Navigating CBT Therapy: BABCP Accreditation and Standards

‘CBT Therapist’, ‘Therapist’, ‘Counsellor’ and ‘Psychotherapist’ are not protected titles – they tell you nothing about the training, experience, accountability, or ethics of the person offering therapy.

While certainly not the only therapist accrediting body (the UKCP, BPC and BACP are among the other large counselling and psychotherapy bodies which meet the UK’s Professional Standards Agency standards): The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the main standard setting organisation for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland. CBT therapists employed in the NHS are typically required to have (or be working towards) BABCP accreditation.

Somewhat confusingly, therapists might be accredited by or members of the BABCP: Membership is open to anybody with an interest in CBT; while accreditation offers assurance that the therapist has been assessed to meet the BABCP’s standards for training, competence, experience and ethical practice.

BABCP accredited training is a post-graduate training for therapists who usually have prior training, experience, and registration in a related profession. For example as a practitioner psychologist; accredited counsellor; occupational therapist; or registered mental health nurse – although a non-registered practitioner skills-based portfolio route is also available. Some (but not all) psychologists’ training incorporates meeting BABCP accreditation standards.

In addition to what you should expect from any psychological therapist, like treating you with kindness and respect – BABCP accreditation standards require therapists to be skilful in the choice and use of a range of cognitive behavioural interventions. So, rather than using CBT in a rigid or random way, interventions should be carefully selected in a way which makes theoretical sense and fits with an understanding of your problem and strengths which is developed and shared between you and your therapist.

The CBT register

You may check the accreditation of any therapist by using the BABCP accreditation check and entering their surname into the CBT register (clicking here).