The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has launched a new Coaching Division to meet the developing needs of its membership.

The aim of the division is to create a space within BACP, offering support and relevant benefits, for those members who work as coaches in addition to being counsellors and psychotherapists. Its creation follows the recognition that although a number of BACP members work with coaching there are currently no specific supportive structures in place for them within the Association.

In addition to creating a vehicle for members to affiliate, network and develop their own practices within BACP, it is also hoped that the new division will allow collaborative working to take place externally with other coaching bodies.

Chairing the new division will be ex BACP Board member and Governor Linda Aspey. In addition to being a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist, Linda is also an executive coach, trainer and HR strategist. Her background, knowledge and experience coupled with her enthusiasm making her perfectly placed to undertake this new role.

Speaking about the new division, Linda said: “It is great news for BACP that this new division has been created as it ensures that the Association remains relevant to the needs of the 3,000 members, out of a total of 33,000, currently practising as coaches in some way. The Coaching Division will provide members with a much needed space within BACP where they can share knowledge and experiences with other members and develop their own practices. It will be exciting to see how the division takes shape as we begin to develop it over the coming months.”

For further information please contact: Alison Croft, BACP Press and Public Relations Manager, on 01455 883342 (office), 07989 416665 (mobile) or alison.croft@bacp.co.uk