If you are researching counselling or looking for a counsellor - whether for yourself or on behalf of others - this site will help you locate counsellors who work to clearly defined standards of good practice. These are backed by recognised Codes of Ethics and Practice.

What is the United Kingdom Register of Counsellors?

'The Register' was conceived in response to growing public concern. Almost a decade ago the then British Association for Counselling (BAC), COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland), Westminster Pastoral Foundation and Relate agreed on the need for an unbiased national register of counsellors. Its aim was to:

• Offer impartial information and therefore, protection, to the general public
• Advise both insurers and employers in matters relating to competence
• Recognise good counselling in many appropriate contexts

What is a UKRC registered counsellor?

An independent registered counsellor has achieved accreditation through a recognised UKRC accrediting organisation. Today these are the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland), Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP) and the United Kingdom Association of Humanistic Psychology Practitioners (UKAHPP).

A UKRC registered counsellor must:

• be appropriately trained and qualified
• work to a Code of Ethics & Practice
• be subject to a Complaints Procedure

What are the benefits of using a UKRC counsellor?

Using a registered counsellor offers reassurance and a 'hallmark' of good practice. It ensures a support system in the event of misunderstanding within a counselling contract.

Who should consider registration?

Counsellors who work in a wide variety of contexts are registered, they include:

• Independent counsellors - whether paid or voluntary
• Organisations offering a counselling service
• Counsellors at work within an organisation - whether paid or voluntary
• Counsellors working within a specific setting: for example, primary care

The aim of the UKRC is

"To provide the public and others with an understandable specific UK standard that recognises counsellors who offer safe and accountable practice."