UKCP

29/05/2026

Speaker spotlight: Dr Paula Hall

Dr Paula Hall is a UKCP psychotherapist, author and founder of Laurel Centre, specialising in s*x and po*******hy addiction and compulsive s*xual behaviour.

In her session, 'The illusion of intimacy: how po*******hy fractures and fosters connection', Paula examines the paradox of po*******hy use, how it is often sought as a remedy for loneliness yet can deepen isolation and damage relationships.

She also explores whether emerging forms of digital connection might fulfil unmet intimacy needs and what this asks of our evolving understanding of connection and s*xuality.

Short on time? Attend just one day and still gain valuable insights and connections. Join us on either Friday, 19 or Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Mary Ward House, London.

Book your place: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/events/ukcp-conference-2026-threads-across-the-divide-weaving-connections-in-a-fragmented-world/

29/05/2026

Today, UKCP will attend the first of three PCPB Commission on the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy sessions dedicated to the devolved nations.

These sessions will revisit topics discussed by the commission, exploring how they affect psychotherapists and counsellors across the devolved nations.

We have consulted with our members in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and look forward to sharing their insights.

Find out more about the PCPB Commission on the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy: https://www.pcpb.org.uk/about-partnership/policy-and-engagement/commission-on-the-future-of-counselling-and-psychotherapy-professions/

You can also read a roundup of the third PCPB Commission session here: https://www.pcpb.org.uk/commission-for-the-future-of-counselling-and-psychotherapy-third-evidence-session-roundup/

The Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy was launched in October 2025 and will examine the current and future landscape of the professions and the key issues affecting the sector, professionals, services and clients, drawing on expert and lived experience, alongside input from....

27/05/2026

Speaker spotlight: Sheetal Amin

Sheetal Amin is a UKCP psychotherapist and trainer with a focus on diversity, representation and inclusion within the psychotherapy profession.

In a joint session with Mamood Ahmad, 'Bridging the relational divide: sameness, difference and the wholeness solution', Sheetal examines why diverse representation of therapists, modalities, cultures and perspectives matters at every level of the profession.

Her session explores how greater representation can better serve those who feel marginalised or under-represented and what it means for the profession to truly reflect the communities it supports.

Not a UKCP member? The UKCP Conference 2026 is open to the wider psychotherapy and mental health community, bringing together practitioners at every stage of their journey.

Join us on Friday, 19 – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Mary Ward House, London. Registration deadline: Sunday, 14 June

Book your place: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/events/ukcp-conference-2026-threads-across-the-divide-weaving-connections-in-a-fragmented-world/

22/05/2026

Speaker spotlight: Mamood Ahmad

Mamood Ahmad is a UKCP psychotherapist, trainer and consultant with extensive experience in relational practice and diversity.

In a joint session with Sheetal Amin, 'Bridging the relational divide: sameness, difference and the wholeness solution', Mamood explores relational frameworks for fostering connection, repair and unity across fragmented landscapes.

His session examines how everyday assumptions about relational development and repair shape our capacity to foster authentic connection. He also considers what a wholeness solution might look like in practice.

Join us on Friday, 19 – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Mary Ward House, London.

Book your place: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/events/ukcp-conference-2026-threads-across-the-divide-weaving-connections-in-a-fragmented-world/

20/05/2026

Speaker spotlight: Professor Eamon McCrory

Professor Eamon McCrory is an international leader in the field of adversity and childhood trauma, CEO of Anna Freud and professor of developmental neuroscience and psychopathology at University College London.

In his session, 'Social thinning, the brain and mental health', Eamon explores how the gradual loss of supportive relationships may be a key pathway to mental health vulnerability across the lifespan.

Drawing on a neurocognitive social transactional model, his session examines how early adversity recalibrates threat, reward and social learning and what this means for prevention and intervention.

Join us on Friday, 19 – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Mary Ward House, London.

Book your place: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/events/ukcp-conference-2026-threads-across-the-divide-weaving-connections-in-a-fragmented-world/

18/05/2026

UKCP Conference 2026 isn't just keynotes and panel discussions, it also includes a programme of oral presentations from emerging voices in the field.

This year's presentations explore:
🔹 Adaku Thelma Olatise – 'Across the divide: the C.H.A.R.E. framework for weaving connection in a fragmented world'
🔹 Dr Donna Gaywood and Keith Oulton – 'Is it safe to talk? Creating space for difficult conversations in an increasingly polarised world'
🔹 Magda Raczynska – 'Cheeky little murderous monkeys: understanding fragmentation, power and play in supervision through a developmental lens'.

Join us on Friday, 19 – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Mary Ward House, London.

Book your place:

Join us for our UKCP conference and hear from established and emerging voices in the field of psychotherapy. Explore how we can foster meaningful human connections in times of increasing isolation.

15/05/2026

Speaker spotlight: Julie Stone

Julie Stone is UKCP's independent ethics lead and chair of UKCP's Ethics Committee, with over 30 years of experience advising on healthcare regulatory strategy, policy development and professional standards.

In her session, 'Ethical fixity and flexibility: whither ethics in a fractured world?', Julie considers whether a consistent, reflective ethical approach can support therapeutic practice across divides – and what it means when moral courage and ethical duty point good people and good therapists in opposite directions.

The session will also examine how practitioners can help trainees develop ethical wisdom.

Join us on Friday, 19 – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Mary Ward House, London.

Book your place: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/events/ukcp-conference-2026-threads-across-the-divide-weaving-connections-in-a-fragmented-world/

14/05/2026

Speaker spotlight: Debbie Livingston

Debbie Livingston is a UKCP transpersonal psychotherapist and supervisor with over 25 years of clinical experience, including 13 years in an NHS eating disorders service.

In her session, 'Weaving together: neurodivergence and the therapeutic alliance', Debbie will explore masking, sensory overwhelm and neurological difference and how it can be misread in the therapy room – alongside Karen Rawden.

Drawing on lived experience, clinical practice and research, the session considers how to create an ethically grounded therapeutic relationship that honours neurological difference.

Join us on Friday, 19 – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Mary Ward House, London.

Book your place: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/events/ukcp-conference-2026-threads-across-the-divide-weaving-connections-in-a-fragmented-world/

13/05/2026

Today's King's Speech included the announcement of the NHS Modernisation Bill, a significant step in the government's programme to reform the NHS.

The Bill is intended to deliver significant reforms so that the NHS is fit to deliver the services that people expect. UKCP welcomes the intended shift from hospital to community-based care. However, we are concerned by the absence of dedicated mental health funding in today's announcement.

Ensuring mental health receives the same attention and investment as physical health is not a new ask – it is a commitment the NHS is already legally bound to uphold. The NHS Modernisation Bill must build on this.

With over 1.6 million people on mental health waiting lists, we urge policymakers to ensure mental health is given its rightful place at the heart of NHS reform. We look forward to engaging with the government on this important issue.

12/05/2026

UKCP has submitted evidence to NHS England's call for evidence to support a Modern Service Framework for children and young people's health.

Our submission makes the case for five evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions that can meaningfully improve outcomes for children from birth to adolescence:
1. parent-infant psychotherapy (PIP): supports secure attachment in the earliest months of life, particularly for families at risk
2. child-parent psychotherapy (CPP): treats the effects of trauma in children aged 0–6 through the parent-child relationship
3. systemic family therapy (SFT): addresses the family dynamics that contribute to a wide range of mental health difficulties in children and young people
4. play therapy: uses play as a way of working therapeutically with children who struggle to express their feelings
5. interpersonal therapy for adolescents (IPT-A): a NICE-recognised treatment for depression in 13–18-year-olds.

Each of these therapies has a strong evidence base and addresses a different stage of development. Together they represent a comprehensive approach to children's mental health that puts relationships at the centre.

The NHS England framework is a real opportunity to address the postcode lottery that currently means many children cannot access the support they need. We hope our submission contributes to a framework that works for all children and families.