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Doctorates and Degrees from abroad

   It is straight forward to obtain degrees and doctorates from other countries, in particular the USA. many degrees from abroad are of course from bona fide Universities. However there are different classes of degree to look out for:

1. Foreign University Degrees. Bona fide degrees from properly accredited Universities are of course acceptable.

2. Non-earned Religious Degrees. These should be checked. the "DD" Doctorate requires no work at all, since all ministers are entitled to use that and the Dr prefix is ordained in the USA.

3. Earned Religious Degrees. These are awarded from Seminaries, or religious universities. Some USA churches have real University programmes and Seminaries, others are money making schemes only. 
Check: Relevance of degree. Is it in pastoral related therapy work, social work ministry, or any other linked subject.
Check: Is the degree earned: some Seminaries like the ULC require no real work at all. Others like the Church of Seven Planes require substantial study, research and professional Thesis submissions at an appropriate level.

In addition to checking out such qualifications, ask your therapists what they are in, are they relevant, and are they medical! The therapist must not claim or imply medical qualification through the use of the "Dr" prefix, they should be clear if asked what the doctorate is in.

Ministerial titles

Reverend, Bishop, Minister etc etc. You can be ordained very easily, and indeed free over the internet. If your work is faith related and you are genuine about your faith, that is a good acknowledgement of your commitment. Indeed I am myself an ordained multi-faith minister which I consider relevant to my pastoral counselling and my Reiki & faith healing work. However having the Rev or Revd titles is not a qualification! Therefore do not consider ministerial commitment, however genuine, to be a qualification.

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Is the therapist monitored or held by codes of conduct and ethics ?

One of the crucial points about being professionally registered is ensuring the therapist can be punished or dismissed if they commit malpractice.  Check that such codes apply. Linked to this are they committed to the National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy?
 
 Is the therapist professionally insured for the therapies offered (not just something related)

It is a legal requirement to carry professional insurance. This is for your safety. Ensure that the therapist in insured for what they are offering !  A healer or counsellor may not be insured for hypnotherapy - or vice versa !

If offering products (including handouts and training/relaxation tapes) do they have products liability insurance ?

If offering training or supervision - do they carry insurance for one or other ?

What is the therapists policy on ongoing training and professional development ?

Do you want to go to someone who has not updated their skills for the last 10 years ?  Or would you prefer someone who stays current and makes an effort to be informed and up to date ?

What is the therapists policy on Supervision and personal counselling ?

The policies vary immensely on this area. The British Association of Counselling required over 40 hours of personal therapy before a therapist can become accredited and monthly supervision sessions (although they also allegedly registered the comedian Bernard Manning and over 80% of their members are unassessed!).  Other associations require little or no supervision.

Some organisations such as the CPS, ISPC, NACHP and HS assess all members although they can not boast the membership of other more "relaxed" organisations such as the BACP.

There is no agreed level.  It may however be a good idea to check whether your therapist has access to both personal therapy and supervision should they need it. How much good will they be to you if running around a mess themselves ?  Most people have personal issues and therapists are not immune from stress, difficulties and illness! However they should take care to ensure that these are nipped in the bud, or they have good support available to them.  
 

Additional:

How experienced are they ? - Many new therapists are very good - but would you prefer a more experienced one. This is not the only factor however - more experienced may mean more expensive.  Also years of experience without being professionally registered means little since how do you know whether they were doing it right during that time? Seniority is often measured by membership class of professional bodies. "Fellowship" usually means that the therapist has reached a senior level. Look not just for independent bodies, but also for membership of more universally respected bodies such as Royal Societies.

Age, Sex, Race, etc . . .   - You may prefer to talk to a young person, or old, male or female.  Some people do have difficulty in relating to very "different" people. Choose someone you feel comfortable with.  Think about how you will feel telling personal information to that person.

Are they qualified to assist you using a variety of methods or just one ? - The more therapies (or modalities) they can use, the more options open to you. Also the easier it is for them to tailor therapy to YOU.  If you are afraid of Hypnosis, or do not want Christian Counselling, (just as examples) then a therapist only qualified to use those methods are of little use to you. And if your case develops into something complex as a result of underlying issues (not uncommon) then a range of strategies is very beneficial to you as the client.

Is their approach to tailor the assistance to you, or to churn you through a standard process ? Beware of those therapists who label you as a "weight case", "stress case" and so on. You are a person, whole and special. Each case is different and virtually every case is more complex than being a " type x case".

Do they use an initial consultation to evaluate whether they can help you or not ? - A good therapist will want to know background and details. This enables them to advise you as to whether you are in the right place seeing them. They may also not want to take on your case. If they dive in head first without doing an assessment they risk going headlong down the wrong ally, beginning something they can not finish, or making a start with a case that perhaps they may need to refer elsewhere.

Do you feel comfortable with them ? Occasionally, and thankfully it is rare, people are a little TOO comfortable with there therapist. If there is any sexual attraction, or conversely if you hate the sight of them - get a different therapist!

Are they honest and open about cost and number of sessions ?
Quoting a fixed number of sessions may be classed as misleading since they have no way of knowing if they tailor treatment to you as an individual. For example if a therapist says "stress cases take 8 sessions" - beware.  How do they know you do not have more to address, do they put all "stress cases" through the same routine with no attention to individuality?  It is better if they are honest and say they really do not know how long it will take.
 

When should I stop therapy ?

Occasionally, and again thankfully rarely, some therapists allow clients to "hang on" longer than it is right to.  Generally however your therapist will discuss this with you when it gets near the time to finish.  The easiest rule is perhaps to discuss it with your therapist if you have doubts about the need for further sessions. Don't do anything hasty.
   

How much should it cost?

How long is a piece of string ?  It varies massively.  Some charities provide free therapy. Most private practitioners charge per hour. Some make additional charges such as case fees.  Charges in the UK vary from about £15 to £100+ per hour or 55 mins. Outside of London you should look for about £35-£75 per 55 mins. In London depending on seniority you may pay up to £200 per hour.

Too cheap - why are they not charging more ?
Too expensive  -am I being ripped off?

You can try calling a few and asking for average costs per hour, but bear in mind qualifications and experience make the charges vary too. This can however give you a "feel" for the local average cost.

Beware - some therapists are unscrupulous.  I have personally met clients who were manipulated. One lady in her 70's was asked to part with over £1000 to loose 1 stone in weight!!!  I charged her £25 per half hour and she succeeded in about five sessions. If in doubt, delay committing to any course of treatment and think about it !

Some therapists charge for initial consultations, some give freebies.  Free IC's are usually short affairs designed to try to get you to start that day. Charged consultations may well be longer and begin addressing the issues therapeutically straight away as part of the fact finding process. Remember the therapist is running a business and will want to be paid for that time somewhere along the line! The most important thing is the long term value for money. Satisfy yourself that the actual treatment sessions will be effective and good value. Not too dear, not too cheap.

Discussing charges on the phone. Therapists hate talking fees on the phone.  Everywhere a therapist goes they are told not too because you loose clients doing it. It is well recognised that the charge will seem comparatively more expensive before a consultation compared with after.   Common excusing for not discussing include "I do not know what therapies you will need until I discuss your case with you", "every case is different", "fees are adjusted according to your ability to pay" etc, etc. In reality most therapists have an hourly rate, you now have an idea what it is, be firm!  In being firm however please remember that the fees mentioned here are a guide only, and the therapist needs to earn a living!
 

So how should I find a therapist?

Sources:

1. Internet sites of individual practitioners.
2. Internet sites of associations / registers ( and perhaps ask to be contacted with details of therapists in your area).
3. Yellow Pages in your area.
4. Ask your GP (some may not be positive about therapists at all mind you).
5. Ask trusted friends who you feel are clued in about such things - but then double check suggestions.
6. Always make some effort to check out the therapist !
7. Be prepared to talk to an answering machine - most therapists relay on them if they are busy, and if they are not busy . . . .

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 Example case study---- Me!!

For a full and clear listing of my qualifications and seniority go HERE

A tongue in cheek look at myself as a 
case study!

Firstly Degrees: (not my main qualifications!!!)

Examples: 

I got conned! I admit it, they saw me coming! I have an MsD from the ULC Church. Frankly it is worthless. I honestly don't know where I put the piece of paper! Its not something I ever usually mention or list anywhere! I consider it a bad joke at my expense since I thought I was getting a training course in Metaphysics and ended up with a couple of sheets of A4 and a certificate! It is an example of a religious degree with no worth at all. (note I infer no criticism of ordination within the ULC, merely their "training" department)

However many degrees from religious organisations are worthwhile, for example:

MA Pastoral Stress Management. 
Church of Seven Planes Seminary, USA
PhD Social Work Ministry
Church of Seven Planes Seminary, USA

I have a Masters Degree and PhD Doctorate from the Church of Seven Planes Seminary.  For these I had to submit four very demanding professional Thesis and other evidence over a number of years. Indeed the total evidence represents over seven years work, evidence gathering and research (1994-2001). They are earned religious degrees in relevant subjects.  

Indeed their standard compared favorably to the two UK universities at which I have studied at BSc and post graduate levels. I am proud to now be a Professor of Studies and regional departmental Dean of the Seminary. 

 Also naturally UK Universities are acceptable:

BSc Industrial IT  (UK University)
(Main subjects including: Human Resource management, systems studies, change, and effects of stress in industry). 
University of Central England, Birmingham, UK

Post Grad training (UK University)
University of Wales, Swansea.
Social Work and related subjects.

Vocational and skills courses (UK University)
Interpersonal Skills and Counselling Modalities
University of Wales, Lampeter and University of Wales, Cardiff.

Are they relevant? Yes, but they certainly are NOT my main qualifications for practice! To my mind my industry diplomas, and my accreditation through the NVQ system and Royal societies are far more relevant! The degrees I have completed, and the work I have done in professions sych as Social work, Youth Work, Community Work and Intensive Support Services (mental health & learning disabilities) have broadened my skill base and knowledge, but my industry specific training and resultant accreditation is more important.

Over the last 12 years I have completed many diplomas, some demanding, some VERY demanding and some quite basic. I consider the diploma level training in Stress management, analysis, stress counselling, parapsychology and hypnotherapy (over 3 years) the best training I received. Also it was the most valuable since it led to my gaining my NVQ Trainer and Assessor award, and then my NVQ Level IV Training & Development award (in the industrial context of complementary health education, martial art education and stress management education). 

Having all the work I do assessed to NVQ level IV standards gave me the chance to PROVE my ability and competence in real practice. 

Following these I began undertaking a series of ASET accredited courses, and you can find out more about these on the biography page.

As far as I am concerned all the courses I have completed are valuable, but it is more important to have proved that I can use that information in practice through the NVQ and through accreditation and membership of various organisations to Fellowship level. 

I hope the above will illustrate how having "Professor" and "Dr" prefixes in my case are both valuable and relevant, but in fact are far less important than other qualifications and accreditation that I have. The moral of the story is to look a little deeper, and don't be impressed by titles, be impressed by EVIDENCE and real accreditation!

Find out about us and our commitment to meaningful Nationally Accredited Standards! CLICK HERE

Choosing a Therapist

This page is not legal or official advice and no liability will be accepted for following or not following the advice offered. It is the opinion of the individual only and does not represent the opinion of any organisation he is a member or representative of.

LATEST NEWS:
 We support the National Occupational Standards for the Industry.

Most people have no real idea what to look for when searching for a qualified therapist! Indeed most people are fooled by long lists of letters after therapists names, or prefixes like "Professor" or "Dr". These may be genuine and relevant, as they are in my case in relation to my pastoral work, but they are often NOT what you need to verify and look for.

For example in my case my Professorship and PhD are related directly to part of my therapy work. They are not however my most important qualifications, or what enquiries should really look for. The following information is meant to help potential enquiries get a glimpse of some of the issues to consider!

If you are looking for my qualifications, they are listed in clear sections HERE

Quick summary Check list

1. Is the therapist registered with a major body who you can check out. Does that body make dodgy claims (like being THE register) or have largely unaccredited membership, or are they professional with clear listings of members and their experience.

2. Is the therapist able to prove their qualifications either with certificates face to face, or by providing links to professional websites who have checked the qualifications and publish a list of accredited therapists.

3. Does the therapist have registrations, practice or accreditation beyond the independent industry. Look for Relevant NVQ's / ASET awards, University Degrees, Royal Society memberships, adherence to National Occupational Standards. Awards should be on the NQF (National Qualification Framework Matrix) of be from QCA (Qualification Curriculum Authority) or SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority) approved awarding bodies (e.g. ASET, City and Guilds, VCTC).

4. Does the therapist have qualification in the therapies on offer? Being qualified in one therapy does not qualify you in all of them!

Beware: Look out for:

• Stage Hypnotists with little or no therapy training.

• Life Coaches who have completed basic courses and have no underpinning therapy training.

• Therapists offering Life Coaching when they have no training or coaching qualifications.

• Therapists with independent qualifications only.

• People with degree mill degrees or degrees with no relevance at all.

In depth: points to consider when choosing a therapist:

Most enquiries will be able to make a considered choice with just the basic guide points above, however for those who are really interested, or those who feel they may need to delve deeper in regard to the issue, the following is offered. Please note that the following should be used to promote careful decision making only. For most people a reasonable level of qualification and insurance, combined with a good manner and ability to relate to the client is enough! There are plenty of excellent therapists who do not meet all the suggested possible criteria!

Unfortunately in the UK there is no statutory level of qualification for most complementary health therapies. There is no official government recognised register for Counselling, Psychotherapy, Life Coaching or Hypnotherapy. 

The many registers that exist are all independent and are of varying quality. Beware of any register claiming to be "THE" only official register, since this is blatantly untrue. Many organisations like to imply they are the "main" professional body, notably the infamous British Association of Counselling (and psychotherapy). The latter has a reputation for allowing virtually anyone to join its basic membership on receipt of an application form and cheque, and according to its own figures a few years ago, had over 80% UNACCREDITED members.

Anyone can set up a register or college of therapy in the UK, therefore you should always look a little deeper before assuming that membership of an organisation really means anything.

Guidelines:

• Does the organisation support any National Occupational Standards for the therapy they register?
  (Example: the Hypnotherapy National Occupational Standards)
  

• Do they have an external accreditation programme or access to one, e.g. the NVQ system of awards?
  (arrangements to have access to ASET or NVQ in Advice and Guidance)
  

• Do they back check new members to ensure they have completed suitable qualifications?
  (Example: Clear probationary period and or background checks of qualifications)
  

• Do they ensure members have professional insurance?
  (Example: should require all members to show certificates yearly)
  

• Are members held to appropriate codes of conduct and ethics, and are these enforced in a legal method. (certain organisations were found to be processing complaints in-house when legal reasons mean all therapists have the right to an independent hearing.)
  (Example: the Royal Society Promotion of Health has a comprehensive and published code of conduct and ethics)
  

• Does the organisation support industry cooperation and seek to link with other reputable bodies?
  (Example: Linking with UKCHO and cooperation with Government initiatives)

If in doubt, most organisation now have websites you can check. For example some professional and reputable bodies are listed here:

www.hypnotherapysociety.com

www.ispc.org

www.nachp.org

  Is the individual therapist qualified?

• Can he / she provide proof of training and qualification.

A therapist should be able to reference or produce evidence for insurance, registration and qualifications. Usually these are listed on websites.

 You can either check that the therapist is listed on the organisations websites as a means of verifying that qualifications and so forth are regularly checked, or you can demand to see certificates yourself. In practice lovely looking certificates can be produced on a PC or bought online these days, so I personally think that having certificates checked out and verified by someone "in the know" in a major organisation is more valuable than trying to work out yourself whether a certificate is meaningful or not.

Is that qualification to a nationally / internationally recognised standard:

Ok so your therapist is insured and registered and has some impressive sounding diplomas. Therefore they have met the minimum bench mark for practice!

BUT, can they show qualification beyond what the industry independently requires? Have they been assessed to nationally recognised standards?

Some examples follow of standards that have a real national standard:

• NVQ accredited, either TDLB award or CAMPAG award. NVQ Level III minimum if employed, Level IV if self-employed.
  Look for either Training & Development awards in the context of therapy, or Advice and Guidance modules.
  

• ASET level 4 award, or other QCA / NCF accredited national award. (QCA / NCF replace the previous NCVQ standards body)
  

• University Medical degree. Note this means the therapist is medically qualified in conventional medicine, they should have additional training in the complementary health therapy in question.
  

• University Psychology Degree (BPS recognised). A simple degree in psychology, social science or sociology is largely theory and statistical and not therapy orientated. BPS recognised for practice means that the graduate has practical training and experience.
  

• Other related degree (from a recognised university) which is not purely theoretical. For example Education degree (for coachs), business degrees with a large personnel or change management component (for stress management or change management work) and so on. It should always be relevant! Having a degree in English literature does not cut it!

Is the level of qualification sufficient and suitable?

There are a large number of accrediting bodies springing up. This means you have to check the accrediting body as well as the organisation / qualification they claim to accredit! I suggest using common sense. If you have heard of them and they are relevant then fine, otherwise be suspicious. For example a bona fide university or the NVQ system are both well known. Vocational should be minimum level 3, preferably level 4.

Guidelines:
 

• Obviously an A-level / G.C.S.E. /BTEC / HND  are not enough.
  

• Level 3 awards, e.g. NVQ / ASET III are only enough for "basic competence" and are suitable only for employed staff under supervision or in a tightly supervised professional organisation. Therefore Level III is required if part of a reputable organisation, Level IV is required for stand alone consultancy.
  

• Is the qualification purely academic ? Or is it vocational e.g. an NVQ / ASET ?

Always check accreditation from "new" accrediting bodies like OCN. Ensure the course is a "professional" level qualification and not an "introductory" level or "basic" level course. a number of small providers have sprung up using OCN and similar structures to claim national accreditation for their training, when all that they have arranged is a "Certificate of Completion" of a "Basic" or "introduction" level course. Trusting a therapist with that level is like trusting a plumber with a GCSE in Home Economics! Look for professional standard levels (3/4) and QCA / NCF or NCVQ standards.

NVQ awards may be TDLB (training and development lead body) awards in the context of the industry. This means that the person has been assessed to TDLB standards in that area. It is not an NVQ "in" that therapy. It is evidence that the therapist has submitted evidence and been successfully assessed as competent to a recognised standard in providing programmes in that industrial context. The industrial context may be complementary health education, some other therapy but must be related. A TDLB award in the context of customer care training for example is not too relevant.  Other NVQ awards such as the Advice and Guidance units are relevant to Counselling, Advice, Mediation, Guidance. Therefore very relevant to counsellors, psychotherapists, stress managers, life coaches. These standards is are set by the NVQ authority as the national vocational standard.

Please remember:

Preferably the therapist will have both recognised and industry specific qualifications ! This might mean that they have a diploma or two (industry specific) in say Hypnotherapy and Counselling. This is evidence of training. Preferably they would also have a University degree, membership of the BMA if they are a doctor or NVQ accreditation on top of this diploma.  In practice few therapists do. Therefore be prepared to have to accept industry specific awards only. There are plenty of really good therapists without all of the above! Those who have managed to collect all the above are mainly very senior and very dedicated!
 

Some of the better Therapy organisations who are well recognised are:

• The National Association of Counsellors Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists

• United Kingdom Counselling & Psychotherapy

• Association of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (warning Associates are not qualified members)

• The Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

• The Hypnotherapy Society

• The Hypnotherapy Association

• The Society of Stress Managers

• The Hypnotherapy Practitioners Association

• The International Society of Professional Counsellors

Regrettably I can not recommend the BACP, since the vast majority of their members are unaccredited (according to BACP's own figures).

There are many more, these are just examples. This does not infer liability or recommendation.

Practice Standards

Many therapies now have National Occupational Standards that apply to them. These are the standards that therapists should adhere to if in practice. Always look for NOS adherence.

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