For 27 years, the BACP 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 fostered a climate where all were 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.
28th Annual BACP Research Conference:
Striving for equality, diversity and inclusion in research, practice and policy
The hybrid conference, co-hosted by Abertay University, took place in person in Dundee and online on 19 and 20 May 2022.
Recorded presentations are available to view on-demand until August 2022.
The conference included:
- a discussion panel: Race for the soul of the profession. BACP President David Weaver and others discussed the role of research in recognising and addressing racism and racial trauma
- a keynote presentation: Professor Heidi Levitt (University of Massachusetts), Healing from sexual minority and intersectional stigma events: what therapists should know
- a keynote presentation: Natalie Bailey, Mhairi Thurston and Kathryn Lock discussed building an inclusive research culture - closing the EDI gaps in counselling research
- a keynote presentation: Dr Dwight Turner discussed intersections of otherness and privilege in counselling and psychotherapy
- four strands of presentation content - research papers, discussion papers, symposia and poster presentations
Further information
BACP is committed to improving EDI by recognising and addressing barriers to entry into the profession and supporting a skilled, competent and diverse workforce to deliver therapy to people from all sections of UK society. BACP believes in creating a 'counselling profession of the future'. We are working towards embodying the values that underpin equality, diversity, and inclusion to address individual and structural and societal discrimination at all levels. This includes a continuous focus on embedding EDI into training, professional development, research, communications and membership.
See also ...

Research online 2022: on-demand service and resources
Catch up on the recordings from the live stream, plus 40+ additional presentations, an online poster exhibition and more.

Promoting research
Research is important for clients, for practitioners and politically to continue to demonstrate that counselling changes lives.

Research awards and grants
Encouraging research into counselling and psychotherapy