The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) is a paid membership organisation and a registered charity, that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the general public. As the largest professional body representing counselling and psychotherapy in the UK, BACP aims to increase public understanding of the benefits of counselling and psychotherapy, raise awareness of what can be expected from the process of therapy and promote education and/or training for counsellors and psychotherapists. See www.bacp.co.uk

The BACP Register is the first psychological therapists’ register to be accredited under a new scheme set up by the Department of Health and administered by an independent body, accountable to Parliament. Members of the public can now choose a counsellor or psychotherapist belonging to a register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. See www.bacpregister.org.uk