Jon Levett notes the importance of checking a therapist’s credentials and the action that can be taken, while Stephanie Calman says it would be useful to have one official licensing and regulation body

There is a lack of understanding of the role of voluntary registers in the regulation of those practising psychotherapy (MPs urge government to regulate UK psychotherapists and counsellors, 9 October). The UK Council for Psychotherapy’s registers of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), only include practitioners who meet our exacting standards, robust training requirements and abide by our ethical and professional code.

For the small minority of clients who are not content with the service they receive from a registered practitioner, we have a clear and effective process for managing and investigating complaints. We will look into cases where there is evidence that calls into question a therapist’s suitability to be on our register. UKCP also accredits training bodies that adhere to our high standards of education and training.