Derek Draper said: "I made clear to the BACP Appeal Panel my deep regret over the political email scandal I was involved in and apologise to my fellow BACP members and the general public for what was, undoubtedly, a stupid mistake. I have given guarantees to BACP that I will never be involved in such controversy again. I will carry out all my activities - inside my consulting room and outside it - in a careful and dignified way that ensures the public's trust in me as a psychotherapist will not be undermined. In addition, my qualifications and experience will be listed clearly and in detail on my website (see below). BACP was right to respond to the legitimate queries it received but I am glad that the panel, having considered all the evidence, including my regret and these commitments, decided that it was fair and just that I should remain a member of the Association."

Derek Draper has the following qualifications: An M.A. in Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley (2004) and a second M.A. in the Foundations of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Tavistock Centre, London / Essex University (2009). The former was the result of three years full time study, the latter of two years of part-time study. As part of his first M.A. he undertook an extensive clinical training, undertaking over 1500 hours of supervised clinical work with different client populations and therapeutic modalities.

For further information please contact: Alison Croft, BACP Press and Public Relations Manager, on 01455 883342 (work), 07989 416665 (mobile) or alison.croft@bacp.co.uk, or Phillip Hodson, BACP Media Consultant, on 0207 794 2838 (work), 07961 401685 (mobile) or Phillip@philliphodson.co.uk

Date: Tuesday 24 November 2009