For over 30 years, the BACP International Research Conference has been a place where researchers and practitioners come together to exchange ideas on important research findings, presented in open discussion with constructive critical debate and helpful dialogue. The conference fosters a climate where all are welcome to share learning and network with other delegates.
Over this time the conference has been attended by representatives - both presenters and delegates - from 23 countries, making it a truly international event.
31st Annual International BACP Research Conference: Impact through collaboration
The conference will be co-hosted by the University of Manchester at the Hyatt Regency in Manchester on 16 and 17 May 2025, with a pre-conference workshop held on the 15 May 2025.
This year’s conference will showcase cutting edge research relevant to counselling, psychotherapy and coaching practice and policy development, with presentations exploring research through co-construction or collaboration with participants as people with lived experience. Additionally, the event will highlight inter-disciplinary research where researchers have worked alongside fields outside counselling, psychotherapy or coaching which might support the counselling professions in mental health interventions.
Keynote Speakers
A keynote will be presented by Professor Divine Charura and will cover: Impact through collaboration in Trauma informed and social justice orientated research: Challenges and Opportunities in working with marginalised communities.
A keynote will be presented by Dr Kate O'Brien and will cover: Stories of trauma, healing and harm in carceral settings: Reflections on research with women in prison.
In-person bookings
You can attend in person on Thursday 15 May, Friday 16 May and/or Saturday 17 May, to access all keynotes and workshops across six strands. There will be networking opportunities with attendees, presenters and BACP staff. Lunch and refreshments are included.
For anyone booked to attend in person, there's the free to attend pre-conference collaborative discussion workshop taking place between 3pm and 5.30pm on Thursday 15 May.
Booking for Friday 16 May also includes the awards reception from 6.40pm to 7.30pm, guests will receive a welcome drink and a two-course conference dinner from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Online bookings
Online attendance is available on Saturday 17 May for those members interested in finding out more about research. The online session will feature select presentations from Strand 1, including keynote presentations.
What's included
Your booking includes:
- up to 11 hours of CPD presentations including quality research by experts in their field
- a CPD certificate to download
- selected presentation slides
- access to the on-demand service
- lunch and refreshments for in-person delegates
Booking
Visit our BACP International Research Conference 2025 booking page to choose your booking options.
Programme
Registration will begin at 9am with the event starting at 9.30am on both Friday 16 May and Saturday 17 May.
Read the BACP International Research Conference 2025 programme
Abstract booklet
BACP research conference abstract booklet 2025 (pdf)
On-demand
Access to the on-demand service, for three months after the event, is included in your booking. The service can be accessed an unlimited number of times, 24 hours a day.
The on-demand service will be available from Monday 26 May 2025 until Monday 25 August 2025.
