Coalition launches toolkit for psychological therapies training to broaden diversity in the sector

A coalition which UKCP is a member of is launching a toolkit for psychological therapies training to help the UK counselling and psychotherapy sectors better understand and address race and diversity.

Cover of the Race is complicated toolkit

The Coalition for Inclusion and Anti Oppressive Practice commissioned Race is complicated: a toolkit for psychological therapies training to increase diversity in the counselling, psychotherapy and psychology professions by challenging the whole sector to be more inclusive. The interactive PDF has practical tools and approaches to use in the right settings. From how to set up anti-racism working groups and staff support groups, to addressing language, to encouraging trainees to explore their own conceptions. It will be promoted throughout organisations involved in the delivery of courses in psychological therapies, all the way through to organisations providing the course accreditations and membership bodies.

Download the toolkit

There will be a supporting event on 21 November (see below).

Toolkit authors Marcelline Menyié (left) and Danielle Osajivbe-Williams

About the authors

Authored by two integrative counsellors and psychotherapists, and founders of Routes Therapeutic Consultancy, ‘Race is complicated’ draws on tried and tested theories and practices to offer up-to-date guidance, rooted in the modern world. Following consultation with training providers, tutors and programme leaders, the guide aims to support three key areas of course provision: individual tutors, training programmes and institutions (senior leadership).

Danielle Osajivbe-Williams, co-author of the toolkit, said: ‘The toolkit will help institutions and professionals free themselves from any expectations on this topic. The vision is to safeguard anti-oppressive practice. We relate, inform, educate and challenge the status quo by improving working cultures.’

Marcelline Menyié, co-author of the toolkit, said: ‘Let’s challenge ourselves – what do race and diversity mean to us? Why does it make us uncomfortable? How can we address it in counselling and psychotherapy? We are inviting you to explore introspectively, reflect and contribute towards change.’

Train the trainers event recording

An event was held in November 2023 to offer guidance and support on how to apply the toolkit in practice. It was delivered by two members of the coalition who are experienced counselling and psychotherapy trainers. The toolkit authors introduced the toolkit.

The programme was segmented to mirror the structure of the toolkit:

the institution
the training programme
the individual tutor

You can view a recording of the event online.

About the coalition

The Coalition for Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practice was formed in 2018 and brings together organisations with a shared mission to improve diversity within the counselling, psychotherapy and psychological therapy professions.

The Coalition’s current focus is promoting inclusive and anti-oppressive professional training, as part of a greater vision to address further barriers to inclusive practice.

Its current members are:

Dr Niki Cooper, chair of the Coalition and clinical director at Place2Be, said: ‘The coalition’s focus is to promote inclusive and anti-oppressive professional training, as part of a greater vision to address further barriers to inclusive practice. The toolkit will support this through the development of skills, knowledge and understanding for delivering inclusive counselling and psychotherapy training. We are excited to start seeing it in action and believe this is a significant step towards promoting better practices and broadening the diversity of the professions at every stage from students, all the way to service providers and qualified professionals. On behalf of the coalition, I invite all individuals who are involved in the training of the next generation of counsellors and psychotherapists to use this guide and shake up the status quo.’