From the 15th of May 2023, we will officially be changing our name to the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
Our new and improved website is coming soon!
Membership of the Society is a partnership. We're here to listen to, to support, and to work hard on behalf of our members. Our members are our expertise, and one of the fundamental principles both upon which the Society was founded as well as continuing to this day is that of being member-led, which is why we consult our members and ensure they have the final say on all key decisions.
From student membership for those starting out on their journeys, to Fellowship for those who have been in the profession for a significant amount of time and contributed greatly to the richness and heart of our vocation, we offer a home to those who are passionate about autonomy, about growing and learning together, and about representing the importance of counselling and psychotherapy to the wider world.
No matter what stage you're at in your journey - whether you're just starting out at the beginning of your training, or if you've been in practice for many years - there are many ways in which your membership with the Society can directly benefit you and the work you do.
From resources, to discounts, to free CPD, to the support of our friendly and knowledgeable team, there's so much for you to enjoy.
We recognise that our members are people, not numbers, and that your membership with us is a partnership where we are here to learn and grow through your expertise and passion.
We also work hard to uphold and promote the Professional Standards Authority's Accredited Register programme to demonstrate to Government, employers, and members of the public, advocating for counselling and counsellors and ensuring greater opportunities for paid work.
Our members have a direct voice in shaping the Society's policies, and are consulted on all key decisions we make. Our members are our expertise, and we're proud to be a member-led organisation.
We keep our membership costs low by ensuring that everything we do at our head office is streamlined and sensible. We're environmentally friendly, with over 99% of our work now being done online (we do offer paper versions for those who don't have access to the internet or a computer). We're accessible, with a library of text-only and audio-recorded resources that we're building on constantly. For the cost, we offer a great deal to our members.
We have a wealth of resources that will support our members in growing their private practice, including comprehensive and easy-to-read guidance on a variety of relevant topics, discounts on your insurance, discounts on accountancy software, advice about lone working and more
Applying for professional membership and accreditation was a very thorough and professional process and I have found since becoming a member that I am immediately sent important announcements and don't have to wait until the monthly newsletter is released. I found the organisation is fair in their assessment of members and they holistically looked at my contributions to the counselling profession. I found too, that contact I have made with the National Counselling Society, my queries has been responded to quickly. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I wished I had changed my professional body sooner and joined The National Counselling Society earlier.
I joined NCS many years ago. I was thinking of applying to another professional body for accreditation, but when I saw how 'wholesome' the NCS application form was I chose to go with NCS. It has been a tremendous support, not only through its very worthy and regular newsletter but also when I have made contact to become fully informed around an ethical issue. My other source of advice was nowhere near as informative or supportive.
Joining the Society is a straightforward process, and you'll be given advice and support at each step of the way should you need it. Our team are always on hand to answer any questions you might have.
You'll need to give us your name and your email address to start the process off, as well as letting us know which membership level you'd like to apply for, and if you qualify for a reduced fee.
Once you've got access to the Members' Area, you'll be able to complete your application for membership by submitting all of the necessary documents. This will include a copy of your photo ID and any relevant qualifications or enrolments as a minimum. You'll be given full guidance on everything that we're asking for, and if you have any questions you can always phone the team who'll be able to talk you through it.
At this point you can already enjoy all of the benefits of membership, with the exception of being on our Accredited Register if that's what you've applied for. Rest assured it won't take long until you can enjoy that, too.
Once you've submitted everything we've requested for the membership level for which you're applying, please allow up to eight weeks for us to review everything. We may come back to you with some questions or ask for a little bit more information, but rest assured that we'll give you all the guidance we can to support you. Once we've confirmed your membership level, then you can advertise your membership (if you've been awarded Registration), and continue to enjoy all the other benefits of your membership.
We'd be delighted to hear from you. Please call us Mon-Thurs 9.30am-5pm Friday 9.30am-3pm on 01903 200 666 or email us via our contact form.
