This is an opportunity for counsellors/psychotherapists working in Scotland to contribute to a consultation process being carried out by the Scottish branch of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Union in collaboration with academics across Scotland (John McLeod, Kate Smith, Susan Stephen) ahead of an event to be held in Stirling on Saturday 2 November 2024 (to register for event, see Events list).
The online consultation groups (dates below) will be facilitated by either Kate Smith (University of Aberdeen) or Jo Heaton (PCU Scotland). We will use a SCOT analysis format (strengths/positives, challenges, opportunities and threats) to discuss (a) our current experiences as practitioners and (b) the current landscape of counselling service provision in Scotland. Time permitting, we will also think together about our vision for the future of counselling in Scotland. The material that we produce in the group will be summarised (without any personally identifying details) and fed into discussions at the November event.
Online consultation groups
- Tuesday 3rd September (6pm – 8pm)
- Thursday 5th September (9.30am – 11am)
- Saturday 7th September (12pm – 2pm)
- Sunday 15th September (10am – 11.30am)
If you would like to take part in one of the online consultation groups, please email Jo at
We will ask you to complete a brief online questionnaire to gather an indication of the contexts in which participants in our consultations practice. Responses will be collated and stored anonymously.
If you are unable to attend one of the online consultation groups, you can contribute to the consultation process by completing this online form.
Background statement
In January, PCU Scotland Branch co-hosted an event with the Counselling unit at Strathclyde University. The event intended to raise awareness of two significant initiatives, SCoPEd and the Scottish Government’s MH&W strategy, that will shape the future of the counselling and psychotherapy profession and the landscape in which services are provided in Scotland. The event in January was a first step in starting a conversation amongst practitioners, towards us having a say in what that future looks like.
We are planning to hold a follow-up event in Stirling on 2 November 2024 (details to follow). An event where we establish what the situation is now, identify the mechanisms for change and to establish a common voice that represents the interests of the profession. A common position and vision for the future of the profession that we can campaign for. We would like to invite as many practitioners as possible to contribute to the conversation.
To prepare for this event, we are holding online consultation meetings over the summer.