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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To report this counsellor

6 replies

whiskyjarsafilling · 12/05/2022 18:53

I know someone who has recently advertised themselves as a counsellor and in their profile say they are a member of the BACP. I have checked on the BACP register and they are not on there. This person has absolutely no counselling qualifications and no qualifications related to anything to do with therapy/ talking support. They have listed the initials for their (non-counselling) qualifications, but none of these are in subjects in anyway related to counselling, but I presume they have listed them to make it appear to potential customers that they have loads of relevant qualifications. I mean, if you did not understand what those initials stand for, or what subject that qualification was in, you would assume he had listed them as they were all counselling related, wouldn't you? So he's trying to deceive people.

He also says he has extensive experience working with people with 'xxx' and ' yyy' but he doesn't. None of his work experience is related to any of this.

I also think that the likelihood of him maintaining sexual/ relationship boundaries with female clients is just about zero.

So should I report him to the BACP for saying he is member of the BACP when he does not appear on their register? There is no point mentioning the boundaries thing I suppose as that is just my opinion.

I really think the law should change so that people need proper qualifications, to become counsellors.

OP posts:
StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 12/05/2022 18:59

I think thats a good plan, although not sure what the bacp could do? It could be that he has joined but the register hasnt been updated, or joined under a different form of his name. Definitely warrants a bit more investigation and yes counsellor should be a protected title.

JudyGemstone · 12/05/2022 19:03

If he’s not registered with an accrediting body there’s not really anywhere to report him to.

it’s definitely worth a call to BACP anyway, not sure what they can do but they might be able to advise.

has he got a website you can leave a warning review on that would show on google?

MajesticWol · 12/05/2022 19:04

Where did you see the “advertising profile”? You may be able to report to the platform.

You can contact the BACP to report a concern, but if he’s not a member they may only be able to go after him for use of a copyrighted logo I’m not sure. Start with their “Get Help With Counselling Concerns” service for advice: www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/get-help-with-counselling-concerns-service/

Thelnebriati · 12/05/2022 19:07

Isn't that false advertising? Try BCAP, and Trading Standards. Unless he has a conviction for sexual assault, stick to his lack of qualifications and accreditation.

whiskyjarsafilling · 12/05/2022 19:14

MajesticWol · 12/05/2022 19:04

Where did you see the “advertising profile”? You may be able to report to the platform.

You can contact the BACP to report a concern, but if he’s not a member they may only be able to go after him for use of a copyrighted logo I’m not sure. Start with their “Get Help With Counselling Concerns” service for advice: www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/get-help-with-counselling-concerns-service/

Those are good suggestions thanks.

It actually makes me angry that this people like this individual can set themselves up to work with vulnerable people. He's a unself-aware individual, whose pretty messed up with an absence of understanding of appropriate boundaries. He'll absolutely develop attachments to vulnerable female clients and could do a lot of damage to already damaged people, without a professional body to take action against him and protect future clients from him.

This really needs to be a regulated area.

OP posts:
Tuters · 13/05/2022 19:53

All practising members of BACP must join the Register or be working towards registration. If you're unable to find a particular counsellor on the Register and would like us to check their membership status, please contact our customer service team at [email protected]

Unfortunately (or very fortunately) they are not a governing body, we as therapist don't have one.
Anyone can set up as a counsellor even with no qualifications, there are no rules/laws in place to stop this, and even being registered/accredited doesn't make you a good counsellor..
I would send an email to the above and outline your concerns. Be as honest as you can without assumption IYKWIM.
Makes mer angry too OP.

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