Psychotherapist warns CORU training changes could endanger vulnerable clients

Limerick‑based psychotherapist Trish Murphy has warned that proposed new regulations by CORU could put vulnerable people at risk.

Speaking after the Irish Council for Psychotherapy’s annual conference, Murphy said the draft standards of proficiency would shorten training, remove required supervision and eliminate personal therapy for new psychotherapists.

Murphy, a qualified psychotherapist, supervisor, mediator and trainer who directs the Student Counselling Services at Trinity College Dublin, echoed concerns that the changes would diminish the therapeutic relationship essential for treating trauma‑affected children, adolescents and adults.

Rúaidhrí O’Connor, CEO of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP), described the proposals as a “dilution of existing standards” and warned of “significant risk of doing damage to people”. He noted that CORU had not consulted the profession between the submission of responses in December 2023 and the planned publication of the standards in July 2025.

ICP board member Jacky Grainger, a specialist in trauma‑informed therapy, added that removing supervision and personal therapy could lead practitioners to minimise client disclosures, potentially turning psychotherapy into “wellbeing” or life‑coaching services.

The ICP is calling on CORU to engage with professional bodies to ensure public protection remains central to any regulatory decisions.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels.