Commission for the future of counselling and psychotherapy

ACC is proud to be part of the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) and welcomes the launch of an independently chaired Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Commission will hold a series of four structured, thematic roundtable sessions, with the first one taking place on 16 October 2025. The sessions will bring together voices from across the sector, decision-makers and those with lived experience.

A summary of the discussions will be published following each of the roundtables and the evidence gathered will form part of a report and recommendations that the Commission will publish in summer 2026.

As a membership body, we believe that this Commission comes at a crucial time where people across the UK and beyond are increasingly in need of safe, effective, and accountable therapy. At ACC, we are particularly concerned with three foundational issues:

Protecting standards and accountability so the public can trust that counsellors and psychotherapists are fully qualified and professionally regulated.
Expanding access within the NHS and public sector, ensuring people can receive the right therapy, at the right time, for as long as they need it.
Safeguarding clients and practitioners from unregulated online providers who exploit vulnerability for financial gain, undermining both public confidence and professional integrity.

Our CEO Kathy Spooner says, “The commission has a unique opportunity to set a bold direction for the future – one that strengthens the profession, protects the public, and ensures counselling and psychotherapy remain a trusted, vital resource for all who need it. ACC is committed to working with PCPB and partner organisations to make this vision a reality.”

For more information about the Commission, please visit PCPB’s website.