Why use an ACC Counsellor?

The Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) is a registered UK charity. Founded in 1992, it is the leading organisation representing Christian counsellors, and pastoral carers, in the UK.

ACC does not seek to make all Christian counsellors think the same or counsel in the same way. It is expected, however, that ACC members hold a recognised Christian worldview that is consistent with the ACC’s Statement of Faith and is generally expressed in the words of the Creed. ACC counsellors are from a wide range of Christian traditions.

ACC counsellors are also required to work under and follow ACC’s guidance on Ethics and Practice and related policies and statements that are issued, from time to time, by the Board of Trustees.

ACC members are required, among many other things, to:

• Communicate to clients the nature and basis of the counselling they offer
• Work within the limits of their training and competence

Nevertheless we recommend that the prospective client or their representative should take time to satisfy themselves that a counsellor can properly provide the help that is needed.

ACC acknowledges that ethical dilemmas can arise at times or that ethical principles may clash in a particular situation. These may need to be held in tension until a suitable way forward can be found. As every situation is different it is not possible to set out a specific hierarchy of norms. However, ACC believes that applying broader Christian ethical norms such as love, grace, holiness and forgiveness may help in resolving dilemmas.

Occasionally, things may go wrong and are not easily resolved. In such cases, ACC has a Complaints Procedure.

You can also find information about ACC Affiliated Organisations. Affiliation means that the organisation has agreed with the ACC Statement of Faith and is committed to working in line with ACC’s Ethics and Practice. (The organisation has also provided information about its legal and management structure.)

For further information, please see Scope of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Psychological Therapies practised by ACC Counsellors.