FOUR OUT OF five people in Ireland think that counsellors and psychotherapists should be regulated by the government.

The research carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes for the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy also revealed that almost 60 per cent of Irish people believe it is more acceptable to talk about their problems than it was in the past.

The study was carried to better understand the value that Irish people attach to counselling or psychotherapy services. “This is a very positive shift and means people are more likely to talk to a counsellor or psychotherapist about their problems, which further emphasises the need for regulation in this area,” says Naoise Kelly, National Director at IACP.

Kelly added that it’s important that the right, qualified people are doing the job:

Currently, there is nothing to prevent someone doing a three-week course and hanging a sign outside their door. An individual is not qualified to deal with sensitive and potentially complex issues after such a course. If you are going to work with a counsellor or psychotherapist, ensure they are appropriately qualified.

Over 200 IACP members will attend the Association’s 32nd AGM tomorrow in Portlaoise.