ISPC Memberships
Join our Professional Psychotherapy & Counselling Memberships today and be part of our growing society. If you do decide to join us you will get a FREE listing on our Therapist Directory.
Psychotherapy & Counselling Memberships
Our Memberships of the ISPC is not open to everyone. Candidates for membership are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of attainment in their work and qualifications. This may seem, to some extent, restrictive – however, we pursue the very best for our members and the wider public.
Each membership that is paid in full goes towards funding independent counselling/therapeutic colleges and students to ensure everyone has a chance. Help us to create better mental health across every society.
ISPC Membership Prices
Student Membership
£FREE every year
Associate Membership
£55 per year
FREE DIRECTORY LISTING
Accredited Membership
£75 per year
FREE DIRECTORY LISTING
Fellow Membership
£75 per year
FREE DIRECTORY LISTING
Working together with counsellors
Why ISPC? A therapist-led alternative to rigid counselling memberships
ISPC Membership Overview
Please review our Psychotherapy & Counselling memberships carefully and choose the right level for your stage of practice. If you’re unsure, just get in touch—we’re happy to help.
Our mission is to support better mental health for all—and we’d love you to join us in building healthier communities.
Student Membership
We’re committed to supporting the next generation of counsellors—which is why Student Membership is now free.
This is for you if you’re:
- Currently enrolled in a reputable counselling course, or
- About to begin (or already undertaking) your 100-hour supervised client placement as part of your qualification.
Your training must include classroom-based or accredited online learning in core theoretical approaches to counselling. We welcome online learners—especially those for whom it’s the only accessible option due to disability or circumstance.
You’ll need to provide proof of your course enrolment and supervision arrangements.
All placement hours must be with genuine clients and carried out under qualified supervision.
Associate Membership
Early Career Private Practice Therapists
Open to qualified counsellors and psychotherapists in the early stages of private practice who hold:
- A Level 4 Advanced Diploma (completed full-time in 1 year or part-time over 2 years), or
- A Counselling or Psychology degree.
Training must include core counselling skills and theory, and have been delivered face-to-face. (If you studied online due to disability or accessibility needs, please get in touch—we welcome your application.)
You must also have:
- Completed 100 hours of supervised client work with genuine clients,
- Undertaken personal therapy as required by your course,
- Ongoing supervision in place,
- A reference from your supervisor submitted with your application, this will be asked for as a yearly requirement,
- Proof of your qualifications (all documents will be verified).
And must agree to:
- Completing 30 hours CPD every year
- Obtaining and maintaining Public Indemnity Insurance
- A yearly Supervisor report
- Providing evidence of the above when requested
Associate Benefits
Free Therapist Directory listing – get found by clients, no extra cost.
Private Practice Hub access – templates, tools, and guides to run your practice smoothly.
Simplified ethics – clear, trust-based guidance rooted in real practice, not paperwork.
Peer community – connect with fellow therapists for support, not surveillance.
Have different qualifications but feel you meet the spirit of this level? Get in touch—we’re open to conversations.
Accredited Membership - ISPC(Accredited)
Become Accredited
Entry is open to all Psychotherapists & Counsellors meeting the above criteria and who;
Have 450 hours of tutor led, in person training. (Check our training guide for how this is achieved). Evidence will be required. If you have any disability that means studying online was the only option, please get in touch.
Have been in Practice for 3 years (does not have to be consecutive).
Can provide evidence that 450 hours of supervised practice has been completed.
Have had at least 1.5 hours Supervision per month throughout the duration of the 3 year period.
A report from your supervisor/s that indicates your development. This will be asked for Yearly
Can demonstrate Continued Professional Development (CPD) of 30 hours per year throughout the 3 year period.
Full members are entitled to describe themselves as a Member of the International Society of Professional Counsellors and to adopt the ISPC’s designatory letters ISPC(Accredited) as appropriate
Fellow Membership
Saved for the Most Experienced
Entry is open to all Psychotherapists & Counsellors meeting the above criteria and who;
Have been in Practice for 6 years (does not have to be consecutive).
Have had at least 1.5 hours Supervision per month throughout the duration of the 6 year period.
A report from your supervisor/s that indicates your development. This will be asked for yearly.
Who also hold the minimum qualification of a counselling/counselling psychology Degree and whose studies included counselling theory. However, we do take experience over pieces of paper. Please do get in touch as we are about fairness and equality.
Can demonstrate Continued Professional Development (CPD) of 30 hours per year throughout the 6 year period.
Fellow Members are entitled to describe themselves as a Fellow of the International Society of Professional Counsellors and adopt the ISPC’s designatory letters FISPC as appropriate.
Memberships and More
Memberships are not open to everyone...
Moving from Student to Associate Membership
Once you’ve completed your Level 4 diploma (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time) and met the required standards—including 100 supervised client hours, ongoing supervision, and personal therapy—you can upgrade to Associate Membership, gain full insurance, and receive professional recognition.
Accredited status requires at least 3 years of continuous practice and additional training hours.
We recommend following our Counsellor’s Pathway, which outlines the diploma route. While degree-level training is an option (and may become more relevant in future), it doesn’t guarantee better practice—and often costs significantly more.
ISPC welcomes applications from therapists worldwide, provided your training and values align with our mission to support communities through ethical, effective counselling.
We’re committed to keeping you informed: any updates to ISPC policy, law, or industry standards will be shared on our website—so you can practise with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
Renewing or changing your membership?
If you would like to renew your membership because you have received an automated email from us please click the link below.
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