Dip TC, Dip SP&C, FD, BSc (Hons), PG Dip, MSc, DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, Reg MBACP, MSfDBT, EuroPsy

​​​​​​​​Understanding Professional Titles

The title a therapist uses can tell you a lot about their qualifications and training.

• Protected Titles:

  • Certain titles, such as "Clinical Psychologist," are legally protected. This means that only individuals who have completed extensive training and are registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies can use them.

 

• Unprotected Titles:

  • Terms like "counsellor," "psychotherapist," and "psychologist" are not legally regulated, so individuals without formal qualifications may use them.

 

The title Clinical Psychologist is protected by law, so only registered clinicians such as me can use the title.  The usual route to becoming a clinical psychologist is now through a doctorate level programme which involves many years of study and practical placement-based work. This means you are guaranteed a very high level of qualification and experience from a Clinical Psychologist.

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However, the titles of counsellor, psychotherapist and psychologist are not protected.  This means that people with no formal training can, and sadly do, use those titles meaning you could unknowingly work with someone who isn’t trained.  I want to make it very clear that the majority of people using the title of counsellor or psychotherapist are usually trained to at least the minimum standard of a level 4 qualification, in a relevant subject, and do an excellent job, but it's important to check this out as I have come across people working as therapists who have had no training at all. 

 

Tip: Always verify a practitioner's credentials and professional memberships to ensure you receive qualified care. Legitimate practitioners will always be happy for you to ask about their qualifications.  

 

Levels of training.

It’s important to understand your therapist’s level of qualification, as these can vary significantly. For example:

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• Counsellors typically hold a minimum Level 4 diploma.  It is unadvisable to work with anyone that does not hold at least a level 4 therapeutic qualification that should be accredited with specific bodies that are listed below.  Some internet courses claim to be accredited but the qualification is meaningless as they are not accredited with governing bodies.

• Psychotherapists should hold a level 6 (degree level qualification) in a specific model of therapy (not a generic therapy)

• Clinical Psychologists, like myself, are trained to the highest level—Level 8, which is doctoral level. 

 

Psychological work should always be carried out within the limits of the practitioner’s training. This means that individuals with Level 4 qualifications are generally best suited to working with less complex issues, while those with higher levels of training and experience are qualified to manage more complex and enduring challenges.  Only Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists, are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and provide psychological treatment for complex and long-standing issues. 

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Choosing a practitioner with the appropriate level of expertise is crucial. Just as you wouldn’t want a first-year medical student or someone trained only in taking blood pressure readings to perform a complex surgery, your mental health deserves the same careful consideration.

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I am happy to work with any issue or level of complexity you might have as I am a fully trained, counsellor, psychotherapist, and clinical psychologist.

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Membership in Governing & Professional Bodies

Membership in recognised organisations ensures that therapists adhere to professional and ethical standards. Look for registration with bodies such as:

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• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• British Psychological Society (BPS)

• British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

• Society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (SfDBT)

• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

• National Counselling Society (NCS)

 

If looking for a counsellor then make sure your therapist is accredited by one of the bodies, not just a member.

 

Models of Therapy

It is also important to understand that training also incorporates different types of therapy and higher levels within those therapies.

• Single Modality Practitioners: These therapists specialise in one therapeutic approach, which may limit their adaptability to your unique needs.

• Multi-Modality Clinicians: Therapists trained in various modalities, like myself, can tailor their approach to suit your individual circumstances, offering more flexible and effective treatment options.

 

Insurance and Data Protection

When choosing a therapist, it’s essential to ensure they are:

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• Fully insured to practice (ask to see their certificate)

• Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to protect your personal data (ask for their ICO number)

 

I take data protection seriously and am a member of the ICO and will provide a comprehensive Data Protection Statement detailing how your information is collected, stored, and used, and full insurance cover is included.

 

Why Choose Rainbow Psychological Services Ltd?

At Rainbow Psychological Services Ltd, you will receive a service from a practitioner who has undergone extensive training and has the appropriate experience to provide professional, ethical, and effective psychological care. As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director, I am committed to delivering a tailored service that meets your unique needs.  ​I do work with other psychologists and counsellors whose credentials are pre-checked so that I can match you with them, if you prefer a different level of service, or if I think your needs will be better met with them.

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Why choose me? My level of training, insurance and regulatory / professional bodies

I hold one level 4, one level 5, two level 6 (Undergraduate level), two level 7 (Postgraduate level), and one level 8 (Doctorate level) qualification from some of the top universities in the country with the highest possible grades.  As part of my commitment to offer you the best service possible I have a programme of ongoing educational and personal development including training in new therapies and advanced training in ones I already use, and I receive regular clinical supervision.  I am a chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) where I am also an associate fellow, a registered member of both the Health Care Professional Council, and the British Association Counsellors Psychotherapists (BACP) where I am also on the BACP accredited register.  In addition, I am now a registered member of the Society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and a fully trained DBT therapist and I am a qualified EMDR therapist having trained with EMDR UK academy and a member of the EMDR association.  I hold the status of EuroPsy meaning my qualifications match or exceed those required in every country across Europe. I am fully insured, registered with the ICO, and I am able to supervise both clinicians and research projects as I am registered on the RAPPS register with the BPS.

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Qualifications and Associations

Dip TC: Diploma in therapeutic counselling

Dip SP & C: Diploma in social policy and criminology

FD: Foundation degree in counselling and psychotherapy

BSc (Hons): Criminology and psychological studies (First Class)

PG Dip: Post graduate diploma in dialectical behaviour therapy

MSc: Psychology (Distinction) - awarded the Deans scholarship for academic excellence

DClinPsy: Doctorate in clinical psychology - HCPC registered

CPsychol: Chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society

AFBPsS: Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society

MSfDBT: Member of the Society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (SfDBT)

Reg MBACP: Registered member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (on their accredited register)

Europsy: qualifications verified across Europe.​