Who are the SHTC?
Membership Criteria.
Why Choose our Members?
What are NOS?
What are appropriate Nationally accredited Standards?
Types of Therapy and Coaching Offered.
Finding a Therapist.
Approved Training Providers.
Links.
Homepage.
Contact Us
Guidelines:
The SHTC only accepts members with an appropriate standard of professional training, to nationally accredited standards. We do not accept members with independently accredited awards unless under our ordinary level category. Ordinary Level members using the letters SHTC(Ord) have not yet achieved this level of qualification, but are committed to National Occupational Standards and have agreed to work towards the expected levels of accredited qualification as soon as is practicable.
Many training bodies and associations in the UK and abroad claim to "accredit" courses and therapists. Most of these are themselves independent organisations. Some are of a high standard, but the consumer has no guarantee of this.
We only accept members who have awards that have a direct line of accreditation back to nationally recognised standards. In practice this works in two ways:
- Some Qualifications are themselves directly
recognised
according to national standards. These include University Degrees and
NVQ (SNVQ in Scotland) awards.
- Some qualifications are awarded by independent colleges, but are subject to accreditation by awarding bodies who are themselves approved by the QCA (Qualification Curriculum Authority) / SQA (Scottish Curriculum Authority). Thus although provided by an independent provider, that provider meets the standards required for the award to be equivalent to a specified standard on the National Qualifications Framework.
It is generally accepted that Level 3 is equivalent to basic competence, therefore appropriate for carefully supported practice. Levels 4 and 5, and University Degrees are considered professional level qualifications.
Levels 1 and 2, and university accredited "introduction" or "basic foundation" courses may be accredited, but are not of a sufficiently high standard for membership.
Only qualifications directly related to the practice of the therapy or coaching in question are considered valid for membership. Being highly qualified in a non related field is not relevant to applications.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level members using the letters SHTC(Ord) have not yet achieved the required level of qualification, but are committed to National Occupational Standards and hold an industry qualification of some kind. This level of membership is suitable for practitioner members who do not hold the accredited levels of qualification required for Associate or Full membership.
International Membership
International members SHTC (Int) are subject to the same levels of expected qualification as UK members. However although they are still expected to adhere to the NOS as a standard of practice, they are expected to prioritise any and all standards of practice and performance required by their country of practice. We do not verify insurance for international members on certificates. International members must adhere to the specific insurance requirements of their country.
Associate Membership
Associate members of the SHTC (ASHTC) have Level 3 awards, and are offered additional support to ensure competent service provision.
NEW: If you are a a graduate of a course that since your time of graduation has received accreditation at level 3 or 4, you will be accepted as an associate member. For example graduates of a course that since that time, and without substantial course change has now attained an ASET level 3 or 4 award, will be accepted as if they have an ASET level 3 award. This only applies where the course is essentially the same course pre and post accreditation.
Full Membership
Full members of the SHTC (MSHTC) have Level 4 or 5 awards or appropriate degrees, or have Level 3 awards with five years of post qualification experience.
Fellowship
Fellows of the SHTC (FSHTC) have level 4 or 5 awards or appropriate degrees, and over five years experience (those with initially level 3 awards, this is in addition to the five years to gain full membership). They must also be recommended by a Fellow of the SHTC or appropriately qualified health professional at equivalent level.
Members at any level who are taking a practice break can maintain membership and continue receiving full support and benefits of membership. Under those circumstances they may have no need for professional insurance for the period of their break from practice, and will be issued with a "uninsured practitioner completing study leave" certificate for that period.
How to proceed
1. Do you have a relevant NVQ, UK University Degree or Level 4/5 award (accredited by a QCA / SQA approved accrediting body?If yes - apply for Full membership.
If no - apply for Ordinary membership
2. Do you have a Level 3 award and a minimum of five years professional experience post qualification?
If yes apply for Full Membership
3. Do you have a Level 3 award but less than 5 years professional experience?
If yes apply for Associate Membership
4. Are your qualifications independently accredited?
If yes - you may now apply for Ordinary Level membership. You must agree to adhere to appropriate NOS for the therapies you offer. You must also agree to work towards the expected levels of accreditation that other membership grades have as soon as it is practicable. In practice this means that you should select ongoing professional training and development courses to gain appropriate qualification and work towards this as soon as finances and other constraints allow. As a member of the SHTC you are entitled to some discounts on accredited training from some providers.
Follow the links below to access application forms, membership agreement and NOS guidance material.
5. Do you accredit members based on foreign university qualifications?
No. This is not because we do not appreciate the quality of university courses in other countries. We do not currently permit these to be considered "accredited" because our standards are based entirely on UK standards. We have strict standards that are based on UK levels of accreditation. We are not in a position to comment on standards in other countries. We are working towards gradually changing this position, but it will take time to ensure we do so in a way that is consistent and appropriate.
As defined by the code of conduct, please be reminded that members must only claim practitioner status for those areas they have accredited competence in. For example a practitioner with a level 4 Life Coaching award, must not call themselves a hypnotherapist unless they have appropriate training in that area as well.
6. What is your position regarding membership of other professional bodies and associations?
We encourage our members to have a wide membership of professional bodies and we never seek to restrict in any way membership of other associations, neither would we have any right to do so. We also have positive working relationships with a number of bodies, and can recommend a number including the GHR, the NACHP, IPTI, IHPE and RSH. Links to these are provided on our links page.
Student Membership
Those students enrolled on approved courses that lead to qualifications that permit entry (as defined above) can enjoy membership at student level. This does not constitute a registration in terms of professional practice and therefore is offered at a far reduced rate. It does however permit networking within the Society, and access to updates and professional information. On graduation from the course of training, the student member can upgrade to the appropriate professional level of membership at a reduced rate.
Unsure if your award is to the required standard? Check whether the awarding body is accredited: Complete list of QCA approved awarding bodies HERE
Code of Conduct and Ethics HERE
Complaints procedure HERE
Application forms for membership HERE
Membership fees HERE
Insurance HERE
Further information can be found off site, via our "links" section.