British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

11/05/2026

We’ve published some of the results from our 2026 Public Perceptions Survey for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Did you know that nearly three quarters of people who’ve had therapy (72%) found it helpful?

Read more here ➡️ https://orlo.uk/xs30j

08/05/2026

What is humanistic therapy❓

Find out here 👉 https://orlo.uk/Xuwxy

06/05/2026

How can therapy help before things reach crisis point?

As part of our Outside View campaign, Brent Leyshon sits down with our member Rahi Popat (Cotton Counselling ) to talk openly about why he decided to try therapy and how it's made a difference in his life.

Brent’s story is a reminder of the value of speaking to someone and getting support earlier.

If you've been finding things difficult, you're not alone and you don't have to figure it out on your own. It's okay to ask for help.

Find out more about Outside View and how to access support 👉 https://orlo.uk/rmd5o

05/05/2026

Our Year of impact 2025 to 2026 report is out now! 📢

Over the past year, our members and staff have made a real difference across the counselling professions, supporting individuals and strengthening communities. This report offers a snapshot of that shared impact.

We believe counselling changes lives, and this year’s work shows the scale of that impact.

Read the full report 👉 https://orlo.uk/kBTGB

01/05/2026

70% of men say they'd only speak to a therapist once they’ve reached breaking point. But you don't have to wait for a crisis before you seek professional support.

So how can you recognise you need help? 🤔

As part of our Outside View campaign, our member Rahi Popat () has shared some signs that you may be struggling and when you may want to consider therapy. 💚

30/04/2026

"Many men grow up with messages that promote silence, self-reliance, or ‘pushing through’, which can make seeking therapy feel difficult or even like a failure. In reality, seeking support is a sign of strength." - Anthony Davis MBACP

The men in these photographs have all shown real strength in taking that first step to seek support and have shared how therapy has positively supported them and made a difference in their lives.

For many, therapy offered a space to talk things through, understand their thoughts more clearly and start to feel more in control again. Their stories are a reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, and that support can make a real difference.

This is why we’ve launched Outside View, a new campaign encouraging men to consider therapy before they reach breaking point. It aims to meet men where they already feel comfortable opening up, including walking with friends.

Our campaign website shares the real stories of men who’ve opened up and tells in their words how therapy has helped them.

If you’ve been struggling, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Find out more about Outside View and how to access support 👉 https://orlo.uk/xC0qB

30/04/2026

29/04/2026

An outside view can help 🫶

Two thirds of men say they’ve struggled with their mental health in the past three years. Yet most say they’d only consider therapy once they reach breaking point, according to our new research.

That’s why today we’re launching Outside View - a new campaign highlighting the reality of men’s mental health and how talking to a therapist can change your life.

Our campaign shows how professional support from a trained therapist can help prevent problems escalating to crisis point and how it’s very different to talking to friends and family. It highlights how reaching out for support is a strength - and not something to be ashamed of or a sign of weakness.

This short film shares the real stories of men who’ve opened up and tells in their words how therapy has helped them.

More than 70 percent of men who’ve had therapy say they wish they’d reached out sooner.

It’s okay to ask for help.

Find out more about our Outside View campaign 👉 https://orlo.uk/5hqgz

Cotton Counselling

24/04/2026

VAT on therapy increases costs, widens inequalities and restricts access to mental health support. 📢

It’s an unfair anomaly that counselling and psychotherapy is not exempt from VAT, while similar psychological therapy practitioners, such as psychologists, art therapists and drama therapists, are VAT exempt. Counselling and psychotherapy services – including charities, and therapists in individual and group practices – must register for VAT when their taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a 12-month period.

VAT fees either have to be absorbed by the service provider or passed on to the client. This puts unnecessary added financial burdens on already struggling counselling charities. It’s a significant barrier to vulnerable people accessing vital mental health support when they need it.

As part of the PCPB, we’re calling for an extension of VAT exemption to counselling and psychotherapy services. This is a practical step that could make support more affordable and accessible for those who need it.

The PCPB has released a new report highlighting these calls which will be presented to relevant government departments and MPs and used to inform responses to consultations and inquiries.

Read more 👉 https://orlo.uk/OJ2W0

22/04/2026

How does confidentiality work for children and young people in therapy❓

When a child or young person starts therapy, it’s natural for parents and carers to have questions about what will be shared with them. Confidentiality can sometimes feel unclear, but it plays a key role in creating a safe and trusting space for children and young people to explore their feelings.

Therapists have a duty of care to keep a child safe, while also respecting a child or young person’s right to confidentiality. This means that, in most cases, what’s shared in sessions stays private, helping children and young people feel able to open up honestly.

It’s about balancing support, trust, and safety for everyone involved.

In therapy:

🟪 Children and young people have the same rights to confidentiality as adults, although there are some legal and safety exceptions.

🟪 A young person under the age of 16 who is competent can consent to their own therapy if they're believed to have enough awareness and understanding to fully appreciate what's involved.

🟪 When parents or carers arrange therapy, they don’t automatically have the right to access what’s discussed or to therapy records.

🟪 Therapists will usually only share information without consent if there is a risk of serious harm or safeguarding concerns, which they will explain when agreeing how they work together with the child or young person.

🟪 Parents or carers can share concerns or helpful background information, but therapists will prioritise what the child or young person wants to discuss in sessions.

🟪 Clear boundaries and expectations around confidentiality should always be discussed at the start, so everyone involved understands how information will be handled.

While it can feel difficult for parents/carers not knowing everything, confidentiality helps young people feel safe, heard, and supported in therapy.

21/04/2026

Parkinson’s is often seen through its physical symptoms, but the emotional impact can be just as significant.

In the latest Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal, Deirdre Daly explores how Parkinson’s can affect mood, identity, relationships, and overall wellbeing. She also highlights the importance of recognising and supporting these experiences alongside physical care.

Read more 👉 https://orlo.uk/BLhzA