FACTBC has always believed in the standards of its member associations. As a consequence, it is our view that these practitioners are ready to be regulated. This belief underlies our preparation of the draft Registration Process which we can offer to the regulatory body which we eventually join. Our proposed registration process provides for direct access to regulated status for the qualified legacy members of our participating professional associations, complemented by a detailed registration process for subsequent applicants and those outside FACTBC. In this, we are following the path already taken by the other provinces where Counselling Therapy or Psychotherapy has been regulated.
It is likely that BC’s eventual standards for Counselling Therapist regulation will be very much aligned with those of the other provinces. Given this likelihood plus the existence of emerging national standards for regulation of the profession, there are not many changes needed to become ready for regulation. We would already be regulated as Counselling Therapists if only they were in another province.
In summary, the standards of the member associations of FACTBC have met the test for regulation in other provinces and we have faith that our practitioner’s readiness for regulation will be recognized when our profession achieves its goal of formal regulation under the Health Professions and Occupation Act.