<![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ <![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/media/site/logo.png https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ en-gb Copyright: (C) Pressat Pressat <![CDATA[ The Reality of OCD: A Counsellor's Perspective ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-reality-of-ocd-a-counsellors-perspective-18677b96fd2e94db0ce127e8263e2af4/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-reality-of-ocd-a-counsellors-perspective-18677b96fd2e94db0ce127e8263e2af4/ Tuesday 13 October, 2015

To mark OCD Awareness Week, we spoke to BACP's Sally Ingram Msc, an expert in counselling for OCD, about the condition and the support that is available.

A recent survey answered by 129 BACP members revealed that 86% currently see a client with OCD, while 50% of 112 respondents said they have seen an increase in clients seeking help for the anxiety disorder in recent years, highlighting the prevalence of the condition.

Sally said: “OCD is a debilitating mental health condition, leaving the person suffering from it with a strong desire to dissipate anxious thoughts and images by engaging in physical and/or mental compulsions.”

”I think of it as 'Obsessive Compulsive Distress' - a disorder implies that the person is faulty or broken and they're not.”

“What they have is a natural inbuilt mechanism to make things better, which all human beings have – theirs [the person with OCD] is just disproportionate and highly exaggerated.”

Sally added that the condition is often referred to as the 'doubting disease' because of its ability to cause doubt and confusion in the mind of someone with the condition.

“Despite all the evidence to the contrary, the person suffering with OCD doubts themselves, doubts that things are safe, or that things are OK.“

“It puts a person in a position where they doubt the simplest things of themselves, so people often fear they've inadvertently harmed somebody, or they committed a serious crime, and they simply can't be sure they have not.”

Sally went on to explain how talking therapies can be an effective method for treating OCD.

“The counselling response of choice, which is evidence-based, is Exposure and Response Prevention, where we very gently, in collaboration with the client, expose them to the things they fear in an appropriate way and stay with them until the anxiety dips.

“We prevent them from engaging in their safety response, whether that be counting, checking the door is locked, and so forth.

“What we're trying to do with Exposure and Response Prevention is create a new neurological pathway – to show there's an alternative way of thinking, along with helping the client to experience an anxiety dip naturally,” she added.

Several BACP members also commented through our survey on the effectiveness of counselling for OCD.

“I find that clients with OCD, or OC personality traits, benefit from counselling as they have an opportunity to talk about their difficulties without having to experience the shame that these problems are often associated with. This gives the client the space to work out why they have these behaviours. And with that understanding they are able to make informed choices about continuing to give in to these urges or not.”

“Using CBT is really helpful in learning to manage the anxiety which is behind the OCD. Exploring the reasons for OCD, can be helpful in helping a client to understand why they are like this. Psycho-education about stress and anxiety is very normalising for a client and can help to stop the cycle of anxiety.”

(For further comments from BACP members go to the BACP Media Centre.)

Therapy can be accessed privately, or through local charities and voluntary organisations, as well as for free through your GP. BACP's public website, It's Good To Talk, features a 'Find a Therapist' directory where you can locate private counsellors in your area.

For more information on OCD, visit OCD-UK's website.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 13 Oct 2015 12:39:54 GMT Charities & non-profits Health Opinion Article
<![CDATA[ Children’s Mental Health – can Scotland do more? ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childrens-mental-health-can-scotland-do-more-424c353d373dd2a8ea583ff314e04b5c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childrens-mental-health-can-scotland-do-more-424c353d373dd2a8ea583ff314e04b5c/ Tuesday 13 October, 2015

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) will host a fringe event at the Scottish National Party Conference on Friday 16 October 2015. The event, called Children's Mental Health – can Scotland do more? will outline the current condition of children's mental health in Scotland, and explore how things might be improved.

The event will be chaired by Eleanor Bradford, BBC Scotland's Health Correspondent, and will include contributions from:

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health Karen Cromarty, Lead Advisor for Children and Young People, BACP Billy Watson, Chief Executive, Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Mark Mcdonald MSP, Co-convener of the Children and Young People and Mental Health Cross-Party Groups

Talking about child and adolescent mental health services earlier this year, Jamie Hepburn MSP, said:

“We've made significant progress in this area in recent years, with a substantial improvement in waiting times and a record number of people working in the field. But there is an increasing number of referrals as more young people feel able to ask for help. That is a good thing, but also brings challenges.”

Karen Cromarty, BACP Lead Advisor for Children and Young People, says:

“Counselling for children and young people has a vital role in preventing mental ill-health. It is very easy for parents, teachers and other adults to identify signs difficulties emerging in young people. Having identified these difficulties, there should be straightforward processes in place which allow the young person to be referred, with their consent, to counselling.

“Northern Ireland and Wales have counsellors in all of their secondary schools. Their Governments have national strategies and have provided ring-fenced funding for counselling in schools. The situation is not the same in Scotland, which has no national strategy and no ring-fenced funding provided.”

Billy Watson, Chief Executive, SAMH, says:

“Early intervention is vital – the sooner we help children to talk, the faster they will get the help they need. Alongside ensuring children have quick access to counselling, schools should bring in a “whole school approach” to mental health. In practice this means ensuring that any teacher or any other professional coming into contact with pupils in a school environment are given the confidence and the tools to help them support children's mental health and well-being. And schools should also be given guidance on where children can be referred onto to access specialised external support for mental health.

“We welcome the Scottish Government's announcement earlier in the year of a major investment in cutting waiting times and investing in mental health services for children. Significant investment should also be made in early intervention to ensure schools are places where children could ask once and get help fast on their mental health concerns.”

If you are a journalist and you are planning to attend this event, please drop us a line to let us know on 01455 206393 or media@bacp.co.uk.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 13 Oct 2015 12:39:50 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Health
<![CDATA[ Preparing yourself for a stressful situation ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/preparing-yourself-for-a-stressful-situation-cd6a1db541669cee9398aad5e69390d9/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/preparing-yourself-for-a-stressful-situation-cd6a1db541669cee9398aad5e69390d9/ Thursday 27 August, 2015

Stressed about an interview? Got a family engagement you're dreading? Nervous about an exam?

Worrying about a potentially stressful situation that's on the horizon can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety - issues that appear to be becoming more prevalent in an increasingly busy world.

Whether it's work, school or family related, we're hearing through both the media and our membership about the rise in people struggling with stress and anxiety.

The results of our recent survey of 152 BACP members revealed that 79% of respondents have witnessed an increase in seeing clients with anxiety in recent years.

There are, however, coping mechanisms that can be used to help relieve these feelings of stress and anxiety.

We asked our members who took part in our recent survey to share advice on how people could prepare themselves ahead of a stressful situation:

'Sit stand up straight, put your shoulders back, breathe deeply and remind yourself that it is completely natural to feel anxious in the circumstances. Tell yourself that whatever happens you'll handle it.'

'Take time to sit still, relax the body and listen to your breathing and feel fully engaged in the present moment. Remind yourself of the positive features you bring to the situation and of the behaviour and actions you will employ to get the best outcome.'

'Be as prepared as possible; think of the best/worst case scenario and what to do. Have perspective - will this matter so much 6 months or a year from now?'

'Make two lists: one for the things you can control about the situation and one about the things you can't. Now you can see your concerns more clearly and usually you will find that the 'can control' list is longer than the 'can't control' list.'

'Think about all the times you have coped in the past and what you did. Anxiety is very normal for us all but it can also lead to avoidance and preoccupation with physical symptoms. What is the worst thing that can happen? Act on the things you can control.'

'Stay in the present. Run through some scenarios beforehand. Keep a healthy internal monologue throughout the event and in the run up to it.'

'Make a plan for dealing with the event you are afraid of. Identify what you would do if it happens and what you can do to avoid it happening and then follow the plan.'

'Create some coping statements you can say to yourself every time you start to worry, such as: 'I have done this before and survived - this feels really uncomfortable but I'm not in any danger, I will be OK.''

'Breathing exercises, if you're already in the habit of doing them, can help people feel calmer. Guided imagery, especially imagining yourself in the situation and coping well with it, can also be helpful.'

BACP member, Madeleine Bocker, added:

'They talk of good stress and bad stress: good stress can motivate you like rocket fuel, while bad stress - which can be brought on by many things such as boredom, anxiety and being overworked - can become a real problem.

'It s important to determine what the anxiety you are feeling is about: with short term anxiety, such as the feeling you may get before an exam, an interview or even a family gathering, there are skills you can teach yourself to help you feel calmer and more relaxed, such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and mindfulness.

'Long term anxiety, however, suggests there's a more deep-rooted issue that needs dealing with.

'If you're feeling stressed or anxious a lot of the time, then it may be beneficial to seek the help of a registered BACP counsellor who can guide you in helping to better manage those feelings and find its root cause.'

Therapy can be accessed privately, or through local charities and voluntary organisations, as well as for free through your GP. BACP's public website, It's Good To Talk, features a 'Find a Therapist' directory where you can locate private counsellors in your area.

If you require further information or would like to speak with one of our many expert spokespeople, please contact the BACP Media Team on 01455 206 393 or media@bacp.co.uk.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 27 Aug 2015 11:27:39 GMT Charities & non-profits Health Men's Interest
<![CDATA[ School Counselling: Investing in Children’s Happiness ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/school-counselling-investing-in-childrens-happiness-1f88eb0dfaab0a3d044a47782b21798a/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/school-counselling-investing-in-childrens-happiness-1f88eb0dfaab0a3d044a47782b21798a/ Wednesday 19 August, 2015

BACP believes that all children and young people in UK secondary schools should have access to professional, qualified counselling services in their schools.

Our Senior Lead Advisor for Children and Young People, Karen Cromarty, appeared live on BBC One's Breakfast programme this morning. Karen talked about counselling in schools following the release of a report by The Children's Society about the happiness of children in the UK.

The Good Childhood Report 2015 looks at the wellbeing of 10 and 12-year-old children across 15 countries. The report calls for the UK Government to make it a legal requirement for schools in England to provide counselling to pupils, which would echo policies already in place in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children's Society, said:

"We're calling for the Government to make it a legal requirement for schools in England to provide counselling and to allocate children's mental health funding to promoting children's well-being, rather than just dealing with mental health problems after they occur."

We fully support The Children's Society in their recommendation, which has been a long-standing campaigning objective for BACP and call on the Government to set out a strategy to provide all children in secondary schools with professional, qualified counselling services in their school.

Karen, who recently appeared in front of the Youth Select Committee as part of their Inquiry into Mental Health at the House of Commons, said to the BBC:

"A myriad of problems affect children and young people today. About a third of children who go to school counselling talk about family problems. Following that, they talk about how to manage their anger, bereavement, stress, problems with school, problems with relationships; so a really wide range of difficulties."75% of mental health problems in adults start in childhood and 75% of those aren't diagnosed or identified. Young people who have mental health difficulties often don't have anybody to talk to. This means that their problems are not being addressed, and are carried on into adulthood."Children must find somebody they can trust to talk to about the problems they're having. Often children don't want any action, they just want to be listened to, and that's one of the success stories of counselling in schools. One of the reasons children go to counselling is that they say they like to speak to someone who is independent and outside of the problem. "Northern Ireland and Wales have counsellors in all of their secondary schools. Their Governments have national strategies and have provided ring-fenced funding for counselling in schools. The situation is not the same in England, despite the Department for Education encouraging schools to provide counselling, we don't have a national strategy and we don't have any funding provided."

We ask the Government to recognise the benefits of counselling in schools and listen to the growing pressure from the public, mental health professionals and organisations like BACP and The Children's Society. By providing the support and funding to make counselling in all UK schools a reality, the Government will have made a valuable investment in the future mental health of the nation.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 19 Aug 2015 17:06:46 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Technology in Counselling: A Professional's Perspective ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/technology-in-counselling-a-professionals-perspective-c3d6edcf53ff549a209a64247f39c490/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/technology-in-counselling-a-professionals-perspective-c3d6edcf53ff549a209a64247f39c490/ Tuesday 28 July, 2015

An increasing number of our members appear to be embracing technology (such as video chat services, telephone, SMS and email) within their work with clients. We recently surveyed 174 members and the results revealed that 46% of respondents offer counselling sessions through some form of communication technology, while 57% of those who do not currently offer such services would consider doing so in the future.

The wide spread use of technology by counsellors highlights the versatility of the profession and demonstrates that counselling is something that doesn't have to involve the client lying on a couch.

We spoke to BACP member and qualified online counsellor, Myira Khan, who has been using technology in counselling for nearly a year. She explained why she chose to introduce technology into her practice:

"I was getting a lot of enquiries from clients who were unable to access a counsellor locally to them, due to either practical reasons or their preference for a Muslim or Asian counsellor, and for a time some clients were travelling a significant distance to access my face-to-face services.

"I recognised that I was able to help break down these barriers for clients to access counselling if I was able to offer my counselling services online."

Myira, who uses a video chat service, telephone and email to communicate with clients, believes there are many benefits to such methods. She added:

"I believe there are a lot of benefits to online counselling – for the client it could simply be the removal of practical barriers of physically getting to a counsellor.

"Online counselling eliminates any travel times or costs, or if there are any issues of accessibility or disability which prevents a client being able to access face-to-face counselling."

For Myira one of its biggest factors is that it also offers clients more choice. She explained:

"It can also open up the client's choices of which counsellor to see.

"Online counselling can provide additional choice to clients who are looking for a counsellor from a particular ethnic, cultural or religious background, a particular gender or any other preference they may have, such as a counsellor who is a specialist or experienced in working with a particular concern or issue where this choice is not available to the client locally."

As is also suggested by our survey results, Myira believes that the use of technology is growing quickly within the profession:

"I do believe that online counselling is growing very quickly in popularity, not only for counsellors choosing to work with this method but also from clients who can see the benefits of having counselling online and 'meeting' with their counsellor at a time and day that suits them."

The use of technology in counselling can offer wider accessibility and choice for both client and therapist, but there are important factors – such as confidentially and data protection issues - professionals should take into consideration before embarking in online counselling that go further than simply switching on a laptop or picking up a telephone.

"As online counselling grows in popularity I believe it is crucial for counsellors to undertake specific online counselling training before working with clients online," added Myira.

"Online counselling is not just a matter of taking our face-to-face counselling training and using it online.

"There are additional skills behind working effectively and ethically online, not only taking on board the specific issues of being online [such as confidentiality, data protection and security issues] but how we work with the clients, to build trust with the client, establish the therapeutic relationship and to enable clients to work safely through their concerns and difficulties."




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 28 Jul 2015 16:50:34 GMT Charities & non-profits Health Medical & Pharmaceutical
<![CDATA[ Underfunding of the further education sector: the importance of college counselling ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/underfunding-of-the-further-education-sector-the-importance-of-college-counselling-58c314e7e7fa88f050236b82387fd855/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/underfunding-of-the-further-education-sector-the-importance-of-college-counselling-58c314e7e7fa88f050236b82387fd855/ Monday 29 June, 2015

A segment on last Wednesday's BBC Radio 4 Today programme featured a discussion with Professor Baroness Alison Wolf on the underfunding of the further education sector.

Baroness Wolf, an expert in education and skills from King's College London, has produced a report for the University's Policy Institute that condemns an "inefficient" and "unequal" funding system.

At a time when we have seen increasing demands for counselling from college students, BACP are concerned over the impact such underfunding is having on counselling services in the further education sector.

The report comes as an increasing number of BACP members are reporting a considerable reduction, or a complete removal of, counselling services in colleges due to underfunding in further education.

Baroness Wolf said to the BBC:

"There's a real incoherence at the root of the way we are funding everything post-18 and that's what I'm writing about [in the report]."On the one hand, we're pouring money into universities and basically the government said it will pay huge amounts every year for undergraduates that any university cares to enrol, and on the other hand we are starving the old technical current further education sector of the funds to which to train highly skilled technicians."

The BBC programme stated the report reveals that there has been a halving of spending on education and skills for those aged 20-60 since 2010. Baroness Wolf predicts this will accelerate as commitments to protect education spending elsewhere comes into effect.

The BBC also reported that Baroness Wolf said in her report that the undermining of further education colleges has "already starved" the economy of the vital skills it needs, while everyone should be "very concerned" that an "inefficient" and "unequal" funding system could lead to the further education system as we know it vanishing.

BACP believe there are considerable benefits to having counselling services embedded within further education institutions and that all students in both further and higher education should have access to counselling within their college or university.

The Chair of BACP's Universities and Colleges Division, Jeremy Christey, added:

"We are now seeing many colleges are reducing, or even completely cutting, their counselling services just at the time when there is already concern about the lack of accessible alternative provision for young people with mental health difficulties."All students in further education should have access to counselling and it is extremely important that access to counselling services remains available in further education colleges as they offer vital resources to those in need of support."




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 29 Jun 2015 16:53:19 GMT Charities & non-profits Education & Human Resources
<![CDATA[ Work related stress? Advice from a BACP counsellor on how to manage stress at work ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/work-related-stress-advice-from-a-bacp-counsellor-on-how-to-manage-stress-at-work-a415ab7d7bfd1a25fe727206cd02f404/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/work-related-stress-advice-from-a-bacp-counsellor-on-how-to-manage-stress-at-work-a415ab7d7bfd1a25fe727206cd02f404/ Thursday 11 June, 2015

The working week can bring with it a lot of stress and strain, and when these levels of stress in the workplace become unmanageable, it can have a dramatic negative affect on mental wellbeing. Many of our 42,000 members provide workplace counselling, some from their private practice, and others via employee assistance programmes or through in-house counselling services. This gives them a unique insight into the pressures employees face.

We spoke to BACP's Lead Advisor for Workplace Counselling, Rick Hughes, who offered the following advice on managing stress at work:

Schedule your time "When work becomes hectic, it is important to manage your workload effectively. If certain tasks are more time consuming or stressful, get them out of the way first so that they're not playing on your mind for the rest of the day. Schedule your time carefully and make sure to take regular breaks."

Don't over-commit yourself "Don't bite off more than you can chew. Over-stretching yourself by agreeing to do work you haven't got time for is an unnecessary way of adding extra strain to your day. Sometimes you've just got to say "no" and prioritise the work that really needs doing."

Take regular breaks "Make sure you take regular breaks from your desk. Staring at a computer screen all day doesn't just hurt your eyes, it can also make you feel tired and sluggish. Take a short walk around the building or get some fresh air to stretch your legs and help clear your mind."

Eat well "Skipping meals during a busy working day can become a bad habit, but it's important to maintain a healthy diet and make sure you eat and drink well to maintain your energy levels."

Don't bring work home "It is vitally important to maintain a healthy work-life balance that allows you plenty of time to switch off and relax. Sometimes it's not possible to stay away from work issues when out of the office, but try to avoid checking emails and doing any unnecessary work outside your contracted hours."

Keep things in perspective "Work is important, but it's not the be all and end all. If you are struggling with the stresses of your job, don't suffer in silence – there will be people around you who you can go to for advice and support.

Communicate with others "Open up about any work issues you may be having, whether that be with workmates, your manager or HR. Together you may be able to find ways to improve your working environment to decrease stress-inducing issues and make your work life more efficient and effective."

Talk to a professional "If you're struggling to cope, talking to a qualified counsellor who can help you work through your problems in a safe and confidential environment may be beneficial. Many organisations provide staff with access to counselling through an in-house counselling service, referral to a local approved workplace counsellor or via an employee assistance programme that can help with both work and non-work related issues. Speak with your HR department about how to access these services."

Therapy may be available for free through your workplace. Check with your human resources or occupational health department or via your intranet. Alternatively, you can get access through local charities and voluntary organisations, your GP for free, or privately. BACP's public website, It's Good To Talk, features a 'Find a Therapist' directory which will locate private counsellors in your area, as well as containing information on counselling and psychotherapy.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 11 Jun 2015 16:24:12 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Education & Human Resources Health Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Dreading Father’s Day? Advice from counsellors on how to cope ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dreading-fathers-day-advice-from-counsellors-on-how-to-cope-fbe507f4c9919799ec9d1260963d8f7b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dreading-fathers-day-advice-from-counsellors-on-how-to-cope-fbe507f4c9919799ec9d1260963d8f7b/ Wednesday 10 June, 2015

Sunday 21 June is Father's Day in the UK. While for many people Father's Day is cause for celebration, for many of us it brings more mixed and complex feelings. For those who are grieving the loss of a parent or child, or who have a difficult relationship with their father, the day can be particularly painful.

We spoke to counsellor and BACP Governor, Mhairi Thurston, to compile the following advice for anyone who needs a little support on the run up to Father's Day.

Forward plan your self-care

"If you think the day is going be difficult for you, plan ahead and arrange to do something that will help you get through it. There are a variety of different self-care strategies you can use. Some involve distraction and others involve reflection. It depends on you. For example, some people find physical exercise helpful, whether it's going to the gym, doing yoga or going out for a country walk. Others find a duvet day comforting, curled up watching a favourite film or reading a good novel. Some people find solitude helpful in giving them time to reflect on their thoughts privately, while others enjoy spending time with friends or family. Do whatever is right for you and whatever you think will help you best.

Minimise your stress levels

"Part of your self-care may involve avoiding situations that are stressful. Be kind to yourself. Realise that you may be feeling a bit more fragile than usual. Try to free up the day from deadlines or a long list of chores.

Everyone is different

"Painful situations affect people in different ways. Pay attention to how you're feeling and try not to be too critical of yourself for feeling this way. Some people find it helpful to express bottled up feelings of grief, anger, guilt or even relief. You can do this by looking at photographs of loved ones, listening to significant pieces of music, writing a letter to your loved one explain how you are feeling, which you then read aloud to yourself and keep or destroy. It is important to allow yourself to feel and do whatever you need to.

Remember this day will pass

"Although this day may be hard for you, remember it will pass. Perhaps you might consider marking the day in your own way. You can take ownership of it by performing your own ritual in place of the socially ascribed ones.

It's good to talk

"Finding someone you trust to confide in can be a productive way of tackling difficult issues. Tell a good listener how you are feeling and you may be surprised at the positive effect that this can have on your outlook. Don't be afraid to reach out for help, whether from friends, your GP, a local counselling service or a telephone help line. Online groups can also offer easy-to-access support with people in similar situations, be it a professionally run group, or a community support forum.

Seek professional help

"If Father's Day brings up feelings that you find hard to cope with, counselling offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things."

If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk has a 'find a therapist' directory which will help you find a private counsellor in your local area. It also contains a wealth of information for anyone considering counselling including information sheets, videos and links to recent research.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 10 Jun 2015 17:11:44 GMT Health
<![CDATA[ Beating exam stress in 7 steps – advice from a BACP counsellor ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/beating-exam-stress-in-7-steps-advice-from-a-bacp-counsellor-a6ee5d359f89a9ffd39dd03ec8d9ece7/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/beating-exam-stress-in-7-steps-advice-from-a-bacp-counsellor-a6ee5d359f89a9ffd39dd03ec8d9ece7/ Tuesday 26 May, 2015

Many of our 42,000 members work in schools, colleges and universities, and tell us of the stress and anxiety their young clients feel at exam time. We spoke to BACP member Dawn Hastings who shared the following advice to students on how to best cope with the stresses of exams:

Keep things in perspective "Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself by expecting perfection – no one is perfect. All you can do is try your best, and however important exams may appear to be now, they certainly aren't the end of the world. In the grand scheme of things exams are only a small part of life, and so even if you don't get the results you want or need, there will be other options open to you." Be confident "Believe in yourself! If you've worked hard and done the work, then you'll be ready for whatever is thrown at you come exam time. Try to stay relaxed and have the belief that your efforts will be rewarded. You could also try using a couple of positive statements like "I am calm and confident" or "I am well prepared for this" to help inspire you in your exams." Use a revision timetable "Creating a revision timetable is a great way to organise your workload. When you feel that you are losing concentration take a short break; you will then come back to your revision refreshed. Cramming all your revision into the last couple of days will only lead to added anxiety, so make sure to manage your time spent revising effectively and allow for plenty of rest time so that you can relax and rewind. " Take time out "It is vital that you make time to relax and do the things you enjoy. Having your head in the books all day isn't going to do you any good; arrange a meet-up with friends, take a trip to the countryside, or head to your local cinema – just make sure you take your mind off of revision for a bit!" Sleep well and eat right "It is very important that you get a good night's rest and keep a regular sleeping pattern. Don't get bogged down with late night revision sessions fuelled by numerous cups of caffeine – it's not good for you! If you find it difficult to get to sleep then you could try a relaxation exercise before going to bed; you can find lots of free downloadable podcasts on the internet. In addition to this, maintaining a healthy diet – including fruit, veg and drinking plenty of water – as well as getting enough sleep, will help keep you feeling fresh and energised going into a day of exams or revision." Exercise "Exercise is an easy way to de-stress and has proven to increase energy levels and help with sleep, so make time to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Whether it's a trip to the gym, a quick stroll around the park or a game of football with your friends, it's an effective way to relax and take your mind off of exams." Talk to someone "If you're finding it difficult to cope or things become too much, talk to someone you trust about the difficulties you're facing. Most schools, colleges and universities have access to counselling services where qualified therapists are available to talk through your issues in a safe, confidential environment."

Therapy can also be accessed privately, or often through local charities and voluntary organisations, as well as for free through your GP. BACP's public website, It's Good To Talk, features a 'Find a Therapist' directory which will locate private counsellors in your area, as well as containing information on counselling and psychotherapy. Notes to editors For any enquiries related to this press release, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.


Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 26 May 2015 19:06:38 GMT Charities & non-profits Education & Human Resources Entertainment & Arts Health Media & Marketing
<![CDATA[ Mental Wellbeing: The Positive Effects of Exercise ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/mental-wellbeing-the-positive-effects-of-exercise-ce88a3bfe8f1a1316a18fb52efda3430/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/mental-wellbeing-the-positive-effects-of-exercise-ce88a3bfe8f1a1316a18fb52efda3430/ Thursday 14 May, 2015

Good afternoon all, With this being Living Streets' Walk to Work Week, we spoke to William Pullen, BACP member and developer of Dynamic Running Therapy (DLT), who gave us a rundown on why exercise can be good for our mental wellbeing:

Along with its known physical benefits, exercise has proven to be a very effective way to boost mental wellbeing, helping to improve mood and self-esteem, as well as being a great way to de-stress. Physical activity can also be a beneficial way to have some fun and meet new people, as well as being a fulfilling activity that can bring with it a real sense of achievement. Whether you join a local football team or sign up for a charity run, setting yourself realistic fitness goals can give you something to aim for and a real sense of accomplishment on completion.

We spoke to BACP member and psychotherapist William Pullen, the developer of Dynamic Running Therapy (DLT), who gave us a rundown on some of the benefits of exercise:

Stress-buster "Regular exercise is a great way to de-stress, and has shown to boost energy levels and improve sleep. Life can be very busy and stressful and it can often be very difficult to make time for exercise, but as little as 20-30 minutes a day – whether it be a run, walk or a trip to the gym – can make such a difference, and will help to keep the blood pumping and the endorphins flowing so you feel more relaxed." Fun "Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Not everyone likes going to the gym or for a run, so pick an activity that you actually enjoy doing. The more you like the activity, the less likely you'll find a reason not to do it. Whether it be playing for a football team, joining a swimming club or going out hiking in the countryside, do something you find enjoyable which will motivate you to do it on a regular basis." Socialise "Joining a sports team or club can also be a great place to meet new people, or spend time with your current friends. Spending time getting fit with like-minded people who enjoy similar interests to you is a great way to socialise and build confidence." Goal Setting "Setting fitness goals will give you something to aim for when exercising, helping to keep you focused and motivated. Make sure not to over-stretch yourself by making sure your chosen goals are manageable and realistic – start slowly and build them up at a gradual pace. Accomplishment "Reaching your set fitness goals or doing well at a sport or activity can give you a real sense of achievement. Whether it be reaching a particular weight or winning a competition, such outcomes will bring with it a feeling of accomplishment, helping to boost your self-esteem and self-worth."

Exercise can be an effective way to help boost a person's mental wellbeing, but if you are dealing with long-standing issues that won't go away, the help of a qualified therapist to discuss your problems with may be beneficial. Counselling offers a safe, confidential environment to talk with someone who is trained to listen and help you work through any problems you may be having. You can access therapy through your GP for free, or you can access it privately. If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/ contains a wealth of information for anyone considering therapy, including information sheets, videos and links to recent research. Its 'find a therapist' directory can also help you to find a private therapist in your local area. Notes to editors BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings. We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 14 May 2015 09:07:54 GMT Charities & non-profits Health Men's Interest Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ Dreading Mother’s Day? Advice from counsellors on how to cope ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dreading-mothers-day-advice-from-counsellors-on-how-to-cope-0d9d5f68ea099a7e0b2cdbb396957fa3/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dreading-mothers-day-advice-from-counsellors-on-how-to-cope-0d9d5f68ea099a7e0b2cdbb396957fa3/ Wednesday 11 March, 2015

For many people, Mother's Day is a day of happiness and celebration, while for many others it brings more mixed and complex feelings. For those who are grieving the loss of a parent or child, are struggling with infertility, or who have a difficult relationship with their mother, the day can be particularly painful.

I spoke to BACP Governor and counsellor, Mhairi Thurston, to compile the following advice for anyone who needs a little support on the run up to Mother's Day.

Forward plan your self-care

"If you think the day is going be difficult for you, plan ahead and arrange to do something that will help you get through it. There are a variety of different self-care strategies you can use. Some involve distraction and others involve reflection. It depends on you. For example, some people find physical exercise helpful, whether it's going to the gym, doing yoga or going out for a country walk. Others find a duvet day comforting, curled up watching a favourite film or reading a good novel. Some people find solitude helpful in giving them time to reflect on their thoughts privately, while others enjoy spending time with friends or family. Do whatever is right for you and whatever you think will help you best.

Minimise your stress levels

"Part of your self-care may involve avoiding situations that are stressful. Be kind to yourself. Realise that you may be feeling a bit more fragile than usual. Try to free up the day from deadlines or a long list of chores.

Everyone is different

"Painful situations affect people in different ways. Pay attention to how you're feeling and try not to be too critical of yourself for feeling this way. Some people find it helpful to express bottled up feelings of grief, anger, guilt or even relief. You can do this by looking at photographs of loved ones, listening to significant pieces of music, writing a letter to your loved one explain how you are feeling, which you then read aloud to yourself and keep or destroy. It is important to allow yourself to feel and do whatever you need to.

Remember this day will pass

"Although this day may be hard for you, remember it will pass. Perhaps you might consider marking the day in your own way. You can take ownership of it by performing your own ritual in place of the socially ascribed ones.

It's good to talk

"Finding someone you trust to confide in can be a productive way of tackling difficult issues. Tell a good listener how you are feeling and you may be surprised at the positive effect that this can have on your outlook on life. Don't be afraid to reach out for help, whether from friends, your GP, a local counselling service or a telephone help line. Online groups can also offer easy-to-access support with people in similar situations, be it professionally run, or community support forums.

Seek professional help

"If Mother's Day brings up feelings that you find hard to cope with, counselling offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things."

If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk has a 'find a therapist' directory which will help you find a private counsellor in your local area. It also contains a wealth of information for anyone considering counselling including information sheets, videos and links to recent research.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 11 Mar 2015 07:38:40 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Counselling for Children and Young People with Eating Disorders ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/counselling-for-children-and-young-people-with-eating-disorders-ae6127dc02ced92b1816f2e0f823350b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/counselling-for-children-and-young-people-with-eating-disorders-ae6127dc02ced92b1816f2e0f823350b/ Wednesday 25 February, 2015

"The apparent increase in eating disorders among children and young people is deeply concerning," says Karen Cromarty, BACP's Lead Advisor for Children and Young People, speaking during Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Karen continues, "Increasing social and academic demands can result in unrealistic expectations being placed on children and young people that can have a dramatic effect on their mental wellbeing. Counselling has been shown to be an effective early intervention for children and young people and it is important that this support is readily accessible to those in need of it."

What impact can an eating disorder have on a child or young person and their family? What feelings lie behind these damaging behaviours and how can counselling help?

To answer these questions we consulted Heather Beattie, a BACP member who specialises in treating young people with eating disorders.

Heather says, "Having worked as a specialist eating disorders psychotherapist for 25 years, I have provided therapy for children and young people with early onset anorexia and bulimia. Children, adolescents and young people are extremely vulnerable to eating disorders and I regularly witness the great trauma and distress this can trigger not only for the child or the young person, but also for their family.

"Often a child with an eating disorder wants to be significantly thinner. But this desire to 'disappear' often hides feelings of utter worthlessness, anxiety, severe depression and even suicidal thoughts. However, all this gets mixed up and focused in their battle with food.

"It is in these times of great distress where counselling with the eating disordered child can be very helpful. It is necessary to work with the deep anxiety and pain as well as trying to improve their behaviours. There is so much more at the core of an eating disorder than only food and weight behaviours. Unless there is the opportunity to work with the underlying issues then recovery is likely to be incomplete.

"Work with the family is also essential. An eating disorder has the potential to impact the whole family unit and to trigger an emotional struggle with the nutritional aspects of eating and weight gain. The parents need to be empowered to help their child manage their eating disorder with renewed understanding and insight. Parents are a key part to the recovery process and need a lot of support.

"Skilled and experienced eating disorders counselling, whether individual or family psychotherapy, is profoundly significant to the process of recovery and will enable a child to make the depth of recovery that is vitally important."

BACP's public website itsgoodtotalk.org.uk contains a wealth of information for anyone considering therapy including information sheets, videos, links to recent research, and a 'find a therapist' directory which helps you to find a private therapist in your local area.

Find out more about Eating Disorders Awareness Week, including links to resources and advice, on the Beat website.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 25 Feb 2015 15:52:47 GMT Children & Teenagers Health
<![CDATA[ Maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/maintaining-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-partner-c1be2c06cfb08c8c1a3aa1a47214483f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/maintaining-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-partner-c1be2c06cfb08c8c1a3aa1a47214483f/ Monday 9 February, 2015

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, relationships are a hot topic of conversation at the moment. You may be in the midst of a blossoming romance or have been with your partner for decades, but this time of year offers all of us the perfect opportunity to take stock of our romantic relationships and look at what makes them click.

So what is the secret to making love last? Every couple is different, but there are some simple, practical steps that we can all take on board that will go a long way in helping maintain a healthy, loving relationship.

We spoke to Dr Sherylin Thompson, a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, on the matter. She offered the following advice:

"Appreciate your partner. Show appreciation for what your partner does for you, especially when it comes to the little things. Whether they have washed the dishes, hoovered up, or simply packed your lunch for work, small gestures of gratitude every once in a while – like flowers, chocolates, or even a hug - are a quick and easy way to show how much you care for them and what they do."Make time for one another. When you've been together for a long time, it can become very easy to take one another for granted. It is vitally important to make time for each other on a regular basis outside of your normal, everyday schedules. Organise a date night each week where the two of you can go out for a meal, catch a film, or go for an evening stroll to help keep the romance alive and well. "Be spontaneous. Whether it's Valentine's Day or not, surprise your other half by doing something unexpected. It doesn't always have to be expensive meals or trips abroad, but try and keep things fresh and exciting in your relationship by breaking up your daily routines by doing something new. "Communication is key. One of the most important aspects of any relationship is communication. Having open and honest dialogue with your partner is key to maintaining a healthy, loving bond between the pair of you. However, there can come a time when those communication channels break down and the help of a qualified therapist may be needed to help you both work through your issues in a productive and positive manner."

Therapy offers a safe, confidential environment to talk with someone who is trained to listen and help you work through any problems you may be having. You can access therapy through your GP for free, or you can access it privately.

If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/ contains a wealth of information for anyone considering therapy, including information sheets, videos and links to recent research. Its 'find a therapist' directory can also help you to find a private therapist in your local area.

Notes to editors

Dr Sherylin Thompson is available for follow-up comment. For any enquiries related to this press release, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 09 Feb 2015 17:47:02 GMT Health Men's Interest Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ BACP's reaction to yesterday's National Suicide Prevention Alliance conference ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/bacps-reaction-to-yesterdays-national-suicide-prevention-alliance-conference-65bae83e63199c792b636ac824f8b012/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/bacps-reaction-to-yesterdays-national-suicide-prevention-alliance-conference-65bae83e63199c792b636ac824f8b012/ Wednesday 4 February, 2015

The National Suicide Prevention Alliance, a cross-sector coalition of organisations in England of which BACP is a steering group member, held their 2015 suicide prevention conference in London yesterday.

The NSPA is committed to reducing the number of suicides nationwide and improving the support those affected by suicide receive by aiding the implementation of the national suicide prevention strategy.

The conference, which featured a speech from the Minister of State for Care Services & Support, Norman Lamb, hosted a series of workshops and talks with an aim of supporting local and national authorities in establishing a plan of action on suicide prevention in conjunction with the national strategy.

BACP Chair, Dr Andrew Reeves, who attended and spoke at the conference, said:

"Traditionally our culture does not talk easily about death and dying, and there seems to be additionally even greater shame surrounding suicide. However, these attitudes are beginning to change as mental health is better understood and talked about."The imperative now has to be for mental health professionals to be willing to ask about and explore suicide, although there is still insufficient training for people to know how best to do this. We know that counselling can be helpful to people who are suicidal so there is a great imperative on counsellors to be able to ask questions about suicidal thoughts and be willing to explore them open, honestly and respectfully."

Notes to editors

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 04 Feb 2015 16:33:16 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ It’s Time to Talk about counselling and psychotherapy ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/its-time-to-talk-about-counselling-and-psychotherapy-2db14fa1d56296febc78b4099935fc2b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/its-time-to-talk-about-counselling-and-psychotherapy-2db14fa1d56296febc78b4099935fc2b/ Tuesday 3 February, 2015

Thursday 5 February 2015 is Time to Talk Day, when people across the UK are encouraged to take five minutes out of their day to have a conversation about mental health.

With a 2014 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) survey suggesting that 28% of people in the UK have consulted a counsellor or psychotherapist, many conversations are likely to touch on the benefits of counselling.

Responding to last year's survey results, Andrew Reeves, Chair of BACP, said:

"The significant increase in the number of people consulting a counsellor or psychotherapist is evidence that people are seeing more and more value in these extremely effective interventions.

"Seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist is increasingly considered an ordinary, everyday activity which many people choose to do in order to improve their mental wellbeing."

It's good to talk

There are periods in many people's lives when they feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. These feelings are extremely common and nothing to be scared or ashamed of, but that doesn't mean you have to put up with them.

It's good to talk. Open up to friends, colleagues, your family or your partner. Tell someone how you are feeling and you may be surprised at the positive effect that this can have on your outlook.

Talking about mental health doesn't need to be difficult and can make a big difference. Below are some frequently asked questions about counselling and psychotherapy. Why not use these as a starting point for your own conversation about mental health?

What are counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling and psychotherapy offer you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things.

You should expect one or a series of confidential appointments of up to an hour in length in a suitable professional setting. The process should provide you with the opportunity to make sense of your individual circumstances, have contact with a counsellor who will help identify the choices for change, feel supported during the process of change and help you to reach a point where you are better equipped to cope with the future.

What should I look for in a counsellor or psychotherapist?

Look for a counsellor who is a registered member of a professional association, such as BACP.

BACP's Register has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (a government body) which means that it meets their high standards in respect of governance, standard-setting, education and training, management, complaints and information. BACP members are bound by a highly regarded Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to their Professional Conduct Procedure.

How do I know what type of counselling or psychotherapy will be best for me?

Although there are many different types of therapy available, research suggests that the relationship with your counsellor is more important than the method they use. Your chosen counsellor will be able to talk to you about their particular method or approach.

Some types of therapy may be particularly suited to certain situations, for example, group therapy can be particularly useful in helping families work through their problems together with a counsellor who is specially trained in this area.

How do I find a counsellor or psychotherapist?

Your GP can refer you for talking treatment that is free on the NHS. This will usually be a short course of counselling from the GP surgery's counselling service. If this isn't available at the surgery, your GP can refer you to a local counsellor or psychotherapist for NHS treatment.

If you are in education you may be able to access counselling through your school, college or university. If you are in employment many workplaces offer a counselling service either in-house or as part of an employee assistance scheme. Additionally, there may be counselling available in your area through a local community scheme or volunteer project.

If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk has a 'find a therapist' directory which will help you find a private counsellor in your local area. It also contains a wealth of information for anyone considering counselling including information sheets, videos and links to recent research.

It's good to talk – invest five minutes of your time in a conversation about mental health on Time to Talk Day.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 03 Feb 2015 14:41:13 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Politicians give praise and support to BACP parity report ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/politicians-give-praise-and-support-to-bacp-parity-report-e9f9c9b28d635ef25f4852dcc45e637c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/politicians-give-praise-and-support-to-bacp-parity-report-e9f9c9b28d635ef25f4852dcc45e637c/ Thursday 4 December, 2014

At its launch event at the Houses of Parliament yesterday, politicians praised BACP's new report, Psychological therapies and parity of esteem: from commitment to reality.

Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP, Minister of State for Care and Support, said:

"I am absolutely committed to achieving equality between mental and physical health services. This report rightly highlights the urgent need for us to achieve this in order to improve people's lives across the UK. I hope that those involved with delivering or commissioning mental health services consider the innovative recommendations it puts forward to help make this vision a reality within our NHS."

Rt Hon Paul Burstow MP said:

"When I wrote parity of esteem into the Government's mental health strategy I was clear there could be no health without good mental health. We have come a long way, this report builds on the strategy and the recommendation of the mental health commission I chaired for CentreForum earlier this year. I strongly welcome its practical approach to accelerating progress towards real parity of outcomes, rights and funding."

Other speakers at the event included:

Luciana Berger MP, Shadow Minister for Public Health James Morris MP, Chair of the APPG on Mental Health Andy Bell, Deputy Chief Executive at the Centre for Mental Health Dr Mike Shooter CBE, President of BACP

The innovative report, which has drawn on the knowledge of experts in the field, BACP members and psychological therapy service users, sets out a series of practical recommendations to make parity of esteem in the NHS a reality in relation to psychological therapies.

Dr Mike Shooter CBE, President of BACP, said:

"The current disparity of treatment and services for people seeking psychological therapy compared to people receiving physical health treatment from the NHS must be urgently addressed."

"This pioneering report successfully articulates how parity of esteem can be achieved in relation to psychological therapies across key areas, including choice, waiting times and funding. We have made practical recommendations on the commissioning and delivery of psychological therapy services, and we look forward to working to make these solutions a reality."

Andy Bell, Deputy Chief Executive at the Centre for Mental Health, said:

"Too many people with mental health problems are unable to get access to the support they need to recover and enjoy a fairer chance in life. The costs of this disparity are high and the consequences for the people affected can be devastating.

"Improving access to psychological therapies for people of all ages across the NHS is a vital step to create a fairer and more efficient health and care system. We need to ensure that we have an equal entitlement to timely, high quality evidence-based mental health support as we have to treatments for physical conditions."

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.


Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 04 Dec 2014 10:39:26 GMT Health
<![CDATA[ Psychological therapies and parity of esteem: from commitment to reality ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/psychological-therapies-and-parity-of-esteem-from-commitment-to-reality-dd38988a17d1985c1b90322c6f6739a5/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/psychological-therapies-and-parity-of-esteem-from-commitment-to-reality-dd38988a17d1985c1b90322c6f6739a5/ Tuesday 2 December, 2014

Embargo: Wednesday 3 December 2014 (below press release and attached report)
Achieving parity of esteem between mental and physical healthcare has been recognised by politicians, health and social care professionals and the public as an urgent requirement in improving the wellbeing of people living in the UK. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, said earlier this year: "In terms of whether mental health should have parity of esteem with other forms of health care, yes it should, and we have legislated to make that the case."

However, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) recently consulted service users about their experiences, and the responses demonstrate that there that there is still some way to go to achieve parity of esteem, with considerable progress yet to be made in areas such as access, waiting times and choice. Service users told us: "I have to travel for 45 minutes [to access the psychology service], and as a single parent who works almost full time, this is only possible because I have a car. I wish there was a service available in my local town."

"My most recent experience involved having to wait over two years for sessions with a psychologist... Whilst waiting for psychology appointments I did endure another crisis. Talking treatments are low on the priority list – take the pills and you'll be fine."

A new report, Psychological therapies and parity of esteem: from commitment to reality, by BACP, sets out a series of practical recommendations to make parity of esteem in the NHS a reality in relation to psychological therapies. Dr Mike Shooter CBE, President of BACP, says: "The current disparity of treatment and services for people seeking psychological therapy compared to people receiving physical health treatment from the NHS must be urgently addressed." This innovative report, which has drawn on the knowledge of experts in the field, BACP members and psychological therapy service users, will be launched today (Wednesday) at 4pm at an event at the Houses of Parliament. Attending the event will be senior figures from the major political parties and leading health and wellbeing experts, including service users.Speakers will include: Rt Hon Paul Burstow MPRt Hon Norman Lamb MP, Minister of State for Care and SupportLuciana Berger MP, Shadow Minister for Public HealthJames Morris MP, Chair of the APPG on Mental HealthAndy Bell, Deputy Chief Executive at the Centre for Mental HealthDr Mike Shooter CBE, President of BACP Andy Bell, Deputy Chief Executive at the Centre for Mental Health, says: "Too many people with mental health problems are unable to get access to the support they need to recover and enjoy a fairer chance in life. The costs of this disparity are high and the consequences for the people affected can be devastating.

"Improving access to psychological therapies for people of all ages across the NHS is a vital step to create a fairer and more efficient health and care system. We need to ensure that we have an equal entitlement to timely, high quality evidence-based mental health support as we have to treatments for physical conditions." Dr Mike Shooter CBE, President of BACP, adds: "This pioneering report successfully articulates how parity of esteem can be achieved in relation to psychological therapies across key areas, including choice, waiting times and funding. We have made practical recommendations on the commissioning and delivery of psychological therapy services, and we look forward to working to make these solutions a reality." Notes to editorsThe full report, Psychological therapies and parity of esteem: from commitment to reality, is attached. BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public.

We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings. We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 02 Dec 2014 14:01:21 GMT Health
<![CDATA[ Start the New Year off on the right foot ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/start-the-new-year-off-on-the-right-foot-e3745df13b1501fd88185530ba16efaa/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/start-the-new-year-off-on-the-right-foot-e3745df13b1501fd88185530ba16efaa/ Tuesday 25 November, 2014

With Christmas finished and the New Year's celebrations over, January is the ideal time to take stock and decide what is most important to us in our day-to-day lives. The start of a new year gives us the opportunity to tackle those difficulties we have swept under the carpet over the course of the previous 12 months and look forward to a positive year ahead from a fresh perspective.

Dr Sherylin Thompson, a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, has some practical advice on how to start 2015 in a positive manner:

"Set some New Year's objectives. The start of a new year is the ideal opportunity to develop and stretch your skills. Setting and achieving some New Year's goals will give you a huge confidence boost, which in turn could give you that extra bit of energy needed to tackle those things you have been putting off – perhaps learning a new skill you feel less confident in, or doing something you have not done for a long time.

"Get fit and eat healthily. It might be that you want to shed those few pounds put on over Christmas, or that you just fancy getting a bit fitter, but the start of a new year offers up the ideal opportunity to start a new exercise regime. Maintaining the recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day will keep you feeling relaxed and your spirits high, so do not be put off by the unpredictable January weather – there are plenty of ways to exercise indoors, such as going to the gym or doing yoga. A well- balanced diet has also been shown to have a positive effect on mental wellbeing, and may leave you feeling healthier and more energetic.

"Relax and enjoy yourself. Make the effort to socialise with friends and family doing the things you enjoy, whether it be a daytrip out to a theme park, a walk in the countryside, or a visit to the local cinema. Relaxing and having some fun with like- minded people is a proven mood booster and a great way to de-stress.

"Help others. If you are looking at doing something positive this New Year, why not do some voluntary work? Lending a helping hand can be an extremely rewarding experience and can act as a great self-esteem booster while also providing the chance to meet different people and learn new skills.

"Talk to others. If the Christmas period brought family or relationship issues to a head, or you just find yourself stuck in a rut entering the New Year, finding someone you trust to confide in can be a productive way to solve such issues. Tell a good listener how you are feeling and you may be surprised at the positive effect that this can have on your outlook on life.

"Seek professional help. Sometimes it is difficult to talk about personal problems with the people we are closest to. A BACP Registered therapist can help you work through your problems to find practical, manageable solutions."

Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things. Your GP can refer you for talking treatment that is free on the NHS. This will usually be a short course of counselling from the GP surgery's counselling service. If you are in education you may be able to access counselling through your school, college or university. If you are in employment many workplaces offer a counselling service either in-house or as part of an employee assistance scheme. Additionally, there may be counselling available in your area through a local community scheme or volunteer project.

If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk contains a wealth of information for anyone considering therapy including information sheets, videos, links to recent research, and a 'find a therapist' directory which helps you to find a private therapist in your local area.

Notes to editors

Dr Sherylin Thompson is available for follow-up comment. For any enquiries related to this press release, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

You can view this press release on BACP's website.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 25 Nov 2014 16:24:51 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Coping with Christmas ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/coping-with-christmas-1070786d4606b408e42401ce9a56d20b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/coping-with-christmas-1070786d4606b408e42401ce9a56d20b/ Thursday 6 November, 2014

For many of us Christmas is a joyous time of year where we reconnect with friends and family members and enjoy time off from school or work. It can, however, also prove to be a very stressful time. Adding to the usual pressures of day-to-day life and work, the expectations of Christmas can take its toll. Increased stress levels can lead to anxiety, anger issues, sleep problems and can cause relationship difficulties.

Thankfully, there are some simple, practical steps that we can put in place to deal with such issues during the festive period.

Dr Sherylin Thompson, a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, gives the following advice:

"Make sure to socialise. Put effort into seeing those you care about the most while limiting time at events that drain you. Whether it be a hike in the countryside or a day trip out somewhere, participating in fun activities with people you enjoy spending time with will help boost your mood and is also a great way to de-stress.

"Exercise is vitally important. It is easy to forget to exercise during the Christmas period, and with the weather so temperamental, it can give you a valid excuse to miss out on your recommended 30 minutes a day. However, staying fit is an excellent way to reduce stress levels, and even if you're unable to exercise outside, there are still plenty of ways you can keep active indoors, such as by joining a gym or doing yoga.

"Get creative. Christmas is the perfect time of year to let your creative side shine through, so spend time on the little things that come with the time of year like decorating the tree, writing Christmas cards and baking lots of delicious treats. Spending time doing something enjoyable will help keep your mind active, your mood high and those stress levels down.

"Be prepared. If you are someone that finds most Christmases get you stressed out, it may be important to take some preventative action before the holidays begin. Counselling and psychotherapy are successful methods in dealing with stress-related issues. Find a BACP Registered therapist who has an interest in stress reduction and management to make sure that you have some skills to draw on when the pressure mounts."

Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things. You can access therapy through your GP for free. You may also be able to access therapy through your workplace or, if you are in education, through your school, college or university.

If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk contains a wealth of information for anyone considering therapy including information sheets, videos, links to recent research, and a 'find a therapist' directory which helps you find a private therapist in your local area.

Notes to editors

Dr Sherylin Thompson is available for follow-up comment. For any enquiries related to this press release, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

You can view this press release on BACP's website: http://tinyurl.com/phkwe3b




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 06 Nov 2014 09:52:56 GMT Charities & non-profits Christmas
<![CDATA[ Dealing with the winter blues ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dealing-with-the-winter-blues-dca41cc3c510b777b0b795a716e70111/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dealing-with-the-winter-blues-dca41cc3c510b777b0b795a716e70111/ Tuesday 28 October, 2014

The shorter days and longer nights of winter leave many of us feeling grumpy, lethargic and out of sorts. As the clocks go back and the weather becomes increasingly grey and chilly it can have a negative effect on our mood, leaving many of us wishing we could hunker down inside and hibernate until spring.

There is a scientific explanation behind these feelings, with the lack of daylight in particular thought to be a major factor behind the low moods which are felt by so many of us in the winter months. Thankfully, there are some simple, practical steps we can all take to keep our wellbeing on track during this time.

Dr Sherylin Thompson, a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, gives the following advice:

"Exercise regularly. It is easy to use the temperamental weather and limited daylight as an excuse to miss out on our recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day. However, staying fit is an excellent way to reduce stress levels and improve your mood. If bad weather precludes outdoor activity, there are still plenty of ways you can keep active indoors, such as by joining a local gym or following a yoga DVD at home. "Maintain a healthy diet. Many of us turn to stodgy 'comfort' foods as the weather gets colder. While there's nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally (in fact it's to be encouraged!) try in general to keep to a diet rich in fruit and veg and low in fat and sugar. Eating healthily and taking care of your diet will give you more energy as well as making you less susceptible to the colds and viruses which are so prevalent at this time of year. "Stay active socially. Making an effort to keep in touch with your friends and keep up with social activities you enjoy will do wonders for your wellbeing. Resist the temptation to tuck yourself away at home and get out and about instead. This is a great time of year to try something new – look at the short courses available in your area and take the opportunity to learn a new skill – you may well make new friends at the same time. "Talk about it. If you're feeling down and the rubbish weather and dark nights are getting to you, don't keep it all to yourself. Open up to friends, colleagues, your family or your partner. Tell someone how you are feeling and you may be surprised at the positive effect that this can have on your outlook. "Seek professional help. For some of us, the onset of winter can have a dramatic negative effect on our wellbeing, perhaps even leading to a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Therapy has been shown to improve the symptoms of people with depression - it can help you become more emotionally resilient and therefore better able to cope with things."

Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things. You can access therapy through your GP for free. You may also be able to access therapy through your workplace or, if you are in education, through your school, college or university.

If you decide to access counselling privately, BACP's public website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk contains a wealth of information for anyone considering therapy including information sheets, videos, links to recent research, and a 'find a therapist' directory which helps you to find a private therapist in your local area.

Notes to editors

Dr Sherylin Thompson is available for follow-up comment. For any enquiries related to this press release, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 28 Oct 2014 13:26:47 GMT Charities & non-profits Media & Marketing
<![CDATA[ Nick Clegg announces the introduction of mental health waiting times ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nick-clegg-announces-the-introduction-of-mental-health-waiting-times-32fefdd7bc8ef553e8031ecd3eeae9ee/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nick-clegg-announces-the-introduction-of-mental-health-waiting-times-32fefdd7bc8ef553e8031ecd3eeae9ee/ Wednesday 8 October, 2014

BACP welcome this morning's announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in regards to the introduction of mental health waiting time targets.

The news is seen as a positive step forwards in improving mental health care in the UK, but we believe that more will be needed to be done to make parity of esteem a reality for people accessing psychological therapies. These proposals will be outlined in a forthcoming BACP report, Psychological Therapies and Parity of Esteem: from Commitment to Reality, due to be launched on 03 December.

Chair of the Association, Amanda Hawkins, said:

"A guaranteed maximum waiting time for psychological therapy is particularly important, with half of patients currently waiting at least three months for treatment, and 12% waiting over a year. But over and above the need for shorter waiting times, improvements in provision, research and funding for psychological therapies will also need to be addressed to fully achieve parity of esteem between physical and mental health and ensure that these new targets can be met. Services must be appropriately funded and supported in order to avoid potential harm to patients if the existing level of provision is simply rationed in order to meet targets."




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 08 Oct 2014 18:09:21 GMT Charities & non-profits Medical & Pharmaceutical
<![CDATA[ Serious mental health problems and the role of counselling ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/serious-mental-health-problems-and-the-role-of-counselling-6ecdc164ba6990cedf4a679d71b3f9c6/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/serious-mental-health-problems-and-the-role-of-counselling-6ecdc164ba6990cedf4a679d71b3f9c6/ Friday 3 October, 2014

Bipolar Awareness Day takes place next week, as does World Mental Health Day, which this year focuses on schizophrenia. As such there is a renewed media interest in serious mental health problems and their treatment.

Nancy Rowland, Director of Research, Policy and Professional Practice at BACP, says:

"Awareness days such as Bipolar Awareness Day and World Mental Health Day are extremely valuable in highlighting important issues and we offer our support to the organisers of these initiatives and their efforts to draw attention to these serious mental health problems and the treatments available to those who live with them."

The role of talking therapies in the treatment of serious mental health problems is well known, with NICE guidelines on schizophrenia recommending that cognitive behavioural therapy should be offered to all people with schizophrenia and family interventions to all families who live with or care for someone with schizophrenia.

Nancy Rowland adds:

"Talking therapies can be hugely beneficial for people with serious mental health problems, and for their families and carers. On this important week for mental health awareness we offer our support to the work of Bipolar UK and the World Federation for Mental Health and join in their commitment to reducing the stigma of mental illness, increasing awareness of treatment options and encouraging parity of esteem between mental and physical health care."

Notes to editors

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 44,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

Find out more about Bipolar Awareness Day on the Bipolar UK website.

Find out more about World Mental Health Day on the World Federation for Mental Health website.

We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 03 Oct 2014 11:08:22 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Our ongoing commitment to increasing access to counselling for Scottish people ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/our-ongoing-commitment-to-increasing-access-to-counselling-for-scottish-people-088ce88cb6d526db7a204e2f74d2c7ad/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/our-ongoing-commitment-to-increasing-access-to-counselling-for-scottish-people-088ce88cb6d526db7a204e2f74d2c7ad/ Thursday 4 September, 2014

A recent BACP membership survey suggests that there are enough BACP counsellors in Scotland to help an additional 100,000 people per year with six sessions of talking therapy. This figure is based on the capacity among our members to see more clients if they were fully employed or funded.

Therapy has been shown to be an effective intervention for a range of psychological problems, as well as alleviating entrenched social, family and relationship issues in individuals and on a community level. More decisive action is urgently needed from those governing Scotland to prioritise funding for counselling and psychotherapy and to work with health boards and local authorities to make sure that these vital services are effectively delivered.

Louise Robinson, BACP’s Healthcare Development Manager, says:

“With an increasing demand for counselling among Scottish people, and trained and qualified workers ready to provide this vital service, effective and timely access is both needed and achievable.

“Unfortunately, improving access to counselling is not currently a priority for the NHS. For example, in two major Scottish health boards the number of NHS counsellors has reduced by more than half over a ten-year period. We need to see that trend reversed.”

It is also the case that Local Authorities have not collectively prioritised counselling in schools, leaving Scotland behind Wales and Northern Ireland which now has counselling freely available for children of secondary school age – either in their schools or in their communities.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting improvements in the provision of publically-funded counselling that meets BACP standards for safe and ethical practice, we ask those wishing to govern Scotland after 18 September to commit now to increasing access to psychological therapies by taking forward policies that enable better use of BACP’s membership.

BACP’s Lead Advisor for Scotland, Shane Buckeridge, adds:

“We are looking forward to working with the post-vote government, in whatever form it takes, to deliver more publicly funded therapy for those most at need in Scotland. In particular, although the Scottish Government is to be commended for committing to a maximum waiting time for accessing psychological therapies, we have concerns that health boards are delivering on this target in a way that sidelines the role of counselling and psychotherapy.

“With our ongoing support and specialist guidance, we hope to be a major force in putting wellbeing high on the national agenda and helping those in power to develop a flourishing Scottish nation.”

Notes to editors

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members with 1,800 in Scotland, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 04 Sep 2014 13:04:42 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ The vital role of third sector counselling services ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-vital-role-of-third-sector-counselling-services-a51d53b0cdd7f96837c74ec8095fcccc/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-vital-role-of-third-sector-counselling-services-a51d53b0cdd7f96837c74ec8095fcccc/ Friday 18 July, 2014

A report on commissioning third sector counselling was published today by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Centre for Psychological Therapies in Primary Care (CPTPC). As well as highlighting the valuable contributions made by Third Sector Organisations (TSOs), this report celebrates examples of good practice and offers practical advice to both TSOs and commissioners.

About seven million people experience diagnosable depression and/or anxiety each year in the UK. Currently, taking into account the full range of NHS services, three-quarters of these people – about five million - receive no treatment.

Louise Robinson, BACP’s Healthcare Development Manager and co-author of the report, says:

“TSOs are already key partners in the delivery of the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. They also provide valuable additional services through contracts with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and local authorities. However, the figures show that there is a dramatic shortfall between the number of people who need treatment and those who receive it.

“Our report shines a light on the valuable contribution TSOs can and do make, while offering practical actions for TSOs and commissioners. Our aim is to help enable the third sector to survive the transition from grant-funding to commissioning, this will go some way to addressing the significant shortfall in NHS counselling provision but not far enough. We need more counselling both within the NHS and alongside it. I’m describing integrated local services that genuinely meet community needs - you can’t do that with a single provider offering a limited choice of interventions.”

CPTPC, established in August 2011, is a new centre which offers research, consultancy, education and training to support psychological therapies in primary care. The centre has a remit to research, monitor and evaluate mental health developments in primary care in the context of wider wellbeing. It is their research, commissioned by BACP, which forms the backbone of this new report co-authored by Louise Robinson and Joan Foster, CPTPC Support and Consultancy Unit Director.

Patrick Pietroni, Director of CPTPC, says:

“I believe that the survival of the third sector is at risk because commissioners are returning to a more traditional model of putting out tenders. With this system the majority of the time a single large provider is the winner.

“This vital report helps TSOs by offering guidance on how they can promote their services and work effectively with commissioners. The demand for counselling is higher than ever and we need to get the message across to the NHS that it’s TSOs who are in the perfect position to fulfil this increased need.”

Notes to editors

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

View the report, Commissioning third sector counselling: valuing and enabling services, on the BACP website: http://www.bacp.co.uk/commissioning/

We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 18 Jul 2014 15:41:50 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ 28% of people in the UK have consulted a counsellor or psychotherapist ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/28-of-people-in-the-uk-have-consulted-a-counsellor-or-psychotherapist-3a79ad1032e52873dbb8eecb56a8aa7c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/28-of-people-in-the-uk-have-consulted-a-counsellor-or-psychotherapist-3a79ad1032e52873dbb8eecb56a8aa7c/ Monday 7 July, 2014

28% of people in the UK have consulted a counsellor or psychotherapist, suggests a BACP survey carried out earlier this year.

Our 2014 public attitudes survey, conducted by Ipsos MORI in March, was completed by 2084 adults aged 16-75 from across the UK. The results of this survey are the most recent figures in our ongoing efforts to track the changing attitudes to counselling and psychotherapy in the UK.

This year’s figures show a significant increase in the number of people accessing therapy since our last public attitudes survey in 2010 when only one person in five said that they had consulted a counsellor or psychotherapist.

Women are most likely to have had therapy, with nearly a third (32%) saying they had used the services of a counsellor or psychotherapist, compared to 23% of men.

People aged between 35 and 44 are most likely to have had counselling or psychotherapy – with 38% – well over a third – having had it.

In total, over half of Britons have either had therapy themselves, or know someone who has.

BACP Governor, Dr Andrew Reeves, says:

“The significant increase in the number of people consulting a counsellor or psychotherapist is evidence that people are seeing more and more value in these extremely effective interventions.

“These results strongly suggest that the stigma attached to seeking counselling has diminished considerably since our previous attitudes surveys in 2004 and 2010.

“Seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist is increasingly considered an ordinary, everyday activity which many people choose to do in order to improve their mental wellbeing.”

Clearly, therapy is longer perceived as being the preserve of the very rich or the very ill. The fact that most people in the UK have either had therapy themselves, or know someone who has, suggests that it has become truly mainstream in much of society.

Our public website, www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk, contains a wealth of information for anyone considering therapy including information sheets, videos, links to recent research, and a ‘find a therapist’ directory which people can use to find a private therapist suitable for them in their local area.

An infographic illustrating the key findings of our latest survey will be published soon. In addition, further press releases, focusing on specific areas covered in the survey, will follow.

Notes to editors

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 07 Jul 2014 14:42:35 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Men and Counselling: the changing relationship between men in the UK and therapy ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/men-and-counselling-the-changing-relationship-between-men-in-the-uk-and-therapy-506fea9ae755ff7ca559467920bb49b4/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/men-and-counselling-the-changing-relationship-between-men-in-the-uk-and-therapy-506fea9ae755ff7ca559467920bb49b4/ Tuesday 27 May, 2014
In February 2014 a survey completed by a focus group of 250 BACP members revealed that compared to five years ago, 62% had a higher percentage of male clients. In addition to this, 72% agreed with the statement that ‘men are more likely to see a counsellor or psychotherapist now than they were five years ago’.

These statistics back up further anecdotal evidence from our members that more men are seeking counselling than ever before. What has caused this shift? We asked Andrew Reeves, a BACP Governor and counsellor who specialises in working with men. Andrew says:

“Traditionally, more women than men have sought counselling, and this is in itself not a surprise. The concept of talking about feelings and exploring emotional and psychological difficulties has, for many years, been seen as a ‘female’ rather than ‘male’ trait. This has been embedded in gender socialisation and how women and men consider and evaluate themselves. However, things are beginning to change with more men seeking counselling and seeing it as both a positive and relevant source of help.”

It seems that more men are seeking counselling than in the past because of a gradual shifting of attitudes about gender roles, as well as a growing recognition of the benefits of counselling itself. But are these necessarily good developments, and are counselling and psychotherapy effective ways of coping with men’s emotional problems and mental health problems? Andrew believes so:

“Men have emotional needs in exactly the same way as women: they feel things such as anger, grief, shame, sadness and anxiety in the same way. The difference is that women have traditionally been ‘allowed’ to name these feelings and to seek support for them, while men have been silenced through male gender roles and have felt the need to keep their emotions secret, adding feelings of shame and isolation to the emotional mix.

Despite the recent increase in the number of men seeking counselling, numbers are still low compared to women, and there is evidence that men are considerably more likely than women to strongly oppose the idea of counselling for anything other than serious mental health problems. In a recent public attitudes survey commissioned by BACP men were twice as likely as women to strongly agree with the statement ‘It is self-indulgent to seek counselling or psychotherapy if you do not have a serious problem’. We already know that men are at high risk of suicide across all age groups, but particularly men under 50. This is a compelling compelling reason why men should be encouraged to talk through their concerns with a professional counsellor. With this in mind, what is being done by counselling services themselves to inspire more men to seek help? Andrew has first-hand experience in this area:

“While there are increasing numbers of counselling services specifically for men, more common is that existing services are considering how they can make what they offer more male-friendly. For example, in the service in which I work we have established, with the support of CALM, a male-friendly access point for young male students in a university setting. Called Men’s Space, it is a drop-in service for male students and staff, staffed by the male counsellors in the service. Like all such initiatives, take-up was slow at the beginning but as it became more established the use of the service has steadily increased so that young men are now accessing the service on a weekly basis with the overall number of men then going on to full counselling in the main service increasing. These initiatives can be seen across a wide range of services throughout the UK.”

With the number of men seeking counselling increasing, and a similar upturn in the number of male-friendly services, it is perhaps surprising that of BACP’s membership of just over 40,000 practicing counsellors and psychotherapists, less than 20% are male. Andrew thinks that the explanation for this lack of male counsellors is down to the familiar reasons of historic gender roles, but that it’s set to change:

“Ultimately, the provision of counselling needs to reflect the communities it serves, incorporating a broad mix of culture, disability, difference and gender. As more men seek out counselling and experience positive outcomes as a consequence, more men are then likely to consider counselling training as a viable and positive option.”


Notes to editors

BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy, and the public. We have over 40,000 members, working within a range of settings, including the NHS, schools and universities, workplaces and private practice, as well as third sector environments including voluntary, community and pastoral settings.

Find out more about CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably: http://www.thecalmzone.net/

We are committed to providing prompt responses to media enquiries, drawing on our extensive member network of experts and spokespeople. For all media enquiries, call our media team on 01455 883 342, or email media@bacp.co.uk. For non-media enquiries please call our main switchboard on 01455 883 300.


Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/bacp Pressat media@bacp.co.uk
http://www.bacp.co.uk
]]>
http://www.bacp.co.uk 27 May 2014 15:09:41 GMT Health Men's Interest