About

British Council for Therapeutic Professionals (BCTP) Code of Practice

The BCTP is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice, integrity, and client care. Our Code of Practice, encompassing our Principles and our Practice, embodies the core values that unite our diverse membership and guide our work. This Code represents a steadfast commitment to our clients, fostering trust, professionalism, and excellence in therapeutic practice.

Integrity in Principle

Our Principles form the philosophical foundation of the BCTP, uniting our members in a shared vision of ethical and impactful therapy. These values shape our approach to client work, fostering an environment where individuality, creativity, and professional expertise thrive. While therapeutic techniques and modalities may vary, our Principles provide a consistent framework for delivering best-practice care. They reflect our dedication to:

• Client-Centered Individuality: Prioritizing the well-being, dignity, and autonomy of each client as a unique individual, free from assumptions based on race, religion, gender, or other characteristics.
• Ideology-Free Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and accountability by focusing on clinical care without imposing ideological or activist agendas.
• Free Speech and Open Exploration: Championing free speech and fostering open, honest dialogue, including respectful challenge, to support personal growth and diverse perspectives.
• Empirical Strength Building: Rooting our practice in evidence-based approaches that foster resilience and inner strength, encouraging clients to build confidence rather than fragility.  

These Principles guide our members in delivering therapies that are ethical, effective, and aligned with the highest standards of care.

Integrity in Practice

Our Practice outlines the actionable commitments we make to our clients, ensuring an unwavering duty of care. These commitments align with widely recognized ethical standards in the therapeutic community while reflecting the distinct values of the BCTP.   We acknowledge that some overlap exists with guidelines from other professional bodies; however, our Principles distinguish us by emphasizing freedom, individuality, and non-politicized ethical clarity in professional conduct. Our Practice includes:

• Ethical Excellence: Adhering to rigorous ethical standards to protect client welfare and trust.
• Confidentiality and Respect: Safeguarding client privacy and treating all individuals with compassion and respect.
• Professional Development: Committing to ongoing learning and reflection to ensure the highest quality of care.
• Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining open communication with clients and taking responsibility for our professional conduct.

A Living Commitment

The BCTP Code of Practice is a dynamic framework, reflecting the evolving consensus of our membership. It is not intended to be rigid or prescriptive but rather a living document that grows with our organization. As the BCTP evolves, our Code will be regularly reviewed and ratified by our members to ensure it continues to represent the broadest agreement on ethical practice.

Our Community

The BCTP unites experienced professionals from diverse therapeutic backgrounds, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives. We champion ethical practice while celebrating individuality and creativity. Our Code does not restrict the freedom of our members to hold their own views or practice their craft in alignment with their training and beliefs. Instead, it provides a unifying foundation that ensures every client receives compassionate, professional, and ethically sound care.

By adhering to this Code of Practice, the British Council for Therapeutic Professionals and its members reaffirm our dedication to fostering trust, promoting healing, and upholding the highest standards of integrity in therapeutic practice.