A GP from Oldham has issued a warning about unqualified 'sham counsellors' in the mental health sector.

Dr Anita Sharma, who founded the charity Endometriosis Awareness North, is worried people may be falling foul of unqualified psychotherapists to the tune of thousands of pounds when they feel desperate.

The women's health expert says anyone can set themselves up as a counsellor in the UK since qualifications and training are not compulsory, meaning vulnerable people may be worsening their mental health by visiting a non-accredited healer.

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She said: “It is like the days of the surgeon-barber when any old quack could perform major surgery.

"Just as you wouldn’t hire a person down the pub to build a house, you have to check, check and double-check that the counsellor you are discussing your most private thoughts with, is affiliated to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and qualified to
the standards they set to practise.”

As the GP works with and raises awareness for those suffering from endometriosis, she has been calling for better mental health care for sufferers who are often "shunned" and not believed when they first speak to their doctor.

However, Dr Sharma said she can understand why someone would seek a counsellor "off their own bat" but wants to make sure they ask the right questions first.

She added: "As a young GP I saw 80 per cent of physical cases and 20 per cent of mental health ones.

"Ever since the pandemic, it has been the other way around.

"Even doctors, who of course have a knowledge of the physiology of the brain, are not qualified to offer in-depth psychiatric support.

"Plus, we get less than ten minutes with a patient.

"If referred for counselling, patients then have to wait as long as a year.

"No wonder they search out support.”

Those who reach that desperate stage should check to see if their counsellor and confidant is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - the equivalent of the General Medical Council for doctors that sets the standards for the profession.

This includes at least three years of training to make the grade.

Dr Sharma pointed out that further education establishments, including Nelson and Colne College in East Lancashire, are now offering accessible courses for counsellors from entry-level to degrees, so "there is no excuse for not gaining some training".

She continued: "First and foremost, mind and body healthcare are about respecting the patient.

"If you wish to be a counsellor then qualify as one, just as medics do."

Dr Sharma also warned people about the dangers presented by those who believe they can dispense help because they have been through wellbeing woes themselves.

She said: “Lived experience allied to qualifications and training is superb, but if I thought one of my patients was receiving addiction advice from someone who thought they could help just because they were an alcoholic, it would worry me.

"It is like getting dental care from someone who thinks they can do it - because they own a pair of pliers."

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