Associated Professional Membership Criteria – National Alliance of Counsellors and Psychotherapists

National Alliance of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (NACP)

Associated Professional Membership is for individuals working in adjacent or complementary fields who share a commitment to ethical, client-centred support.

This membership category welcomes coaches, wellbeing practitioners, mental health professionals, social workers, holistic therapists, educators, and others whose work supports emotional, psychological, or relational wellbeing — but who are not qualified as counsellors or psychotherapists.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Work in a Relevant or Aligned Profession

You must be currently working, studying, or actively involved in a field that complements or supports the aims of counselling and psychotherapy. This includes but is not limited to:

Life coaches, therapeutic coaches, NLP practitioners
Hypnotherapists, mindfulness instructors
Social workers, youth workers, educators
Complementary therapists (e.g., Reiki, massage, somatic work)
Support workers and case managers in mental health or wellbeing services
Mental health professionals (non-therapy qualified)

You may be self-employed, employed within an organisation, or in training.

2. Demonstrate Commitment to Ethical Practice

Associated members must:

Agree to follow the NACP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, adapted to your scope of practice
Commit to safe, non-discriminatory, and inclusive working relationships
Operate with appropriate boundaries, consent, and confidentiality principles
Be open to reflective practice and development

3. Hold Relevant Training or Experience

You must demonstrate:

Appropriate training or certification related to your field (e.g., coaching diploma, wellbeing qualification, professional registration), or
Significant practical experience in your role (e.g., years of work in a therapeutic or support setting)

We welcome both newly trained professionals and those with an established background.

4. Provide a Professional or Character Reference

You must submit one recent reference from a colleague, supervisor, trainer, or manager who can comment on your professional conduct and alignment with ethical standards.

5. Maintain Appropriate Professional Boundaries

Associated Professional Members are not recognised by the NACP as counsellors or psychotherapists. If your work includes therapy, you must apply for Certified or Accredited Membership. Associated Members agree:

To represent their role clearly to clients and in marketing
Not to use counselling/psychotherapy titles unless appropriately qualified
To refer or collaborate with NACP therapist members where appropriate

What You Receive as an Associated Member

Access to the NACP Member Toolkit
Templates and resources that support ethical practice and client care
CPD tracking tools and supervision log templates
Member rates for supervision (if relevant)
Access to webinars, updates, and industry insights
Recognition as an NACP member in your professional field

How to Apply

If you are confident that you meet the criteria, you should purchase membership by clicking here. Once your payment is processed, a membership team member will make contact with a secure link for you to supply your evidence of eligibility.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for membership please contact our team at membership@nacp.co.uk BEFORE purchasing membership through our site. Those who purchase membership and fail eligibility checks will receive a refund minus an administration fee of £30.