Practitioners’ titles explained
Please be aware that the list shows the minimum length of the training. Therapists working at Kensington Counselling Rooms would normally have many years of post-qualifying experience that goes far beyond the minimum requirements. Please check their individual profiles for more information.
BACP Accredited Counsellor or/and Psychotherapist
This title evidences the enhanced standards of training, practice and competence for counsellors and psychotherapists, confirming that the registrant has completed at least three years of training.
BACP Registered Counsellor or/and Psychotherapist
This title evidences the core standard of training, practice and competence for counsellors and psychotherapists, confirming that the registrant has completed at least two years of training.
BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor or/and Psychotherapist
This title evidences the further enhanced standards of training, practice and competence for counsellors and psychotherapists, confirming that the registrant has completed at least four years of training.
HCPC Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist
Specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health difficulties while helping individuals navigate emotional, social, and developmental challenges to improve overall well-being. The training lasts six years (three years undergraduate and three years postgraduate).
NCPS Registered Counsellor or/and Psychotherapist
This title evidences the core standard of training, practice and competence for counsellors and psychotherapists, confirming that the registrant has completed at least two years of training.
UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist
This title evidences the further enhanced standards of training, practice and competence for psychotherapists, confirming that the registrant has completed at least four years of training.
Therapists’ registration
At Kensington Counselling Rooms we list counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists registered with at least one of these established bodies:
What the regulators do, and the SCoPEd framework +
The regulatory bodies make sure the qualifications of the practitioner are of a certain standard and that they continue to upgrade their knowledge year after year. They also handle all complaints and suspend practitioners who do not adhere to the standards of the profession. Several registering bodies, including the UKCP and BACP, created “A shared framework for the scope of practice and education for counselling and psychotherapy with adults” (SCoPEd). SCoPEd framework provides a comprehensive comparison of the major registration titles. We have based the sections on counselling and psychotherapy on their report, but not the ones regarding psychologists.
How psychologists are regulated +
In the UK, several types of psychologists are regulated under the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). These titles are protected by law, meaning only individuals who meet the necessary standards of training, education, and practice can use them. All psychologists practicing under these titles must be registered with the HCPC and follow strict ethical and professional guidelines. They are also encouraged to join professional bodies like the British Psychological Society (BPS), which promotes high standards and ongoing professional development.
Understanding these distinctions ensures you can make an informed choice when seeking psychological support.