The release of @BACP #SCoPEd v2 is causing me to re-evaluate my view of the counselling profession. I have a clear therapeutic identity and I need to reflect where this sits with my professional bodies.

Continuing to give @BACP a chance is starting to feel like returning to an unhealthy relationship. And yet, how to influence change without being part of the organisation? I want have my voice heard so continue to be a member.

But I don’t want my membership to be added to their numbers and used to influence change I don’t agree with. I continue to hope @BACP will listen to members’ views. We’re being told the change isn’t set in stone, but it still feels like it’s being pushed that way.

I’m sure there are many who agree with #SCoPEd, those who want regulation and clarity brought to the profession. And I don’t disagree with the need for clarity. But in my opinion, this should be introduced at the roots with training providers.

How does #SCoPEd help the majority of @BACP members who aren’t accredited, when even if (when) it’s implemented, someone can still do a £25 online course and say they’re a counsellor?

So few people understand the difference between counsellors and psychotherapists, and I don’t believe #SCoPEd will help the public further with this. It’s far more likely to simply create a greater professional hierarchy.

Currently, one of the main outcomes looks like it’ll be to freeze counsellors out of yet more work options. And to leave many feeling their training and experience isn’t valued in the way it should be.

So I’m back to being left wondering how my therapeutic values and identity sit with the direction @BACP is taking. I have to question whether I want to keep my membership to try to influence change, or whether it’s false hope. At what point do I leave this relationship..?