Becoming a full member of ACPS

We welcome applications from accredited Psychotherapists/Counsellors

ACPS is based in central Bristol and offers a variety of approaches in psychotherapy and counselling. ACPS is an independent charity founded in 1988 and welcomes members from diverse backgrounds. We manage the service in a collaborative way.

Additional benefits of full membership:
  • Be part of a vibrant, supportive community of practitioners
  • Use of a low-cost consultation room in central Bristol
  • An opportunity to shape the future of the organisation
  • The opportunity to be involved in supporting development of trainee therapists
  • An opportunity to gain CPD hours

What membership of ACPS means to our members

‘For me, the main benefit of membership has been the opportunity to develop my therapeutic practice whilst being part of a diverse and vibrant team.
In particular, I have enjoyed being able to contribute to the culture and thinking at ACPS and in this way shape our service so that we can be more inclusive and sensitive to the needs of the community that we are part of and serve. ‘
‘I feel part of a supportive group of people who share similar values with regard to the provision of therapy, and are involved in the development of the organisation.
Everybody contributes to ACPS in different ways. The collaborative manner of working and the lean structure of the organisation allows room for particular interests to be discussed and incorporated.’
‘The ACPS is an environment where one feels supported as a practitioner and respected and appreciated for what one brings.
There is a sense of working together for a common and very worthwhile purpose. It is a priceless opportunity to work with clients who may not otherwise be able to access therapy. That we are eclectic and non-doctrinaire means that we can learn from different perspectives and can be responsive to the needs of individual clients. It is also beneficial not only for me as the practitioner, but also for clients, to be associated with an established and well-regarded organisation.
‘Membership of ACPS brings membership of a community of experienced therapists, and the challenge and satisfaction of working co-operatively.
For me membership of ACPS most importantly gives me the opportunity be involved in a charity which aims to enable low-income clients to access therapy which they might not otherwise be able to afford.’
‘I chose ACPS as I was looking for an organisation that I would want to be part of; that would enable effective therapy to happen and to be part of a healthy ethos.
  I have found that it is an organisation that each member can have an individual voice as well as being part of a collective whole.  It is a place where I can concentrate on building a private practice at a pace that suits me and yet also have the assurance of being part of something bigger.
‘I joined ACPS because I was at the stage where I wanted to develop my private practice whilst at the same time I wanted to maintain a close connection with colleagues, having always worked within organisations.
I also like the idea that ACPS wasn’t just a collective of therapists; that it was a charity with charitable aims. I saw ACPS as unique in offering the opportunity to offer low-fee work to clients that was subsidised. This also provides me with a varied caseload. Finally I have enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the development of a charity that is doing such vital work.’

Requirements:

We welcome applications for full membership from practising counsellors and psychotherapists who:

  • are accredited/registered with BPC, UKCP, or BACP
  • have a psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, humanistic, integrative or compatible orientation
  • will be able to work within ACPS on a self-employed basis
  • will be an enthusiastic contributor to a co-operatively run organization
  • ideally can offer other non-clinical skills that will contribute to the running of the service

How to apply

If you feel you may be interested, we would invite you to begin with an exploratory discussion with one of our members. To arrange this please email us using the form on the right, or call 0117 930 4447. 

To formally apply, please complete the Application Form available from the link below and contact us for further instructions either by phone or using the form on the right. . 

The application process includes an application form and a 30 minute interview.  Below are links to documents that you will need to complete your application.  If you have any enquiries that are not answered by the documents please contact us using the form on the right, or by phone. 

Application Form 2022

Further Information for Applicants

ACPS Members Agreement

ACPS Code of Ethics

Current ACPS Members