Calls to regulate therapists as claims of abuse surge

Rules 'needed to stop psychotherapists working without qualifications'

- Rachel Hall

Ministers are facing calls for the urgent regulation of psychotherapists and counsellors to protect vulnerable people, as lawyers report a rise in lawsuits by patients over alleged harm done during therapy.

Unlike most other healthcare roles, including doctors, midwives and osteopaths, "psychotherapist" and "counsellor" are not protected titles nor statutorily regulated professions in the UK.

Experts have told the Guardian that few people realise anyone without a qualification can call themselves a therapist, and that they can continue to practise after an episode of misconduct.

There has been a rise in the number of people seeking help for mental ill-health in recent years, with services in England receiving a record 5m referrals during 2023, up 33% from 2019. While the vast majority of people find professional help beneficial and even life-saving, lawyers have reported a significant increase in the number of inquiries over alleged cases of malpractice and even abuse.

Clinical psychologists are statutorily regulated, but psychotherapists and counsellors have the option to voluntarily apply for accreditation at one of several bodies. These include the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which requires a minimum level of training with recognised courses, and operates a complaint process that is not legally binding.

Catriona Rubens, a solicitor at Leigh Day, said that since representing Ella Janneh - who in June successfully sued her therapist for sexual assault in the first high court case of its kind - she had been "inundated" with inquiries, with approaches from people who claim to have been sexually, psychologically, or emotionally abused quadrupling.

"I'm sure it's probably the tip of the iceberg," she said. "One of the very difficult aspects of this nature of abuse is it occurs in such a position of trust, when you're already vulnerable.