2.15 to 3.45pm
A World Café is a structured workshop format where participants move between café style tables, with each table focusing on a specific question or topic.
Every table has a tablecloth for drawing/writing and a live illustrator to capture feedback in a creative way. As participants move between tables, conversations build and every contribution matters. One person’s perspective might be what sparks a new idea at the next table.
The setting is designed to open conversation and provide a welcoming and inclusive format for all voices to be heard. Be ready to share, listen, and take part in something the whole group creates together.
Future of the profession
Discussion areas
- Skills counsellors will need over the next five years
- The role of members in shaping the future of the profession
- Evolution of training and professional development
- Burnout, resilience, and practitioner sustainability
- Public understanding of counselling and ethical practice
- Protecting standards in an increasingly unregulated online environment
- Supporting counsellors / members from protected characteristic groups, including those from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds, part-time workers, and those with caring responsibilities
- Explicit reference to professional standards, accreditation pathways and ethical frameworks, to ensure discussion is grounded in how the profession is regulated and maintained
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Discussion areas
- Improving diversity within the profession
- Making counselling more accessible to marginalised groups
- Barriers to entry, progression, and access to services
- Could we be more explicit about structural barriers within training routes and accreditation processes and how these may impact diversity in the profession?
- Practical actions for BACP and members
- Inclusive practice and cultural attunement / responsiveness.
Collaboration, influence and public engagement
Discussion points
- Working with policymakers and influencers
- Partnerships with health, education and community organisations
- Using members' voices to strengthen the organisations influence
- Demonstrating the value and impact of counselling
- Public education about counselling and good practice, and how to access counselling where affordability is a concern
Self-care and sustainability
Discussion points
- How do we sustain ourselves and avoid burnout?
- How do we build fulfilling, resilient careers over time?
- How do we balance personal and professional responsibilities?
- How can we foster supportive and inclusive environments where people can thrive?
- How can we develop the mindset and habits needed to remain resilient during periods of change?
- How can professional communities support members' long-term wellbeing
- What one change would have the greatest positive impact on self-care and sustainability for you, your organisation, or the wider profession
Please select either 1 AM or 1 PM session of this workshop.