Supporting the practise of Psychotherapy
RESPECT - COMPASSION - PROFESSIONALISM
General Psychotherapy Council
GPsyC
Respect Compassion Professionalism
The General Psychotherapy Council (GPsyC) is a regulatory body which validates qualified psychotherapy practitioners, and promotes the safe and professional practice of psychotherapeutic work in the UK. Built on values of respect, compassion and professionalism, it aims to ensure that the regulation of psychotherapists is carried out in a manner that sensitively and constructively supports both practitioners and the public.
All GPsyC registered practitioners have completed advanced and substantial training in psychotherapy and counselling to a postgraduate level and above, and are required to fulfil ongoing professional development activities and training.
Importantly, the GPsyC maintains a register of psychotherapists who meet the necessary standards and rigorous training requirements to become GPsyC registered practitioners. It also publishes psychotherapy guidelines and principles, offers its members ethical guidance, professional development masterclasses, and supportive advice on personal matters, and addresses any concerns and complaints promptly and constructively.
GPsyC registered psychotherapists can be identified by the use of the post-nominal letters 'GPsyC' after their names.
What is Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process through which people (clients) can discuss and examine matters of a personal nature with a professional who is trained in counselling and psychotherapeutic theory and practise. While psychotherapy is often employed to support various healthcare disciplines, it is not to be confused with medical, psychiatric, or social work practices.
Psychotherapy practitioners primarily use psychological, philosophical and interpersonal concepts to help clients explore and work through issues or concerns they might have. Individuals, couples, families, and groups can use psychotherapy to address a variety of matters which can range from personal development goals and interpersonal difficulties to problems relating to mental health and well-being.
What to Expect
Psychotherapy can be carried out in a variety of settings (e.g. face-to-face, in groups, online). All settings should be private, where clients can discuss personal matters in confidence. The frequency of sessions is agreed between the psychotherapist and client(s). The duration of an individual appointment (session) is typically 50 minutes, however, session timings can be adjusted to best suit the psychotherapy work being carried out. Psychotherapists will explain the essential and contractual conditions of the psychotherapy work, which will include matters of confidentiality, timings and fees, therapeutic approach, location, etc.
GPsyC registered psychotherapists are required to have regular consultative supervision which enables them to discuss and reflect upon their casework with another experienced psychotherapy practitioner; this supervisory input is to support the psychotherapeutic process and remains confidential.
Principles of Practise
The General Psychotherapy Council's values of respect, compassion and professionalism underpin its 25 Principles of Practise that inform and guide its registered members. GPsyC psychotherapists are required to abide by these principles, which are a list of parameters and guidelines that serve to promote the development and preservation of sound psychotherapeutic practises.
While all GPsyC practitioners have advanced training in psychotherapy, should circumstances arise indicating that the Principles of Practise have been contravened, or conduct has been reported as a matter of concern, the General Psychotherapy Council will seek to have those issues addressed and resolved quickly.
For Practitioners
The General Psychotherapy Council strives to support the practise of psychotherapy by ensuring its Registered Practitioners can seek support if and when challenges arise.
Practitioner Registration
Practitioners seeking to become GPsyC registered psychotherapists must be able to evidence: four or more years of supervised psychotherapy and counselling training to Masters level or higher; 400 hours of supervised counselling/psychotherapy client casework; and a minimum of 100 hours of personal psychotherapy/analysis prior to applying for GPsyC registration.
Annual Registration Fee
£115
Concerns & Complaints
The General Psychotherapy Council aims to deal with concerns and complaints efficiently, effectively, and promptly. Seeking to avoid hostile and adverserial encounters, the GPsyC's primary objective is to bring matters of contention to a constructive outcome.
If a client* has a concern about a GPsyC registered practitioner, or the General Psychotherapy Council organisation, please tell us about it. This helps us ensure that practitioners and the organisation continue to meet standards that best serve the public, and enables us to identify any areas that need improving or addressing. Should an issue require the GPsyC's intevention, all relevant parties will be informed and a process of resolution will commence.
(*A client is any person or organisation who utilises the services of a GPsyC registered psychotherapy practitioner.)
