Principles & Practice

We focus exclusively on clinical care. We will not use the therapeutic hour for activism or to advance any social, political, or ideological agenda.  As therapeutic professionals we believe our personal politics should be left at the door.  The therapeutic hour belongs to our client.

Our work is rooted in evidence-informed and scientifically supported therapeutic approaches, grounded in peer-reviewed outcome research or well-established clinical consensus.

We respect every client’s beliefs, values, and perspectives - political or otherwise - without judgment, endorsement, or censure.  

Our role is not simply to 'affirm' views that are expressed, but to engage openly, honestly, with occasional challenge, in the service of our clients.

We treat all people as unique individuals.   Every client is treated as a unique person. No assumptions - positive or negative - are made on the basis of protected characteristics or group identity. 

We foster resilience, not fragility, encouraging the development of inner strength (in ourselves too) rather than reinforcing cycles of victimhood.

We champion free speech, believing it fosters personal and societal growth, and reject efforts to silence diverse perspectives.   We defend the client’s (and therapist’s) right to voice any opinion in session without fear of sanction, provided it is legal and non-abusive.

Members place the well-being, dignity, and autonomy of each client at the core of their practice. Services are provided competently and collaboratively, with the client's goals directing the therapeutic process. Where a member's expertise is limited, prompt referral to a suitable colleague is made, preserving confidentiality. Informed consent is obtained at the outset and revisited as circumstances evolve, clearly outlining the nature of therapy, potential benefits and risks, fees, session frequency, and cancellation terms. Clients are empowered to shape the focus of sessions without coercion, and their right to withdraw at any time is upheld. In situations involving potential harm to self or others, confidentiality limits are explained transparently from the start, with interventions respecting client agency to the fullest extent possible. For children, young people, or vulnerable adults, consent processes consider capacity and best interests, involving relevant guardians only as legally required, and using methods appropriate to the client's developmental stage.

Client information is protected with the utmost diligence, shared only with explicit, informed consent or when compelled by law (such as safeguarding duties, court orders, or reporting serious crimes). Limits to confidentiality are discussed and documented early, ensuring clients understand the "confidentiality circle" and any necessary disclosures to supervisors or authorities. Records are kept accurate, concise, and factual - free of ideological interpretation - stored securely in line with UK data protection legislation (e.g., UK GDPR). Clients have the right to access, review, or request amendments to their records within 14 days. Case discussions in supervision or training are fully anonymized, and no session recordings are made without prior written consent and a clear purpose aligned with therapeutic goals.

Therapeutic relationships are built on clarity, respect, and equality, with boundaries maintained to safeguard objectivity and prevent exploitation. Members provide comprehensive information upfront about their qualifications, MBCTP status, methods, and the therapeutic process, enabling clients to make informed choices. Dual or multiple relationships (e.g., social, financial, or professional overlaps) are avoided where possible; if unavoidable - such as in small communities - they are fully documented, supervised, and reviewed for impact on the client. Personal beliefs, agendas, or external influences are never introduced into the therapeutic space unless directly raised by the client for exploration. Sexual, romantic, or abusive contact with current or recent clients, their close associates, or supervisees is strictly prohibited. For former clients, caution is exercised in any new interactions, avoiding intimate relationships unless sufficient time and independent support have resolved power dynamics. Online or remote sessions uphold identical boundaries, with a distinct professional digital presence to minimize unintended overlaps. Endings or interruptions - planned or unforeseen - are managed sensitively, with advance notice, a review of progress, and arrangements for continuity of care if needed.

Supervision is a cornerstone of ethical practice, providing structured reflection on client work, ethical dilemmas, and adherence to the Code.  

Full Members receive at least 1.5 hours clinical supervision per month (18 hours/year) from a supervisor aligned with BCTP Principles, ensuring discussions remain client-centered and free from ideological bias. Supervision extends beyond case review to encompass personal resilience, boundary management, and professional growth, with records retained for seven years. Members model ethical conduct in supervisory roles, fostering open, non-judgmental dialogue while upholding confidentiality. Annual reviews of supervisory arrangements confirm their effectiveness, and any conflicts (e.g., with line management) are resolved to preserve independence.

Members deliver services only within the scope of their training, experience, and current knowledge, committing to fundamental professional standards or higher. Qualifications, years of practice, and MBCTP status are disclosed accurately on request, without exaggeration or unsubstantiated claims about outcomes. Adequate professional indemnity insurance is maintained at all times. To sustain competence, members engage in at least 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) annually, with a minimum of 50% focused on modality-specific skills or evidence-informed research. Personal well-being is monitored proactively to prevent impairment, with support sought as needed to ensure reliable practice. Collaboration with colleagues - such as for multidisciplinary care - is pursued ethically, respecting client consent and maintaining independence. Legal and ethical obligations, including data protection and equality laws, are understood and applied judiciously.

Honesty and accountability underpin all professional interactions. Members communicate openly about their methods, limitations, and any known risks, avoiding guarantees of therapeutic success. Advertising and public statements reflect verifiable facts - such as qualifications and experience - and promote the value of client-centered therapy without disparaging other bodies. Financial dealings are transparent, with fees agreed in advance and any changes notified promptly. Where ethical dilemmas arise, members seek guidance through supervision or ethical consultation, documenting decisions for accountability. Incidents of potential harm are addressed with candour: clients are informed promptly, appropriate apologies and remedial actions taken, and lessons integrated into future practice via supervision.

Members accept full responsibility for their conduct, cooperating fully with any inquiries and using feedback to enhance their practice. Fitness-to-practice concerns, including health or legal issues, are self-reported to supervisors without delay. Clients are informed at the outset about how to raise issues, including the BCTP complaints process, and are encouraged to voice dissatisfaction early for resolution. Complaints are handled transparently and impartially by an independent panel (comprising two Full Members and one lay advisor), with investigations completed within 30 days. Our full complaints and disciplinary procedures are found here.  We are working toward Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register status within three years; interim complaints are handled by an independent panel (two Full Members + one lay advisor)Possible outcomes include mediation, mandatory training, suspension, or expulsion, with expelled members losing  MBCTP or other designated post-nominals. Insights from complaints inform ongoing Code reviews, promoting collective improvement while protecting public trust.