Plans to bring in a legal requirement for the registration of counsellors were voted down by politicians this week.
Deputy Tom Coles had put forward a proposal calling for all counsellors to be legally required to register with the Jersey Care Commission and a recognised UK governing body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The Reform Jersey politician warned that the current lack of oversight left vulnerable individuals at risk, with no formal complaints process for those who experience poor or harmful treatment.
“We owe the people of Jersey the security of knowing that if we are going to let people trade in services that may influence people’s minds then their element of trust should be supported by the government,” he said.
But States Members this week voted by 26 to 18 to reject his proposition.
Health Minister Tom Binet said he did not believe the idea was proportionate or effective, pointing out that such services were not regulated in the UK, with no evidence – he added – of risk.
“I don’t believe that we can afford to continue regulating everything that moves, burdening service providers and increasing the size and costs of the state,” he said.
Deputy Binet said that rather than bringing in legislation, he intended to launch a public awareness campaign later this year advising islanders on how to check whether a therapist is accredited.
The campaign, expected to cost around £5,000, will include online information, social media posts, posters, leaflets, digital adverts, and engagement with mental health organisations to raise awareness of the issue.
“This is a proportionate, non-legislative policy approach to the issue which recognises, and seeks to mitigate, a potential risk to the public posed by unaccredited therapeutic counsellors in Jersey,” said Deputy Binet.