Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy – second evidence session roundup

The Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy held its second evidence session online on Tuesday 2 December focusing on ‘Is there a case for statutory regulation?’. Commissioners and invited expert witnesses reviewed the adequacy of the current regulatory mechanisms for the professions in protecting clients and explored alternative models and the underpinning principles of statutory enhancement.

At each evidence session subject matter experts are invited to contribute. During this session the commission heard evidence from:

• Ella Janneh  – Expert-by-experience
• Catriona Rubens – Senior associate solicitor, Leigh Day
• Jon Levett – CEO, UKCP
• Melanie Venables – PSA

Summary of the discussion

Client safety in the existing system

Testimony was heard expressing concern that voluntary regulation is an insufficient assurance for client safety, though statutory regulation faces some of the same challenges. The current model shifts a significant burden onto clients, who are often unwell and in considerable distress, to understand the complexities of the current system and only then identify regulated practitioners. Still, unregulated practitioners can market themselves very effectively and misleadingly without immediate consequence, in ways which are inscrutable from genuine, qualified practitioners to the public.

Creativity, innovation and client-centred approaches

Therapy is client-centred, relational, and humanistic, and as such, may take a wide range of modalities and approaches. Creativity and innovation in practice are good things, and some practitioners worry that further regulation will stifle these dynamics. However, it may well be the case that this sets creativity and client safety in a false dichotomy. It is not yet evident that statutory regulation is a limiting factor on diversity of practice. Client safety does not preclude a variety of approaches – indeed, these approaches may prove more successful and thus in the best interest of clients.  Establishing the right form of regulation that is fit for the profession and enhances public protection is key.

Barriers to joining and remaining in the profession

Any further regulation of the field must be developed with barriers to access in mind, particularly for underrepresented demographics. If statutory regulation is pursued, it may be worth considering addressing other barriers to accessing the profession, such as high training costs. Statutory regulation does not have to inherently make these processes more challenging, but great care should be taken throughout to ensure this is the case. Employment across the field is precarious for many, and it is critical for the health of the profession, retention of trained practitioners, and protection of livelihoods, that the impact of enhanced regulation on job stability and security is considered throughout any changes.

The public profile and reputation of the profession

Public understanding of the field needs to increase to support greater awareness of what regulation exists. However, the current system is complex and onerous to navigate for a potential client in distress. High-profile cases do damage to the reputation of the profession, even though most counsellors and psychotherapists are qualified, competent and ethical. By showing willingness to be subject to statutory scrutiny and regulation, therapists could demonstrate that they are confident in their abilities and the public can be, too.

Next steps

Insights from the evidence session will help shape the Commission’s final report and recommendations, which will be published later in 2026 after all the evidence sessions have taken place.

The next evidence session – entitled ‘Counselling and psychotherapy, the evidence base’ is taking place online on Thursday 19 February 2026.  The fourth session, ‘Counselling and psychotherapy, the future of the professions’ takes place online Thursday 16 April. A dedicated event for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be held online in March.

Have your say

A public call for evidence giving practitioners, organisations and members of the public the opportunity to contribute directly to the Commission’s work was held for 10 weeks between January and March 2026. The evidence will be used to inform the final report and recommendations, alongside the evidence given at the Commission sessions.

Further details of the commission are available on our Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy webpage.