In the holistic professionals industries there is a great need for practitioners to undertake regular CPD. Many trainings such as NLP, Hypnotherapy and even coaching offer a “train once” qualification. That qualification then lasts for a lifetime with no body overseeing the work carried out by that individual, and very little security for the clients they encounter.

One of the biggest problems for unregulated industries such as these is the lack of emphasis on CPD (continual professional development)

This means that professionals may have trained long ago, leaving their clients at best risking the use of out of date techniques and solutions and at worst, in the hands of a therapist who has forgotten or lost their skills.

To jump from a situation of no regulation over CPD (continued professional development) to one where it is mandatory would be to big a pill for many practitioners to swallow. Many holistic therapists work part time, or are only using their skills in a non formal way. Imposing such regulations on these individuals would be unfruitful and unnecessary. Then rises the question “How do you draw the line between those who are truly professional and those who just “dabble?”

The answer has to come in the form of self regulated CPD. It is the perfect way for hypnotherapists, NLP Practitioners, coaches and the like to define themselves in the level of activity the undertake in their working practice and the level of professionalism they wish to demonstrate to those that they work with.

It makes perfect sense that those who wish to demonstrate a high level of professional conduct would indeed already participate in regular CPD and that they would ensure that their clients are aware of this.

CPD Approved is a vehicle for such professionals to not only formally demonstrate to their clients that they do undertake regular CPD, but also gives them an opportunity to encompass this within their marketing strategy, an area which many NLP Practitioners, hypnotherapists and professional coaches often struggle with.

It also means that they are able to have a better structure to their CPD. Rather than just adding to their skills or revisiting forming training elements when they feel it is a good time, or when they realise a lack of knowledge, instead the practitioner is encouraged to plan ahead with their CPD with the use of CPD points.

It becomes necessary for the therapist to measure their proactivity on an annual basis and to find accessible ways to increase their CPD activity if they find that they are low on points that year.

Information is available to us in many forms, and as such CPD may include live training, journals, books and even online videos. There is no excuse for not doing CPD and as a member of CPD approved you are able to demonstrate to your client base that you do it.

If you are a holistic therapist and you are interested in becoming a member of CPD approved, you can do so by visiting this page: http://www.cpdapproved.org/membership-for-individuals

By Gemma Bailey

www.GemmaBailey.co.uk

CPD Approved is an organisation designed to support the growing number of practitioners in personal development and holistic fields who wish to demonstrate to their clients, patients and partners that they take their professional standards seriously. Many holistic therapies and personal development and coaching industries operate in unregulated fields. This creates the potential for a drop in practitioner standards after their initial qualifications are obtained as many are no longer encouraged to seek ongoing professional development. http://www.cpdapproved.org/

CPD Approved is an organisation designed to support the growing number of practitioners in personal development and holistic fields who wish to demonstrate to their clients, patients and partners that they take their professional standards seriously. Many holistic therapies and personal development and coaching industries operate in unregulated fields. This creates the potential for a drop in practitioner standards after their initial qualifications are obtained as many are no longer encouraged to seek ongoing professional development. http://www.cpdapproved.org/

Author Bio: CPD Approved is an organisation designed to support the growing number of practitioners in personal development and holistic fields who wish to demonstrate to their clients, patients and partners that they take their professional standards seriously. Many holistic therapies and personal development and coaching industries operate in unregulated fields. This creates the potential for a drop in practitioner standards after their initial qualifications are obtained as many are no longer encouraged to seek ongoing professional development. http://www.cpdapproved.org/

Category: Business Management
Keywords: CPD, CPD approved, professional CPD, continual professional development, continued professional dev