP CYP
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Children, Young People and Families
BACP division focused on therapeutic work with children, young people, and families.
BAAT
British Association of Art Therapists
Professional body for art therapists in the UK, promoting art therapy as an evidence-based treatment.
BADth
British Association of Dramatherapists
Professional body for drama therapists, promoting the therapeutic use of drama and theatre.
BAMT
British Association of Music Therapy
Professional body for music therapists, advancing the practice and research of music therapy.
BAPT
British Association of Play Therapists
Professional body for play therapists, promoting therapeutic play-based approaches for children.
BPA
British Psychodrama Association
Professional body for psychodrama practitioners in the UK, promoting action methods in therapy.
COSRT
College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists
Professional body for sex and relationship therapy, maintaining standards and a therapist register.
EMDR UK
EMDR Association UK
Professional body for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) practitioners in the UK.
EAP
European Association for Psychotherapy
Umbrella organisation for psychotherapy across Europe, promoting standards and professional development.
IAGP
International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes
Global network for group therapy practitioners, promoting group processes in therapeutic settings.
IARPP
International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy
International organisation promoting relational approaches to psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.
ISSTD
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
Promotes research, training, and treatment of trauma-related and dissociative conditions worldwide.
PCU
Psychotherapy and Counselling Union
Trade union representing the professional interests and rights of therapists across the UK.
Relate
UK charity providing relationship counselling, family counselling, and therapeutic support services.
SPR
Society for Psychotherapy Research
International society dedicated to promoting and disseminating scientific research on psychotherapy.
Anna Freud Centre
World-leading children's mental health charity delivering research, training, and evidence-based practice.
CPCAB
Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body
Specialist awarding body for counselling qualifications, from introductory certificates to professional diplomas.
HEE
Health Education England
Ensures the NHS workforce has the right skills, values, and training to deliver high-quality patient care.
IGA
Institute of Group Analysis
Training and professional development in group analysis, offering accredited courses and clinical placements.
Metanoia Institute
Accredited training institute for psychotherapy, counselling, and counselling psychology in London.
OfS
Office for Students
Independent regulator of higher education in England, ensuring quality and student interests are protected.
QAA
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Safeguards standards in UK higher education, including counselling and psychotherapy degree programmes.
Skills for Health
Sector skills council for health, developing workforce standards and qualifications for the UK health sector.
Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
Leading provider of mental health training, education, and clinical services with a psychoanalytic tradition.
NOS
UK Standards
National Occupational Standards defining the competencies and skills required for the counselling workforce.