Psychotherapy: what to do and how to regulate it

One of the most important events related to psychotherapy in Spain is the National Psychotherapy Congress organized by FEAP (Spanish Federation of Associations of Psychotherapists) in Madrid. It is held at the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid; and for 4 days, numerous presentations by prestigious professionals and various thematic tables are held.

In one of the latest editions, clinical cases treated from different sections and theoretical perspectives were presented. Furthermore, in one of the simultaneous spaces, a question of utmost relevance was raised for all the professionals who attended the conclave: the regulation of psychotherapy in Spain.
Roberto Pereira, expert in family therapy, He explained to the attendees the situation in which this activity currently finds itself. Below I transmit the general ideas that he gave us, as well as a definition of psychotherapy:

Is it a profession?

Psychotherapy is neither a science nor a profession. Its training is not legally regulated, so it is in an illegal situation. This does not mean that it is an illegal or submerged activity, but rather that it cannot be legally advertised. His identity is not clearly defined.

At the same time, this situation means that, today, anyone in Spain can practice psychotherapy. Eye! Exercise it, not be accredited as such. There have been complaints of intrusion in cases in which it has been practiced without being a doctor or psychologist, but since it is not defined as a profession, there is no basis for the complaint.

How to get accredited?

There are 5 entities that can accredit us as a psychotherapist, and each one has its own access requirements:

FEATF: Spanish Federation of Family Therapy Associations – for professionals in the socio-health area FEAP: Spanish Federation of Associations of Psychotherapists – access to doctors and psychologists. Also other professionals in the socio-health area with added requirements.COP: Official College of Psychologists of Madrid – psychologists.AEN: Spanish Association of Neuropsychiatry – doctors or psychologists.Official College of Physicians (Madrid and Barcelona) – graduates in medicine (Madrid) and psychiatrists with training in psychotherapy (Madrid and Barcelona).

It should be noted that accrediting (giving faith) is not synonymous with training (preparing to be able) or enabling (giving permission). In the specific case of psychotherapy, these 5 entities accredit, The private centers that provide this training are trained and no one is qualified.

Relationship between psychologists and psychotherapy

Psychotherapy and psychology are not the same. Therefore, Being a psychologist is not equivalent to being a psychotherapist. However, the Degree in Psychology, the Master in General Health Psychology and the Specialty in Clinical Psychology are the most recommended studies for admission in a training of this type.

Therefore, health psychologists can practice psychotherapy, but they cannot be accredited as psychotherapists unless they complete the specific training required by the different entities. On the other hand, it is at least curious how In the Royal Decree that regulates the title of General Health Psychologist, the word psychotherapy is not present not even once.

National Registry of Psychotherapists

In 2010, FEAP began meeting with representatives of FEATF and AEN. Thus, the 3 non-corporate organizations that had records of these professionals established with public accreditation criteria tried to agree on common minimum criteria to create a single National Registry of Psychotherapists. They achieved it in 2012.

This registry allows you to locate accredited psychotherapists by geographical location, focus and/or modality of work (adults, family, adolescents, couples, groups or individuals).

Procedures to register as a psychotherapist

They are similar in the 5 organizations, except in the AEN, which requires being a member or member of the organization. These accreditations are issued indefinitely in the case of FEAP and COP or, in a defined manner in FEATF (5 years) and AEN (10 years). In the latter case, renewal can be requested if a series of continuing training criteria are met.

Training and content

In general, the aforementioned entities agree that This type of comprehensive training requires at least 3 years. In the rest of Europe, 4 are required.

Likewise, they point out that There are certain contents that must be completed to be able to practice as such. These are more or less specific depending on each entity. All these entities agree that there must be theoretical-practical training, supervision (between 100h and 150h) and both personal (between 50h and 100h) and experiential work.

What if it becomes a legal activity in the future?

Being accredited now does not guarantee that if psychotherapy is legislated in the future you will be directly accredited.

There is still a long legal road ahead for psychotherapy to be legally considered a profession. However, the efforts made by these different organizations represent a firm step in this process and bring all professionals in this area closer to a more regulated and controlled situation.