National Counsellor Accreditation Certificate The National Counsellor Accreditation Certificate (NCAC) scheme offers professional certification for counsellors working with people with addictions. It provides externally validated accreditation for therapists working with addictions, giving strong quality assurance for potential and existing clients. NCAC accreditation gives me the opportunity to let my clients know I am serious about keeping my knowledge up-to-date in the addictions field. Criteria for accreditation You can apply for accreditation if you provide counselling or psychotherapy to individual people, couples, groups or families and can provide satisfactory evidence to meet the following 6 criteria. 1st Criterion: Addiction Professionals Membership Applicants must be Individual or Associate Members of Addiction Professionals 2nd Criterion: Insurance You should be covered by agency and/or personal professional indemnity insurance for all of your counselling/therapeutic practice. A copy of insurance certificate(s) will be required at application stage. 3rd Criterion: Professional Practice Practicing counselling or psychotherapy when you submit your application. 4th Criterion: Routes You should have undertaken training and clinically supervised practice to meet ONE of the following three routes. ROUTE ONE Accredited Course You have been awarded a qualification from a AP accredited training course: University of Bath / Action on Addiction: FdSc Addictions Counselling London South Bank University: Addiction Psychology and Counselling MSc AND Professional Practice requirement: Have been in practice at least three years when you apply for accreditation, 1.5 years of which have been in the substance use/addictions field. Have at least 400 hours of supervised practice accumulated within three to six years, of which 250 hours should be in the addictions field. They do not have to be consecutive years. Have been supervised for at least 1½ hours per month throughout the periods of practice submitted. More information about training requirements. ROUTE TWO You have successfully completed one validated programme of learning leading to an award for practitioner training in generic counselling and/or psychotherapy at educational level 4 or above validated by a recognised college, training provider or university, that: Included at least 400 hours of tutor contact hours of which 100 hours teaching* must be related to drug, alcohol, gambling and related addictions. If not included in the 400 hours basic training package this should be evident in subsequent Continued Professional Development (CPD). The teaching must include: the psychology of addictive behaviours, including both individual processes and socially influenced processes. There should also be training in methodologies that are recognised to be applicable in addiction counselling including, Motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural therapy for substance abuse, and Mindfulness Based therapies including Mindfulness based Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Was carried out over at least two years (part-time) or one year (full-time) Had supervised practice as an integral part of the training Covered theory, skills, professional issues and personal development More information about training requirements. In addition you must either hold the Drug and Alcohol Professional Certification, or demonstrate competence in the following NOS units. AND Professional Practice requirement: Have at least 400 hours of supervised practice accumulated within three to six years, of which 250 hours should be in the addictions field*. They do not have to be consecutive years Have been supervised for at least 1½ hours per month throughout the period of practice submitted Have been in practice at least three years when you apply for accreditation – of which 1.5 yrs should be in the addictions field * Any attendance at conferences should not be included in the 100 hours as outlined above. ROUTE THREE Have a portfolio of at least 400 hours of training in more than one programme of learning, and equivalent in breadth and depth to that described in Route TWO above. The training will have been validated by recognised college(s), training provider (s) or university(ies), and should normally have been obtained over a period of no more than 10 years, and in excess of 1 year (full-time), and two years (part-time). It should also include: substantial clinically supervised practice as an integral part of the training, with overall supervision from the college(s), training provider (s)university(ies) concerned. theory, skills, professional issues and personal development In addition, at least 400 hours of tutor contact hours of which 100 hours teaching* must be related to drug, alcohol, gambling and related addictions. If not included in the 400 hours basic training package this should be evident in subsequent Continued Professional Development (CPD). The teaching must include: the psychology of addictive behaviours, including both Individual processes and socially influenced processes. There should also be training in methodologies that are recognised to be applicable in addiction counselling including, Motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural therapy for substance abuse, and Mindfulness Based therapies including Mindfulness based Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. More information about training requirements. AND Professional Practice Requirement Have been in practice at least three years when you apply for accreditation - 1.5 yrs in substance use/addiction field Have at least 400 hours of supervised practice accumulated within three to six years, of which 250 hours should be in the addictions field (see*above). They do not have to be consecutive years Have been supervised for at least 1½ hours per month throughout the period of practice submitted. In addition you must either hold the Drug and Alcohol Professional Certification, or demonstrate competence in the following NOS units. * Any attendance at conferences should not be included in the 100 hours as outlined above. 5th Criterion: Supervision You have an ongoing contract for counselling/psychotherapy clinical supervision for a minimum of 1½ hours per month for each month in which practice is undertaken. 6th Criterion: Reflective Practice You must demonstrate the following: Knowledge and understanding Your Philosophy and Approach to Counselling within the addictions field. Describe the theory and application of your personal approach when working with (as applicable): Individuals Couples Groups Describe the place of your self-awareness within your way of working Practice In your case material you must demonstrate: Exercise of the broader professional responsibilities as illustrated in the core functions Your use of self-awareness in the therapeutic relationship How your practice illustrates your awareness of issues of difference and equality and the impact they have on your counselling / psychotherapy relationships Use of Standards of Conduct and Ethics for addiction professionals. Supervision In your case material demonstrate how supervision influences your practice by: Describing the awareness you have gained through reflection in and on supervision Showing how you apply that awareness in your practice How to apply To apply for NCAC Accreditation please see the application guidance. More information For information about the assessment process NCAC accreditation is valid for three years, after which members must apply for reaccreditation. APPLY FOR RE-ACCREDITATION NCAC accreditation provides complementary evidence of competence for the Drug and Alcohol Professional Certificate Accreditation. Those successful in their application are able to achieve this for an additional fee of £25.