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/
Training for Therapists in Sex/Porn/Love Addiction
Diagnostic Session:
History Taking x 3, with Feedback x 2
Series 1:
This is where it starts – SOBRIETY!
Series 2:
Psycho-Education – “In all your getting, get understanding”
Series 3:
Neuroscience of the Brain & Brain Response to Trauma and life’s issues
Series 4:
Maintaining your gain, banking it and at the same time Avoid Relapse – for the long term
If you are unsure of anything, please call us for a friendly and confidential chat.