Research priorities in the psychological therapies: View from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

This paper seeks to summarise recent discussions within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) about the strategic direction and priorities for the organisation, the profession as a whole and, ultimately, the service users. The standing research policy commitment to a pluralist approach to research is affirmed and a number of competing approaches are briefly considered. The direction of general policy and specific aims are noted. The paper does not seek to define a BACP position, as such, and is intended to stimulate further debate and discussion which will feed directly into the development of the BACP research policies and activities during this crucial development period.

Key words:

• research priorities
• counselling
• psychotherapy
• policy
• strategy
• qualitative/quantitative methods