Addictions Competence Framework, from BACP – August 2024
In August 2024, BACP published its Addictions Competence Framework: For all Counsellors & Therapists, including those already working with clients with Addictions or plan to do so.
When BACP’s work on the Addictions Competence Framework commenced in 2020 there were no existing UK competence frameworks for addictions counselling. The Addictions competence framework identifies specialist knowledge, skills and abilities that counsellors require to effectively support adults living with addictions.
The Addictions competence framework has been carefully designed and worded not to privilege any therapeutic model or approach. In making use of the framework, a practitioner should interpret and apply a given competence in a way that fits with their overall theoretical approach. The framework sets out the knowledge, skills and abilities required for counsellors and psychotherapists to work safely and effectively with adults living with addiction. The evidence base for this framework includes research on psychoactive substance misuse (including legal and illegal drugs, and alcohol) and some behavioural addictions (including compulsive sexual activity and gambling).
In response to the need for evidence-based ethical and professional standards in this area, BACP commissioned this framework to inform counselling and psychotherapy addictions’ training and practice.
“Recovery
The term ‘recovery’ has several definitions. It may be best explained as a multi- stage, holistic process of behavioural and social change leading to sustained abstinence or control of addictive behaviour, along with improved physical and psychological health, life satisfaction and community participation (Inanlou et al 2020). Recovery can be assisted with different types of formal and informal support, or can occur spontaneously, without any formal help. Recovery can take time to achieve, and effort to maintain. Recovery support, including peer-based support, can be helpful right from the start of a person’s recovery journey, providing emotional and practical encouragement to bring compulsive behaviour under control. Support can also provide daily structure and rewarding alternatives to addictive behaviour. Recovery can also be thought of as a process of gathering healthy life resources, or ‘recovery capital’, which might include housing, education, employment, social networks, improved health and wellbeing and healthier relationships…..”
The User Guide describes the competence framework; explaining its uses and how counsellors can apply it in their practice: https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/21323/bacp-addictions-competence-framework-user-guide-august-2024.pdf
There is a separate Competence frame, which acknowledges the specific knowledge, skills and abilities required by counsellors who wish to work with clients with addictions. That separate document can be accessed here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/21322/bacp-addictions-competence-framework-august-2024.pdf
The Kairos Centre has been training Therapists in CSBD – Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder for many years. As well as Supervising such Therapists.
The skills from CSBD are transposable to the various Behavioural and other Chemical Addictions; never omitting to consider support for the impacted partner of the Addict/person with the CSBD.
The training is presented (as with other Kairos Centre training) – in the form of a Video-on-Demand with accompanying workbooks Programme. You get to cover the Programme at your convenience, in your comforts, from anywhere in the world.
You can access the training here on The Kairos Centre website: https://www.kairos-centre.com/training-for-therapists-in-sex-porn-love-addiction/
Sex & Love Addiction Workshop
Dates: Saturday 23rd March 2024
Time: 10am – 4.30pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Time: 10am – 4.30pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: £60 for BAATN Members, £65 for non-members, £55 for student members
Facilitator: Gary McFarlane
Porn viewing has increased exponentially since Covid-19 lock down and is impacting individuals from age 10 to 75 years old. Sexual habits and outlets have changed since lock down, with an increased use of webcam outlets, likely causing many more to find they have a compulsion which won’t stop.
Mills & Boons, Nancy Friday, Fifty Shades of Grey, The Millennium Wolves, 365 days are all vying for increased love addiction attention. Men & porn – “tut, tut, tut”. Women and erotic literature and movies – “What’s the problem”?
If you’re thinking of adding Sex, Porn, and Love addiction counselling to your skillset, this is a “taster” one day workshop to give you increased knowledge, not competency to work with this client group. This client group includes, women and men of all ages, children and those who have crossed legal boundaries and face criminal proceedings. They are all present in our case load.
Who should attend the workshop?
All Therapists, counsellors, youth leaders, Pastoral workers and anyone who come across issues of sex in their work or do not know whether sex is unspoken (but is in the room) and want to become knowledgeable to work with the issues up to a level.
Working With Sex in The Therapy Room
Date: Saturday 25 May 2024
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Facilitator: Gary McFarlane
Is sex the elephant in the room which neither therapist or client will mention? Is this due to your own views and experience with sex and sexuality? Lack of accurate knowledge? Clues are often offered by clients, to check the Therapist’s comfort level. Become comfortable, raising a conversation about sex with clients.
Perhaps only 20% of clients actually need a Psychosexual Therapist and most sexual issues can be addressed by counsellors who are comfortable with the issues and subject matter. Become one of them.