Real Choice for Real Change

The Scottish Government, Health Boards and other agencies are making decisions now that will have a huge impact on what therapies are available within the Health Service in Scotland. There is a push to focus on one form of therapy, namely cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This mirrors what has already happened in England and Wales (but without the level of funding).

Whilst CBT may well be of value for some people, psychological needs differ greatly and no one type of therapy 'fits all'. We need to take action to safeguard the availability of person centred therapy and other established and evidence-based therapies in Scotland.

This issue impacts on everyone – whether or not we are directly involved in Health. The Health Service is the main deliverer of psychological therapies (and the only one available to those with little money). If person centred therapy is ‘sidelined’ in the health service, this sidelines us all.

We want Scotland to lead the way in championing the principle of choice - thereby providing services that can make long-term, real change in more people's lives.

To try and make a difference, PCT Scotland launched a 'Real Choice for Real Change' campaign in the summer of 2008.

• supporting an increase in the availability of free therapy/counselling – but one that ensures people are given choice in the range of psychological therapies available
• countering the myth of superiority of CBT over other forms of therapy - particularly PCT
• raising the profile of person centred therapy/counselling

• someone who has used counselling
• a member of PCTS or any other relevant organisation
• involved in an organisation with influence on the mental health agenda in Scotland
• supportive of any of our campaign aims