- Understanding the need for qualifications and regulations
Recently, a video circulating on social media featured a popular ‘psychologist’ addressing fan mail. At the time this article was written, the clip had attracted over 70,000 views. The video, seemingly extracted from a television programme as indicated by the media channel logo, shared a letter from a viewer. The writer explained how they had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young adulthood and described the relief they felt in finally understanding their condition. The letter also included a heartfelt request for the psychologist to raise awareness about similar struggles.
In response, the psychologist went beyond answering the query, delivering a detailed psychoeducational session on neurodevelopmental disorders. However, they confidently suggested that the writer might not only have ADHD, but also fall within the autism spectrum – a claim that seemed speculative at best. Can such statements really be made on mainstream media? And based solely on a fan letter? Would they take responsibility if this speculation affects the wellbeing of the individual who wrote to them?
In the same video, the psychologist discussed neurodivergent children and suggested that children who may not conform to societal norms could be neurodivergent. How responsible is it to make such general statements in mainstream media? Considering the lack of awareness in the community, a parent hearing this might unnecessarily panic or jump to the wrong conclusions about their child’s condition.
It was also disheartening to see the responses to this particular video. The comments showed overwhelming support for the speaker, with no one questioning her statements or recognising the potential harm caused indicating a lack of awareness in general.
This is just one example of many questionable practices by mental health professionals who share their ‘wisdom’ on media and social platforms, spreading misinformation and creating false impressions about mental health conditions. While it is clear that Sri Lanka urgently needs a solution to this problem, it is equally important to examine the factors contributing to this situation.
Qualifications vs. experience
While qualifications in the mental health field typically refer to formal education, certifications, or degrees that demonstrate theoretical knowledge, experience signifies the practical skills gained through hands-on work with clients under supervision. Qualifications ensure that a professional has the foundational knowledge required to understand mental health conditions and therapeutic approaches, while experience shows their ability to apply that knowledge effectively in real world situations.
Both are essential for mental health professionals, though their relative importance can vary. For example, while qualifications validate expertise, experience often highlights the professional’s competence in handling diverse client needs and adapting theory to practice.
However, without proper regulation, the balance between these two can become skewed, leading to misinformation or unethical practices, as seen in the example discussed above.
Growing demand
The fields of psychology and counselling have grown significantly in popularity in Sri Lanka, fuelled by the increasing prevalence of mental health issues. This has led to a rapid rise in the availability of degrees and diplomas in these disciplines. However, despite this growth, there is an urgent need for a robust regulatory framework to uphold the quality and credibility of mental health education and practice.
Currently, the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) oversees the licensing of clinical psychologists. However, no equivalent regulatory body exists for other mental health professionals, such as counselling and industrial psychologists. In the absence of such regulation, many practitioners leverage affiliations with organisations, presenting themselves as ‘registered counsellors’ or members of professional bodies to attract clients.
This lack of oversight creates a risk of misleading the public about the qualifications and legitimacy of these practitioners, highlighting the critical need for standardised policies and monitoring in the mental health field.
Challenges
Counselling, while heavily reliant on experience, demands that practitioners maintain professional boundaries and avoid allowing personal biases to influence their work. However, a concerning trend has emerged, where retired professionals enter the field and market themselves as ‘senior counsellors’, often emphasising age over qualifications. This can compromise the integrity of the profession, as it risks prioritising personal experience over evidence-based practices.
An unqualified or inadequately trained individual may end up offering casual advice or engaging in informal conversations that stray far from recognised therapeutic approaches, potentially causing harm rather than providing help. To safeguard clients and uphold the profession’s standards, the implementation of a common ethical framework for mental health practitioners is critical.
When considering seniority in the counselling profession, it is vital to evaluate not just the number of years in practice but also the extent of work conducted under proper supervision and the possession of appropriate qualifications. These factors ensure that seniority is based on merit and competence rather than age alone.
Role of an ethical framework
An ethical framework is the cornerstone of professional counselling, fostering integrity, competence, and respect for clients. Key principles include respecting clients’ right to make their own informed decisions, prioritising the wellbeing of clients by acting in their best interest, ensuring no harm is caused to clients during the therapeutic process, and treating all clients equitably, without bias or prejudice.
While the British or American codes of conduct for counsellors are widely recognised and often serve as benchmarks, their consistent practice and enforcement in Sri Lanka remain questionable. A crucial issue to consider is whether there are adequate mechanisms in place to address malpractice locally. If not, the question arises: Who should take responsibility for implementing such standards?
Govt.’s responsibility
The government plays a crucial role in establishing a robust mental health framework. By taking responsibility for regulating and monitoring practitioners, relevant authorities, including professional bodies and educational institutions, can uphold ethical standards and ensure accountability, thereby safeguarding clients and strengthening the profession.
Just as financial capital is essential for a thriving business, a nation’s prosperity relies on its mental capital. To foster this, the government must prioritise mental health policies, beginning with the regulation of practitioners.
Key steps include implementing a credible certification or licensing system that evaluates qualifications and experience, standardising educational pathways to define clear roles within the profession, and assessing existing licensing bodies to confirm their legitimacy and authority.
Educating the public
Citizens have a right to understand what counselling and psychotherapy entail before seeking help. Asking about a counsellor’s qualifications and experience is not only acceptable but essential. Therapy is not merely a casual conversation; it is a structured process designed to help clients explore their issues, understand underlying causes, and make informed decisions for their wellbeing.
When paying for therapy, you are not paying for advice. Counsellors do not possess insight into your life circumstances unless you share them fully. Their role is to provide psychoeducation and evidence-based guidance, helping you understand your experiences and empowering you to take control of your life.
Just as you would avoid taking harmful medication, exercise similar caution when seeking help from a therapist. Unqualified practitioners can cause significant, sometimes permanent, harm.
By educating yourself, verifying credentials, and understanding the nature of therapy, you can ensure that the support you receive is both genuine and beneficial.
(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 11 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)