What can counsellors and psychotherapists do about prescribed drug dependence?

Activity: Public engagement and outreachPublic speaking engagements

Description

Psychiatric drug prescribing has almost doubled in the last 20 years, with nearly a quarter of the adult UK population prescribed a psychiatric drug in the last year. Following a Public Health England review, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2019) acknowledged that dependency on and withdrawal from prescription drugs can be a significant problem. A recent survey of therapists found that most said they would welcome professional guidance when working with this issue. In response to these developments, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence facilitated the development of guidance for psychological therapists which has now been published. Available at: https://prescribeddrug.info

Counsellors and psychotherapists face a range of complex issues when working in this field including: working in the context of the 'medical model'; keeping to the boundaries of professional competence; the need for information about drug effects and withdrawal reactions; and understanding the impact of psychiatric drugs on therapeutic work. In this talk we will explore some of the main issues and professional practice implications for those working with clients taking or withdrawing from psychiatric drugs.

Estimated audience numbers (if applicable)

50
Period15 Feb 2022
Held atHampshire Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Degree of RecognitionRegional