About the ISPC
Be part of this Counselling movement: Free Therapist Directory listing, Simplified Ethics, almost ‘Paper-Free’, Private Practice Hub.
Soon: Free CPD’s
ISPC Membership - Psychotherapy & Counselling
International Society of Psychotherapy and Counselling
Aims & Objectives
The ISPC exists to support, connect, and empower counsellors at every stage—students, early-career, and late-career—by offering an ethical, affordable, and human-first alternative to traditional regulatory bodies. We prioritise real-world practice over paperwork, trust over surveillance, and community over bureaucracy. Our aim: to build a movement of therapists who do the work, not just manage it.
We understand you’re not just Counsellors… you’re Diary Managers, Care Co-ordinators, Business Managers, Accountants, Marketeers and Brand Strategists, IT Tech Support, Compliance Officers, Educators and Customer Service Representatives…The list goes on…
Your Values
We believe therapy thrives in trust. Our core values are: Humanity first—honouring the real, messy work of healing; Radical inclusivity—welcoming all pathways into the profession; Practitioner-led ethics—guided by those in the room, not the office; Community over compliance—supporting each other, not policing; and Wisdom at every stage—valuing students and veterans alike.
We’re not regulators. We’re therapists.
Our Mission to Support
To reimagine professional belonging for counsellors by creating a dynamic, responsive home where practical support, peer solidarity, and ethical courage come before rigid rules. We champion accessibility, amplify diverse voices, and foster resilience—so every counsellor can thrive in their practice, on their terms, without sacrificing their integrity or well-being.
"The snappy version"
Core principles and support for therapists
Empowerment: Grow with confidence through courageous, congruent practice.
Therapists for Therapists: Built by practitioners to strengthen your work—and your clients’ lives.
Experience over essays: Hands-on experience and a person-centred focus.
Practical Support: Free directory listing, and soon: (a Private Practice Hub + free Accredited CPD)
Affordable & Fair: We reinvest to lower training costs and support independent colleges.
High ethical standards: All Members must agree to our code of ethics and complaints procedure.
"The not so snappy version"
A person-centred approach
Focus on relationships: The ISPC enhances “Client Person-Centred Relationships,” a key aspect of person-centred therapy. This approach values the client’s perspective and their capacity for self-discovery.
Equality of titles: The ISPC believes that titles such as “Psychotherapist,” “Counsellor,” or “Therapist” are interchangeable.
Experience over essays: The ISPC believes that hands-on experience and a person-centred focus are more valuable than a rigid academic approach.
Ethics and public protection
High ethical standards: ISPC members must agree to our our simplified, but robust, code of ethics and complaints procedure. The primary goal of these ethics is to protect clients and members, and to maintain public trust.
Accountability and safety: By ensuring members meet recognised professional standards, the ISPC protects therapists, clients, and wider society. If an ethical issue arises, the ISPC focuses on education rather than “naming and shaming”.
Founder and Registrar
PROF. Graham Cocking
Graham is the Founder and Registrar of the ISPC, forming its principles 20 years ago on ethics and values, offering choice, and represents a move towards offering counsellors a membership body that gives back to counselling communities. Graham is an experienced Counselling Supervisor and Joint Principle of Ridgeway College.
Therapy News
Why Private Practice Counsellors Are Choosing ISPC
Ethics, Affordability & Real Support – You’re definitely not alone Article authored by the ISPC If you run a private counselling practice in the UK or abroad, you know the
Why Great Counselling Doesn’t Need Bureaucracy
For too long, the narrative in the UK counselling world has been narrow: Article authored by the ISPC To be legitimate, you must join one of the main counselling bodies.
The Future of UK Counselling and Psychotherapy
Navigating Technology, Demand, and Integration Article authored by James Durdan The field of counselling and psychotherapy in the UK is in a state of dynamic evolution. Shaped by global events,
Beyond the Bubble Bath
A Therapist’s Guide to Authentic Self-Care Article authored by the ISPC The term “self-care” has become a popular buzzword in recent years, often conjuring images of fluffy bathrobes, scented candles,
Embracing the Journey
Recognising Milestones in a Counselling Career Article authored by Cathy Stones This is a discussion about something often overlooked: the milestones in a counselling career. Becoming a counsellor, and remaining
The Cost of Living and Counselling Fees
The UK’s cost of living crisis, defined by escalating inflation and economic instability, has profoundly impacted mental health and the accessibility of vital support services like counselling. Article authored by
