Counsellors could be required to register with the Jersey Care Commission and a relevant governing body before being able to practise in the island, if a proposition lodged by a Reform Jersey politician is approved.

Deputy Tom Coles is calling on the Government to introduce regulations for therapeutic counsellors in a bid to protect clients and ensure practitioners meet professional standards.

In a proposition lodged today, Deputy Coles is asking Health Minister Tom Binet to introduce legislation requiring counsellors to register with the Jersey Care Commission and a relevant governing body – such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, or the UK Council for Psychotherapy. 

In a statement, the St Helier politician said this requirement would ensure practitioners meet a minimum standard of qualifications – protecting the “safety and well-being of clients” while also preventing “financial exploitation” where counsellors charge clients for services without providing effective treatment.

Deputy Coles added: “Mental health is a delicate area, and it is crucial that those providing therapeutic counselling are properly qualified and accountable.

“This regulation will not only protect clients but also strengthen the counselling profession as a whole.”

Currently, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, and mental health nurses in Jersey must register with regulatory bodies – but counsellors operate without such oversight.

The lack of regulation means there is no formal complaints process if a counsellor provides inadequate care, according to Deputy Coles. 

“Without a formal complaints or accountability system, clients who experience harm or misconduct have no recourse, leaving others, especially vulnerable individuals, at risk,” he said.

“As a result, the whole counselling profession could suffer a lack of trust and credibility, and this, potentially, could see the demise of valuable services to those who need them.”

The proposition comes as recent data shows a 20% increase in common antidepressant prescriptions compared to pre-pandemic levels, while the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey found that 32% of adults reported high levels of anxiety in 2024.

Patricia Tumelty, CEO of Mind Jersey, has previously supported increased oversight of private therapy practices.

“Some people may not be getting the right level of skills, experience and knowledge that they require and may be expecting,” she said.