Therapy Under Fire: Why Regulation Matters, But So Does Trust

Therapist's chair surrounded by symbolic flames under a spotlight, representing scrutiny and pressure in the mental health field. — Scrutiny won’t burn us — it sharpens our standards.

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise in the media about therapy, and not the helpful kind. Between The Guardian questioning whether therapists are helping or harming, and Stephen Kinnock MP expressing concerns about unregulated practitioners, it’s no wonder people are feeling a bit unsure about the whole thing.

"Professional bodies like the NCPS have already responded to these concerns, calling for proportionate regulation and public reassurance. Read the full NCPS response."

As a therapist I’ve been listening and like many in this profession, I’ve felt the sting of sweeping generalisations that do not reflect the hard work, dedication, and integrity so many of us bring to our practice. But I also understand where the worry comes from. If I weren’t in this world, I’d probably be asking similar questions: Who can I trust? How do I know someone’s properly trained? Can therapy do more harm than good?

So I want to speak openly, not defensively. I think we should be talking about regulation, about harm, and about the responsibility that comes with sitting across from someone who's vulnerable. But I also want to shine a light on the side of therapy that gets left out, quietly life-changing for so many.

Yes, the Profession Needs Better Protection

Let’s start with what I agree with. Therapy isn’t currently a regulated profession in the UK, and that is a problem. As it stands, anyone can call themselves a therapist and start taking clients. That’s scary. People in emotional pain deserve to know the person they’re opening up to is trained, accountable, and working within a safe ethical framework.

I’ve seen websites and services pop up with no mention of qualifications, supervision, or any recognised code of conduct. I do think that’s dangerous. Just as we wouldn’t want a surgeon without training, we shouldn’t accept untrained therapists working with trauma, grief, or mental health struggles.

So yes, I believe in regulation. I believe in raising the bar to protect people from harm. But here’s where the conversation gets a bit skewed…

Most of Us Are Already Doing the Work

I’ve personally spent years training, reflecting, working on myself, and being supervised to make sure I’m safe to work with others and I’m not alone. Many therapists in private practice have 4–6 years of training under their belt before seeing clients independently. We belong to professional bodies like BACP, UKCP, or NCPS, which means we follow strict codes of ethics, invest in ongoing professional development, and are held accountable if something goes wrong.

We’re not cowboys. We’re not charlatans. We’re professionals who care deeply about the people who come through our doors. But when media headlines suggest therapy is full of harm, or that anyone can set up a practice, it erases the effort and integrity of the majority.

It also ignores the fact that many people turn to private therapy because they’ve been let down elsewhere: long NHS waiting lists, rushed GP appointments, or abrupt endings that leave them feeling worse than when they started. That’s not to blame the NHS—those services are under immense pressure. But it’s important to understand that private therapy often steps in when the system can’t cope.

Therapy Can Help, And Yes, It Can Harm.

Let’s be honest, therapy isn’t magic and when done badly, it can cause harm. I’ve heard stories of clients being retraumatised, misunderstood, or pushed beyond what they were ready to face. That’s real, and we shouldn’t shy away from it.

But that doesn’t mean therapy as a whole is dangerous. Just like medicine, it needs to be delivered safely, with the right training and awareness. The solution isn’t to scare people off. It’s to make sure they know how to choose a therapist wisely: to check credentials, to ask about supervision, to trust their gut if something feels off.

I also think we need to talk more about what makes therapy work—not just in academic terms, but in real human ones. Trust. Empathy. Safety. The feeling of being really heard, sometimes for the first time in your life. That’s what good therapy can offer. That’s the bit that doesn’t always make headlines, but changes lives every single day.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Really Going On?

What I find confusing is the mixed messaging. On the one hand, we’ve got government ministers criticising therapists and raising alarm bells about unregulated practice. On the other, we’ve got a mental health crisis and rising demand for support. We’re told people are out of work because of poor mental health, yet the people who are trained to help them are being undermined. Government strategies often highlight the need for better mental health support, but implementation remains a challenge."

It’s frustrating. There’s a whole workforce of qualified, ethical therapists ready to support people, but we’re often overlooked or underpaid and I can’t help but wonder if part of the issue is that therapy is often undervalued as a profession. There’s something here about how we see emotional labour, how society rewards (or doesn’t reward) those who listen for a living. It’s work that matters, and that needs to be recognised.

Moving Forward: What Clients Deserve to Know

So where does this leave us? If you’re someone considering therapy, here’s what I’d want you to know:

Ask questions. A good therapist won’t mind. What’s their training? Are they accredited? How do they work? Do they have supervision?
Check professional membership. Look for BACP, UKCP, NCPS, or equivalent. These bodies have codes of ethics and complaints procedures in place.
Know your rights. Therapy should feel safe, collaborative, with clear boundaries. You never have to stay with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
There is no shame in asking for help. Don’t let scare stories put you off. Trust yourself to find the right fit.

For my part, I’m committed to ongoing training, ethical practice, and doing everything I can to make sure my clients feel respected, safe, and heard. I believe in the power of therapy, but I also believe it’s something we have to earn trust in, not assume it.

In the end, this isn’t about defending the profession at all costs. It’s about holding it to a higher standard because it matters. Because people matter. Let’s have the conversation about regulation, about harm, and about standards, but let’s also not forget the quiet, transformative work that goes on every day behind closed therapy room doors.

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also an act of courage and self-care. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about exploring your thoughts and emotions, I’m here to help. My practice offers a safe, supportive space where we can work together to navigate whatever challenges you’re facing. If you’re ready to start your journey or have any questions, feel free to get in touch. Let’s take that first step together.

👉 www.jonnylindsaycounselling.co.uk

✍️ Parts of this article were crafted using AI as a collaborative writing tool. Every word was reviewed, edited, and shaped by me to reflect my voice and values as a therapist committed to transparency and ethical practice.