Sir, – The recent RTÉ Investigates report highlighting the need for State regulation of psychologists and other mental health professions in Ireland is exactly what the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) has been advocating for many years, to ensure the protection of the public.
Counsellors and psychotherapists are also awaiting State regulation. The IACP operates in a self-regulatory capacity, and it has worked for more than 40 years to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy. The IACP advises anyone seeking counselling and psychotherapy to engage with a qualified therapist, accredited by a professional body.
The IACP has a “find a therapist” online directory, which enables members of the public to search for fully accredited psychotherapists and counsellors who meet our rigorous standards and code of ethics and practice, which all our members must adhere to.
The IACP is fully committed to supporting the transition to State regulation, but currently there is no date set for the opening of the registers for counsellors and psychotherapists.
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The IACP acknowledges the complexity and challenges involved in this task but nevertheless the IACP urges the regulator to act as quickly as possible to complete their work and open the registers. – Yours, etc,
LISA MOLLOY,
CEO,
Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.