In this post, I’m taking an honest look at accreditation. I’ll explore what accreditation actually means, why some counsellors choose to go for it, what the process involves, and how to decide whether it’s the right step for you. I’ll also talk about why choosing not to become accredited can be just as valid.
Many people ask:
- Is it worth it?
- Should I bother?
- Is accreditation just a huge administrative headache?
By the end of this blog, you should have a clearer sense of whether accreditation is something you want to pursue, now or in the future.
If you’d prefer to listen rather than read, I also explore this topic in more depth in a recent episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast.
If you would like to subscribe to the podcast, click here.
Why Accreditation Matters Now for UK Therapists
On 30th January 2026, the SCoPEd transition period comes to an end. For BACP members, this means previous accreditation guidelines close and guidance will be issued from mid February to ensure candidates qualify under the new ScopEd framework.
If you’re thinking about BACP accreditation in particular, you essentially have two options. You can aim to complete it before the end of January, or you can apply later under the newer requirements, which involve demonstrating that you meet the SCoPEd competencies for Column B.
If, like me, you qualified with a Level 4 diploma at a time when Level 5 courses weren’t widely available, you’re likely to sit in Column A. Accreditation can be one of the ways to move from Column A to Column B.
What Does Accreditation Actually Mean for Counsellors?
There’s a lot of misunderstanding around accreditation. Many counsellors feel it’s just another hoop, another qualification, and wonder what the point is.
It can help to step back and think about what it means to be part of a profession.
In established professions such as medicine or law, there are usually two stages. First, people complete their initial qualification. Then, after a period of practice, they are assessed by their peers to confirm that they meet a recognised professional standard.
That peer assessment is key. Only doctors can judge doctors. Only lawyers can judge lawyers. Professional bodies exist to uphold those standards.
Counselling is still developing in this way, but accreditation fits into that same framework. Your initial qualification allows you to practise. We all know that. Accreditation comes later and is about demonstrating that, with experience, supervision, CPD and reflection, you meet an agreed professional standard.
What accreditation is really saying is that your peers have looked at your work and agreed that your experience, learning and practice add up to agreed professional standards.
That doesn’t mean you suddenly become competent overnight. And it absolutely does not mean that therapists who aren’t accredited are less skilled. It simply means that accredited therapists have chosen to submit their work for peer assessment.
You don’t have to do it. You can stay in Column A if you want to. But it can be worth considering.
Why Some Counsellors Choose Accreditation
There are a few reasons why therapists decide to go for it.
- Some EAPs, insurance providers and organisations prefer or require accredited therapists because it is a marker of professional competence post-qualification. It can open doors to additional work alongside private practice.
- Public trust. As conversations about harm in therapy appear more often in the media, some members of the public actively look for accredited therapists. In articles, you’ll often see advice like “look for an accredited counsellor”. It’s a bit like checking whether a gas fitter is registered. It’s not the only measure of quality, but it’s a recognisable marker of professional standards.
And then there’s a third reason, which was why I chose to become accredited.
Accreditation as a Personal & Professional Milestone
I wanted to demonstrate to myself that I had reached that professional standard.
Many people who go through accreditation say that the most valuable part isn’t the certificate, but the reflective process. Looking back over your work helps you see how you’ve grown since qualifying.
We often leave training with lots of theory, but it’s only through practice that we really become the therapist we are. Accreditation can be a moment where you recognise that development.
For integrative therapists in particular, it encourages you to articulate the theory that holds your work together. Assessors are looking for coherence, not complexity. That reflection can be grounding and confidence building.
For me, it was reassuring. It helped me feel that I was on the right lines.
What Does the Accreditation Process Involve?
At a very basic level, you need to gather evidence.
You log your client and supervision hours. Only supervised hours count, and your supervisor needs to sign them off.
You write a case study, showing how you worked with a client and how that work links to your theoretical approach. When I applied, I chose a clearly person-centred case because that was my core model.
You demonstrate ongoing learning, ethical practice, inclusivity and safe working. These are professional standards, not academic hoops.
There are clear criteria, and if you’ve trained as a counsellor, you already know how to work to criteria. It’s very similar to what you’ve done before in training.
Common Fears About Accreditation
Fear of Academic Writing for Accreditation
One of the biggest barriers is fear of academic writing. I understand that, but if you’ve written case studies before, you can do this.
Imposter Syndrome about Accreditation
Another is imposter syndrome. That feeling of not being good enough, of thinking other people are more competent.
But think about what you do every day. You sit with clients, you listen, you use your skills, and clients keep coming back. That is what accreditation is asking you to describe.
You don’t need to write pages of theory. You need to show how you work and why you work that way.
Believing you’re not good enough is a thought, not a fact. Studies suggest that at least 70% of people experience imposter syndrome.Therefore that feeling is not actually true, it’s just something that shows up when you’re moving out of your comfort zone.
Take the process step by step, perhaps starting with what is easiest for you (e.g., gathering evidence of your hours) first. Remember to include lots of self-care as you tackle the challenge.
There is no deadline unless you set one for yourself. If January feels too rushed, that’s okay. You can take your time, look at the updated requirements, and work towards it gradually.
How to Decide if Accreditation is Right for You?
Some useful questions to ask yourself are:
- Do you meet the criteria?
- Would it open opportunities you want?
- Are you doing it because you feel you should, or because it genuinely feels like the next step?
For me, I’ll be honest. A colleague I trained with got accredited, and my competitive streak kicked in. I wanted to prove I was good enough too! That was the push I needed.
And I’ve never regretted doing it. I still renew my accreditation every year. Has it made a huge difference to clients? Probably not. But it has reassured some people, supported some opportunities, and mattered to me.
If you do want to apply, my practical tip is to start by gathering your evidence. That feels manageable and builds momentum. I left the case study until last and set aside a couple of weekends to do the writing. Once I started, it came together quickly.
What if You Decide Not to Become Accredited?
If you’re reading this and thinking, no, this isn’t for me, that’s completely fine.
You can stay in Column A. You are still a good therapist. Accreditation is not a measure of your worth.
Many therapists build thriving private practices through good marketing, clear niches and strong client relationships, without formal accreditation. That is just as valid and I can support you to grow your practice in my membership, Therapy Growth Group.
Accreditation is a choice. It can be a useful milestone, but it doesn’t define you.
You are allowed to choose the path that fits your practice, your clients, and the life you are building.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accreditation for Counsellors
Do I have to be accredited to work as a counsellor in the UK?
No. Accreditation is not a legal requirement to practise as a counsellor in the UK. If you are properly qualified, insured and supervised you can practise ethically without being accredited. Many counsellors work successfully in private practice without accreditation.
Is accreditation the same as being qualified?
No. Your qualification allows you to practise. Accreditation is a post-qualification recognition that looks at your experience, supervision, CPD, and reflective practice over time. It’s about demonstrating professional development rather than completing another training course.
How many hours do I need for BACP accreditation?
For BACP accreditation, you need a total of 450 supervised practice hours. Some of these hours can come from placement work completed during training. All counted hours must have been supervised and signed off.
Is accreditation very academic or theory-heavy?
Accreditation does involve reflective writing, but it’s not about writing essays full of theory. Assessors are looking for clarity about how you work with clients and how your practice is informed by your chosen approach. If you’ve written case studies during training, you already have the skills needed.
What if I don’t feel confident enough to apply yet?
That’s very common. Many counsellors delay applying because of self-doubt or imposter syndrome rather than a lack of competence. Accreditation doesn’t require perfection or groundbreaking work. It requires safe, ethical, reflective practice. You can also take your time and work towards it gradually.
Will accreditation help me get more clients?
Possibly, but not always. Some clients and organisations specifically look for accredited therapists, and it can open doors to certain types of work. However, many counsellors build full practices through good marketing, clear niches, and word of mouth rather than accreditation alone.
What if I decide not to become accredited at all?
That is a valid choice. Accreditation is not a measure of your worth or effectiveness as a therapist. You can remain in Column A, practise ethically, and build a thriving career without it. You’re allowed to choose the path that fits your values, your practice, and your life.