BBC reporter Jordan Dunbar investigates the therapy industry after a bad experience when he sought help for his mental health in the private sector.When BBC reporter Jordan Dunbar sought help for his mental health he was told he'd face a long wait on the NHS. So like thousands of others he decided to go private.
In this edition of File on 4 Jordan reveals how one shockingly bad experience made him question what protection the largely under-regulated therapy industry gives its patients. He discovers there are no laws against anyone operating as a therapist, psychotherapist or a counsellor in the UK. Many have set themselves up after completing cheap online courses and, as the NHS struggles to cope with demand, the private therapy business is booming.
BBCfileon4 JordanDunbar10 BBCRadio4 It's not all its cut out to be. My last counsellor told me his colleague drowned himself, his ex wife is an alcoholic, and various snippets about his other clients. I think I was meant to counsel him.
BBCfileon4 JordanDunbar10 BBCRadio4 you could have saved yourself some money , gone on an 18-24 month waiting list and had 6 sessions of bad therapy on the nhs.
BBCfileon4 JordanDunbar10 BBCRadio4 I'm sure there is definitely truth in this. These so called 'counsellors' need proper regulation, and should have to meet certain criteria before being allowed anywhere near vulnerable people...and I speak from experience!
BBCfileon4 JordanDunbar10 BBCRadio4 Interesting topic.