About the SCoPEd framework
The Scope of Practice and Education for Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCoPEd) framework outlines the core training, practice and competency requirements for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults. It was developed collaboratively by six professional bodies, all of which hold registers accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
The framework of competences is organised around five key themes that represent the core areas of work for counsellors and psychotherapists.
Theme 1 – Professional framework
Competences for setting professional and ethical boundaries, and working within an ethical, legal and professional framework to create a safe therapeutic space for the counselling or psychotherapy to take place.
Theme 2 – Assessment
Competences which focus on assessing the needs of diverse clients or patients within a clear framework for understanding psychological distress, which takes account of risk and the need to work within personal limits
Theme 3 – Therapeutic relationship
Competences which focus on establishing and developing an authentic and enabling therapeutic relationship which concentrates on the particular needs of diverse clients or patients, from the first stages of establishing rapport through to a safe ending. This theme recognises the central importance of the therapeutic relationship in therapy and the need to understand how to work with the relationship, including managing difficulties and ruptures.
Theme 4 - Knowledge and skills
Competences that outline ability to relate theory to practice, which shows understanding of the individual, their difficulties and the process of change within a clear framework of skills and knowledge.
Theme 5 – Self awareness and reflection
Competences that show the ability to use self-awareness, self-knowledge, self-challenge, reflexivity and supervision to ensure the best interests of diverse clients and patients are at the forefront of the work.
Equity, diversity and inclusion competences are integrated throughout the framework, highlighting the importance of embedding these principles in all aspects of therapeutic practice.
Role of SCoPEd framework
The SCoPEd framework plays a key role in unifying standards within the counselling and psychotherapy profession, offering greater clarity on the skills, knowledge, training and experience of the members and registrants of our partner organisations.
This approach differentiates highly trained and qualified therapists who are aligned to the SCoPEd framework from those who complete training that does not meet the minimum standards identified in the framework.
Ultimately, it helps counselling and psychotherapy to be better understood, valued and trusted by clients, employers, commissioners and the public.
