We’re proud to share positive news from one of our Forces Wellbeing Collective members, recognising a significant professional milestone that strengthens specialist support for the Armed Forces community.
Ally Psychotherapy has been awarded Accredited status by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), a nationally recognised mark of quality that confirms therapy is being delivered to an established, professional standard.
This achievement not only reflects individual expertise, but enhances the quality, credibility and future development of veteran-focused psychotherapy across the wider Armed Forces wellbeing system.
Accreditation vs Registration: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the distinction between BACP registration and BACP accreditation, as the two are not the same.
- BACP Registration confirms that a therapist meets the minimum requirements to practise, including training, supervision and adherence to ethical standards. Many competent therapists are registered and deliver good-quality care.
- BACP Accreditation, however, goes a step further. It is an additional, voluntary status that therapists must apply for separately, demonstrating:
- Extended clinical experience
- Ongoing professional development
- Evidence of reflective, ethical and effective practice
- Consistent work to nationally recognised standards over time
In practice, accreditation signals that a therapist is not only qualified to practise, but has proven their competence, professionalism and consistency through external assessment.
For veterans accessing support, often with complex trauma, long-term mental health challenges or transition-related stress, this added layer of assurance can be especially meaningful.
Why Does BACP Accreditation Matter?
The BACP Accreditation is a professional status awarded to registered psychotherapists who can demonstrate that their practice consistently meets recognised standards of therapeutic competence, ethics and clinical governance.
Importantly:
- Only around 20% of BACP members currently hold Accredited status
- Accreditation confirms that therapy is being delivered to a nationally recognised professional benchmark
- It provides assurance to clients, commissioners and partner organisations that care meets established clinical standards
For veteran-focused services, where individuals may present with complex trauma, transition stress, or long-term mental health challenges, this level of assurance is especially important.
Strengthening Veteran-Focused Psychotherapy within Armed Forces HQ
Within Armed Forces Community HQ (AFCHQ), both Carl Schears and Annette Jones (Liverpool-based psychotherapist) now hold BACP Accredited status, placing AFCHQ in a strong position within the Armed Forces mental health landscape.
This accreditation provides tangible benefits for the service and those it supports:
- Professional assurance that therapy is delivered to a recognised national standard
- Increased confidence for partners, referrers and funders
- Stronger governance and clinical credibility across veteran-focused provision
As Carl explains:
“The accreditation provides other organisations with the confidence that therapists within AFCHQ are working to a recognised standard of therapy – by your side.”
Opening the Door to Advanced Trauma Therapies
One of the most significant implications of BACP Accreditation is access to advanced therapeutic training that requires accredited status as an entry requirement.
Both Carl Schears and Annette Jones are now undertaking training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a trauma-focused therapy widely used to support individuals affected by PTSD and complex trauma.
This development will:
- Further enhance AFHQ’s psychotherapeutic offer
- Expand access to evidence-based trauma interventions for veterans
- Strengthen pathways for those with service-related psychological injury
As this qualification is completed, it will add further depth to specialist veteran care within the region.
Why This Matters for the Forces Wellbeing Collective
This accreditation aligns strongly with the Collective’s shared priorities:
- High-quality, trauma-informed care
- Professional standards that build confidence across systems
- Continuous improvement in veteran-specific support
- Ensuring lived experience is matched with clinical excellence
It also highlights the importance of investing in workforce development, governance and professional recognition, especially within specialist Armed Forces services where demand continues to grow.
A Collective Commitment to Quality
Ally Psychotherapy’s BACP Accreditation is not just an individual achievement; it reflects the wider commitment across the Forces Wellbeing Collective to raising standards, strengthening specialist provision, and ensuring veterans receive the right care at the right time.
We congratulate Carl Schears and Annette Jones on this important milestone and look forward to seeing how this enhanced capability continues to benefit veterans and their families.
To learn more about Ally Psychotherapy, visit:
Better > Stronger > Together.