Ciaran Doody
Psychotherapist

If you are looking for therapy in the UK, you might notice practitioners describing themselves as a BACP counsellor or a UKCP psychotherapist and feel unsure which would suit you. Both can be excellent options. The differences are often about training routes, style, and the kind of work you want to do.

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A BACP counsellor is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Many counsellors train through counselling diplomas and develop their practice through supervised client work and ongoing professional development. In my mind, choosing a BACP counsellor can make sense if I want support with a specific difficulty in the present, like stress, relationships, grief, low mood, or a challenging life change. Counselling is often described as practical and supportive and of shorter duration. 

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A UKCP psychotherapist is registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy. UKCP trainings are often longer and more clinically intensive, frequently at postgraduate level, with strong emphasis on psychotherapy theory and extensive supervised practice. I might lean towards a UKCP psychotherapist if I am looking for deeper, exploratory work, especially if my difficulties feel longstanding or complex. That could include repeated relationship patterns, trauma, attachment issues, or a sense of being stuck in the same emotional loops.

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Please get in touch to discuss your needs and we can collaboratively decide whether counselling or psychotherapy might better suit you and the issues you wish to address.